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Easy Shrimp Tacos deliver big flavor with very little effort. I’m talking about a total of 15 minutes to prep and cook the shrimp. The toppings take longer to slice and dice than it does to make the shrimp! 😆
Easy Shrimp Tacos with Fruit Salsa
Tender shrimp are tossed with simple seasonings, quickly cooked in a hot skillet then tucked into warm tortillas and topped with fresh pineapple or mango salsa for a bright, sweet and savory finish.
These tacos are so fresh, colorful and perfect for busy weeknights, casual entertaining or warm summer evenings when nobody wants to spend hours in the kitchen. Serve with creamy avocado, a squeeze of lime and all your favorite toppings for a restaurant-worthy taco night at home.
Ingredients Overview:
For the Seasoning Mixture
- Olive Oil or other neutral tasting vegetable oil
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Ground Cumin
- Cayenne pepper (optional – more or less to taste)
- Granulated Sugar helps add color and caramelization to the shrimp when cooked
- Paprika – sweet or smoked both work well
- Salt – we like kosher for this mixture
For the Tacos
- Frozen Shrimp peeled and deveined, thawed with tails removed
- Fresh Cilantro or Parsley chopped
Optional Toppings
- Corn or flour tortillas – I use (4-inch) street taco tortillas for easy handling and serving
- Avocado
- Cotija cheese
- Pico de gallo
- Shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage or lettuce
- Sour cream or crema
- Extra lime wedges for a punch of fresh acidity
- Mango or Pineapple Salsa
- Fresh chopped cilantro leaves or parsley
- Additional diced red onion
- Hot sauce
How to make Shrimp Tacos
1. Prepare the Salsa
Make the salsa first so the flavors have time to meld. This can be done hours or up to one day before planning to serve.
2. Season the Shrimp
Simple pantry ingredients combine for a flavorful spice mixture to coat the shrimp. The dry seasonings are mixed with neutral oil so each and every shrimp is coated in spice. The added oil is also used to sear the shrimp in the skillet or on the grill.
3. Cook the Shrimp
Scrape the shrimp and any remaining oil into a large nonstick skillet. Cook shrimp in a single layer over high heat without stirring until it browns slightly on the bottom and the edges turn pink, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Turn off the heat and slide the skillet to a cool burner. Flip each shrimp and let rest until the second side is done, about 2 to 3 minutes more.
4. Warm the Tortillas
Warm the flour or corn tortillas in a dry skillet, wrapped in foil and heated in the oven or wrapped in a damp paper towel and microwaved per package directions.
5. Assemble the Tacos
Layer the shredded cabbage or lettuce in the warmed tortillas, tuck avocado slices on the side then add shrimp, salsa and any of your favorite toppings. Serve topped with cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Tacos
- Prep toppings ahead for easy assembly. The shrimp cooks so fast you’ll want to have everything ready.
- Once thawed, pat the shrimp dry before tossing in the seasoning mixture. If the shrimp are wet they’ll steam when cooked instead of searing.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp. They should not be in a tight little ball as they’ll end up rubbery.
- Use plenty fresh lime juice for drizzling over the tacos.
- Warm tortillas before serving
Yes, you can use parsley! No worries
Medium shrimp are great if using street taco sized tortillas. Otherwise I like to use large or jumbo shrimp for traditional 6-inch tacos.
Absolutely! Grilling the shrimp adds a wonderful smoky flavor. Thread the shrimp onto skewers for easy grilling and place on a well-greased preheated grill grate.
Refrigerate the leftovers in a sealed container for up to one day. To reheat the shrimp, briefly place in a dry nonstick skillet over medium heat. Flip after a few minutes taking care not to over cook.
What to Serve with our easy Shrimp Tacos recipe
- Mexican or Spanish Rice
- Cilantro lime rice
- Black beans
- Street corn salad
- Chips and guacamole
- Margaritas or sparkling lime water
Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients
For the seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or other neutral oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne optional
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt we prefer kosher
For the tacos:
- 1 pound frozen shrimp tails removed peeled and deveined (medium or large shrimp for street tacos, large or jumbo shrimp or 6-inch tacos)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped
- 12 street taco tortillas flour or corn
Optional toppings:
- mango or pineapple salsa
- green or purple cabbage sliced thin
- shredded lettuce
- avocado
- lime wedges
- cotija cheese
- sour cream mixed with lime juice or crema
- fresh cilantro leaves
- diced red onion
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the salsa and any additional toppings before starting the shrimp.
- In a large mixing bowl combine the seasoning ingredients and stir until well combined. Set aside.
- Line a small sheet pan or place with paper towels. Place the thawed shrimp on the paper towels. Using additional paper towels, pat the shrimp very dry.
- Add the shrimp to the oil mixture and stir until well coated. Scrape the shrimp and any oil into a large nonstick skillet. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Cook over high heat until the bottoms are lightly browned and the edges have turned pink, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and remove the skillet from the burner. Quickly flip each shrimp then set aside until cooked through, about 2 or 3 minutes more. Sprinkle cilantro over the shrimp and serve.
Recipe Notes
- To grill, thread the shrimp on skewers and place on a well oiled, preheated grill grate.
- Store leftover shrimp separate from the tacos and toppings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one day. Reheat gently over medium heat in a nonstick skillet. Flip and continue until warmed through. Do not overcook.
Nutrition
If you’re looking for a quick dinner packed with fresh flavor, Shrimp Tacos are always a great idea. The combination of juicy shrimp and sweet pineapple or mango salsa feels light, vibrant and satisfying without being complicated. Add your favorite toppings and make taco night something everybody looks forward to.
More great taco recipes
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