Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Name: Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Juice of 2 limes; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 small corn tortillas; 1 cup red cabbage, shredded; 1 avocado, sliced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Lime wedges for serving

Highlighted under: Comfort Food Corner

I absolutely love grilling, especially when it comes to making Grilled Shrimp Tacos. The smoky flavor of the shrimp combined with fresh toppings creates a fiesta in every bite. I enjoy experimenting with different seasoning blends, but a simple mix of lime, garlic, and chili powder truly elevates the shrimp. Served in warm corn tortillas and topped with crisp slaw and avocado, these tacos are a perfect summer meal. Plus, they come together in no time, making them ideal for midweek dinners or weekend gatherings.

Created by

Isla Turner

Last updated on 2026-02-08T06:09:37.012Z

When I first tried making Grilled Shrimp Tacos, I was amazed at how easy and flavorful they were. The key is not to overcook the shrimp; they only need about 2-3 minutes on each side to achieve that perfect char. I’ve tried various marinades, but I keep coming back to a basic lime and garlic mix that really allows the natural flavor of the shrimp to shine through.

Over the years, I’ve learned that the toppings can make or break the taco experience. A zesty cabbage slaw with lime juice and cilantro adds a crunch that complements the shrimp beautifully. Trust me, the balance of flavors and textures is simply irresistible!

Why You'll Love This Recipe:
Succulent grilled shrimp with bold flavors
Customizable with your favorite toppings
Quick and easy preparation for busy nights

The Importance of Marinating

Marinating the shrimp is a crucial step that infuses them with flavor while also helping to tenderize the meat. The acidic lime juice not only enhances the shrimp’s taste but also breaks down the proteins slightly, resulting in a delightful texture. Aim for a marination time of about 15 minutes; this allows the shrimp to absorb the marinade without becoming too soft or mushy. If you're pressed for time, even a quick 10-minute soak can still yield tasty results.

For added depth, consider experimenting with different spices in your marinade beyond chili powder. Cumin or smoked paprika could add a unique twist. Just be mindful of balancing the flavors, as shrimp are delicate and can easily be overwhelmed by too many overpowering spices.

Perfecting Your Grilling Technique

Grilling shrimp can be a little tricky because they cook quickly and can easily become overdone. Preheating your grill to medium-high heat ensures that the shrimp get beautiful grill marks and a slight char without drying out. A good visual cue is when the shrimp turn a lovely pink hue and become opaque; this usually takes just 2-3 minutes on each side. If you're using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

To maximize flavor and prevent sticking, use oiled grill grates. An easy way to oil the grates is by using a paper towel dipped in oil and holding it with tongs. This technique not only reduces cleanup time but also helps to achieve that perfect caramelization on the shrimp.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These grilled shrimp tacos can be customized endlessly. If you're looking for a spicy kick, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a homemade salsa verde. For those who enjoy a creamier texture, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of chipotle mayo can elevate the flavor profile. Additionally, you could swap out the avocado for mango for a sweet and tangy contrast that complements the smoky shrimp beautifully.

When preparing the slaw, feel free to mix in other fresh vegetables like carrots or radishes for added crunch. You can also make a cabbage slaw with a touch of vinegar for a tangy bite. This dish is versatile enough to serve with side dishes like black beans or corn salad, making it a great option for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make the perfect Grilled Shrimp Tacos:

For the Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 2 limes
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tacos:

8 small corn tortillas
1 cup red cabbage, shredded
1 avocado, sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges for serving

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped for the best taco assembly experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your delicious Grilled Shrimp Tacos:

Marinate the Shrimp

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes.

Prepare the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grill grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking.

Grill the Shrimp

Place the marinated shrimp on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.

Warm the Tortillas

While the shrimp is grilling, warm the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side or until pliable.

Assemble the Tacos

In each tortilla, add grilled shrimp, a handful of shredded cabbage, a few slices of avocado, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Serve

Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy your tacos fresh off the grill for the best taste!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a spicy crema made from sour cream, lime juice, and sriracha on top of your tacos.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, the grilled shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them flavorful, recombine them with a bit of fresh lime juice before serving them again. If you have extra tacos assembled, keep the components separate to maintain the freshness of the toppings, especially the slaw and avocado.

Avoid freezing the shrimp, as the texture may suffer upon thawing. However, you can prepare the shrimp grill marinade ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours; just remember to add the shrimp for marination when you're ready to cook.

Scaling the Recipe

Feeding a crowd? This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. Just ensure you have plenty of grill space; grilling in batches helps achieve that perfect sear without overcrowding the grill, which can lead to steaming rather than grilling. It's also wise to prepare additional toppings so everyone can build their own tacos just the way they like them.

If you’re planning to scale up, consider using a mix of shrimp sizes for variety. Larger shrimp can serve as an impressive centerpiece, while smaller ones can be mixed into salads or served in multiple taco variations.

Experiment with Flavors

Taco night can be a great time to experiment with flavors! Try adding different herbs and spices to your shrimp marinade for a whole new experience. Cilantro is a classic choice, but fresh dill or parsley could offer an exciting twist. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your slaw, too; adding fruits like apples or pineapples can bring a refreshing surprise to the flavor profile.

For a smoky flavor without grilling, consider using a stovetop grill pan or broiler. While you may miss the traditional grill char, you can still achieve great results by cooking shrimp quickly over high heat, keeping an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed before marinating and grilling.

→ What other toppings can I use?

You can add diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or even a mango salsa for a tropical twist!

→ How can I make this dish more filling?

You could add black beans or rice to the tacos for extra substance.

→ Can I grill the shrimp indoors?

Absolutely! You can use a grill pan on your stovetop if outdoor grilling isn't an option.