These Blackened Shrimp Tacos are bursting with flavor! Spicy shrimp are tossed in a tasty seasoning and then quickly cooked to perfection. Wrapped in soft tortillas, they are a real treat!
Honestly, who can resist that crispy, smoky goodness? I love loading mine with fresh veggies and a drizzle of creamy sauce—it’s a fun and messy meal, but totally worth it! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large, fresh shrimp are best for this recipe. If shrimp isn’t available, you can substitute it with scallops or even chunks of firm fish. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Spices: The blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and others creates a great flavor. If you’re in a pinch, taco seasoning can work too, though it will change the flavor profile a bit.
Tortillas: I prefer corn tortillas for their texture and flavor. If you’re gluten-free, make sure to choose gluten-free flour tortillas or go with corn. You could even use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Cabbage: I like using a mix of green and purple cabbage for color. If you don’t have cabbage, try shredded lettuce or a slaw mix. This adds a nice crunch!
Sauce: Mayonnaise gives a creamy base; sour cream is a great alternative. For a lighter version, try Greek yogurt mixed with lime juice. Always adjust the hot sauce to your heat preference!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Blackened Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp so they are nicely blackened without being overcooked can be tricky. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your skillet until it’s smoking hot. This helps to create that famous blackened crust.
- Cook the shrimp in a single layer. If you pile them up, they will steam instead of sear.
- Keep an eye on the time—1 to 2 minutes per side is usually enough. When they turn opaque, they are done!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary for best results.
With these tips, your blackened shrimp will be flavorful and delicious. Enjoy making these tacos!
How to Make Blackened Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Blackened Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (a mix of green and purple preferred)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time. You’ll spend a few minutes mixing the spices, seasoning the shrimp, and preparing your tacos. Quick and delicious for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Blackening Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. This mix will give your shrimp that awesome smoky flavor!
2. Season the Shrimp:
In another bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil or melted butter until they’re nicely coated. Sprinkle the blackening seasoning over the shrimp and toss again to make sure they’re evenly coated with those delicious spices.
3. Blacken the Shrimp:
Heat a skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until it’s really hot. Carefully add the shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they’re opaque and have a nice, blackened crust. If you’re cooking a lot, do this in batches!
4. Prepare the Sauce:
As the shrimp cooks, grab a small bowl and mix together the mayonnaise (or sour cream), lime juice, hot sauce (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will be a zesty drizzle for your tacos!
5. Warm the Tortillas:
In a dry skillet or microwave, warm the tortillas until they’re soft and pliable. This will make them easy to fold when you fill them.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
To build your tacos, place a handful of shredded cabbage and carrot on each tortilla. Top it with 3-4 pieces of blackened shrimp for that delicious protein punch.
7. Drizzle and Serve:
Finish by drizzling the lime sauce over the shrimp and garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for that extra splash of freshness!
Enjoy your homemade Blackened Shrimp Tacos that are packed with bold flavors and fresh ingredients!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to fully thaw them before cooking. The best way to do this is by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or by placing them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about 30 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry to prevent excess moisture when cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Sauce?
If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, sour cream is a great substitute and gives a nice tang to the sauce. You can also use Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Just mix it with lime juice and a pinch of salt and pepper for flavor.
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
If you want to amp up the heat in your tacos, try increasing the cayenne pepper in the blackening seasoning or add some chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers when assembling the tacos. You can also use a hotter hot sauce in the drizzle for an extra kick!
Can Leftovers Be Stored?
Definitely! Store any leftover blackened shrimp and toppings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While the shrimp will be fine, the tortillas are best enjoyed fresh. You might want to reheat the shrimp briefly in a pan before serving as tacos again!