Blackened Shrimp Taco Recipe – Quick Delicious Meals

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that brings a bit of the ocean to your table: blackened shrimp tacos. I still remember the first time I tried these at a food festival. The crispy edges of the shrimp, the explosion of spices, and the crunch of fresh toppings made me fall in love immediately. It’s a flavor you don’t forget.

In many ways, cooking is an adventure, and I’ve learned to take that philosophy into every dish I create. These shrimp tacos don’t just taste great; they tell a story of flavors intertwined with the warmth of a summer evening, the laughter of friends, and the joy of outdoor dining.

What is Blackened Shrimp Taco?

Blackened shrimp tacos are a delicious fusion of spice and seafood all nestled into warm corn tortillas. The shrimp is seasoned with a compelling blend of spices and then cooked until a deep, charred crust forms. This cooking technique, known as “blackening,” allows the spices to take center stage while infusing the shrimp with extraordinary flavor.

Served with fresh toppings like coleslaw, crema, and zesty lime, these tacos are simple yet packed with flavor. This dish is perfect for Taco Tuesday or any night when you crave something quick and delectable.

What is the Flavor Profile of this Dish?

The flavor profile of blackened shrimp tacos is a fantastic harmony of spicy, savory, and refreshing. The seasoning blend boasts smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and earthy notes from thyme and oregano. When you take a bite, the heat from the spices is met with the sweet and juicy bite of shrimp.

Adding sweet and tangy elements, like lime juice and creamy toppings, brings a delightful balance. Each ingredient plays a role, creating a multi-layered taste experience that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This?

There are countless reasons to adore blackened shrimp tacos!

1. Quick Preparation: You can whip these up in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners.

2. Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and nutrients, shrimp is a fantastic addition to any diet.

3. Customizable: You can tailor the spice levels to your taste. Add more cayenne for heat or dial it back if you prefer mild.

4. Perfect for Gatherings: These tacos are crowd-pleasers. Serve them at your next gathering, and you’ll be the star of the show.

5. Fresh and Flavorful: Each bite bursts with flavor and freshness.

Let’s dive into the details!

Ingredients

To create this delicious dish, you will need the following:

Coleslaw:

• ½ bag coleslaw mix (finely shredded cabbage and carrots)
• 3 green onions, finely sliced
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• ⅓ cup creamy mayonnaise
• ½ tablespoon natural honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Smoky Garlic Lime Sauce:

• ⅓ cup rich mayonnaise
• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 lime (approximately 1 tablespoon of juice)
• ½ teaspoon honey

Blackening Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Tacos:

• ½ pound peeled and deveined shrimp (30/40 count)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 6 small corn tortillas
• 3 green onions, finely sliced
• ½ teaspoon lime zest

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Coleslaw

In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, green onions, and cilantro. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, sea salt, and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture. Toss everything together until well-coated. Set aside in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Make the Smoky Garlic Lime Sauce

In another bowl, mix the mayonnaise, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, lime juice, and honey. Stir until smooth. This sauce will add a delightful flavor punch to your tacos. You can keep it in the fridge for a freshness boost right before serving.

Step 3: Prepare the Blackening Seasoning

Combine the smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This is your secret weapon for flavor. Give it a good stir so all the spices are mixed thoroughly.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Heat the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Next, toss the shrimp in the blackening seasoning until they are well coated. Add the shrimp to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and have a nice char.

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

You can warm your corn tortillas on another skillet for about 30 seconds on each side until they are soft and pliable. Alternatively, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds. Tortillas should be warm and ready to go.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos

Take a warm tortilla and add some of the blackened shrimp, a scoop of coleslaw, and drizzle on the smoky garlic lime sauce. Top with green onions and a sprinkle of lime zest. Repeat until you have as many tacos as you desire!

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Cook just until they’re pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp becomes tough.
• Spice It Up: Adjust the cayenne level to fit your spice preference. Consider adding diced jalapeños for some heat.
• Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh shrimp if possible. This enhances the flavor significantly.
• Tortilla Options: If you’re gluten-free, you can use corn tortillas. Flour tortillas can also be an option if you prefer them.
• Make Ahead: Both the coleslaw and the sauce can be made a day in advance. Just keep them covered and chilled.

How Can You Store This Blackened Shrimp Taco?

If you happen to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is often the case with delicious food!), you can store the components separately. Keep the shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The slaw and sauce can also be stored in the refrigerator but should be consumed within 3 days for the freshest taste.

Alternative Ingredient Choices

If you find yourself short on certain items, here are some alternatives:

• Shrimp Substitutes: You can use grilled chicken or tofu for a different protein option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Cabbage Alternatives: If coleslaw mix is out of reach, try using shredded lettuce or a mix of kale and carrots for crunch.
• Tortilla Swap: If corn tortillas are unavailable, flour tortillas or even lettuce wraps are excellent substitutes for a low-carb option.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Blackened shrimp tacos are friendly, flavorful, and a fantastic addition to your dinner rotation. The blend of spices, alongside the crisp coleslaw and creamy sauce, brings everything together in a delightful balance. Whether you're hosting a get-together or need a quick meal after a busy day, these tacos will deliver satisfaction with each bite.

I hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen and inspires you to get creative. Cooking is about sharing experiences and flavors. Go ahead, take this recipe, make it your own, and enjoy every morsel. Happy cooking!

You’ll also like the following recipes!

• Beer Battered Fish Tacos Copycat Recipe
• How to Make Beef Taco Casserole
• Best Beef Taco Bowl Recipe