These Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos are packed with flavor! Juicy shrimp are tossed on the grill and served in warm tortillas with a spicy chipotle sauce that adds a kick!
Perfect for a fun meal—I love to top them with fresh veggies and a squeeze of lime. It feels like a fiesta every time we make these! 🎉
Making these tacos is a breeze. Just grill the shrimp, whip up the sauce, and enjoy a delicious dinner ready in no time. They never disappoint!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are great for grilling since they cook quickly. If shrimp isn’t available, you could use chicken or firm fish like salmon or swordfish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Chipotle Peppers: For the sauce, chipotle peppers in adobo add a smoky heat. If you want less spice, try using smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne instead. You can also mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for flavor without the heat.
Tortillas: I recommend corn tortillas for authenticity and flavor, but flour tortillas are softer and easier to handle. You can use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option, too!
Vegetables: While this recipe calls for lettuce, tomato, avocado, and bell pepper, feel free to swap in other favorites like radishes, corn, or even grilled zucchini. Personal preference makes all the difference!
How to Grill Shrimp to Perfection?
Grilling shrimp might seem tricky, but it’s quite simple! The key is to not overcook the shrimp, or they can get rubbery. Here are some tips:
- Marinate your shrimp for at least 15 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan properly—medium-high heat works best.
- Cook shrimp for just 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for them to turn pink and opaque.
- For easy handling, skewer shrimp with wooden or metal skewers to keep them from falling through the grates.
Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Chipotle Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
For the Chipotle Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced)
- 1 tsp lime juice
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 40 minutes in total. You’ll need around 15 minutes for marinating the shrimp and about 25 minutes for cooking and assembling the tacos. It’s quick, fun, and perfect for a tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chipotle Sauce:
Start by making the chipotle sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir them well until everything is combined and smooth. Set the sauce aside for later—it’s going to be delicious!
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with the olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the shrimp are coated well with the seasonings. Cover the bowl and let the shrimp marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. This will help them soak in all those wonderful flavors!
3. Grill the Shrimp:
While your shrimp is marinating, preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp to the grill. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and have beautiful grill marks. Once done, carefully remove the shrimp from the heat and set aside.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
Now it’s time to warm up your tortillas! If you’re using corn tortillas, place them on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side until they’re pliable. If you’re using flour tortillas, you can heat them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a skillet for the same time until warm. This step makes them easier to fold and eat!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Let’s put it all together! On each warm tortilla, add a layer of shredded lettuce. Then pile on the grilled shrimp, followed by diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and green bell pepper. The colors will be vibrant and tasty!
6. Drizzle with Sauce:
Grab that delicious chipotle sauce you made earlier and drizzle it generously over the top of each taco. This will add a zesty kick that brings all the flavors together!
7. Serve:
It’s time to serve! Place the tacos on a platter and add lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy your meal right away, while everything is fresh and warm!
Enjoy your delicious Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Chipotle Sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating. You can thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before mixing with the marinade to ensure they absorb the flavors well!
What’s a Good Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Chipotle Sauce?
If you’re looking for a lighter option or want to avoid mayonnaise, Greek yogurt works great as a substitute! It will give you a similar creaminess with added tang. You can also use sour cream if you prefer. Just mix it with the chipotle peppers and lime juice as directed.
How Do I Store Leftover Shrimp Tacos?
To store leftovers, keep the shrimp, vegetables, and tortillas in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The shrimp can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, while the tortillas and veggies are best consumed within a day. Reheat the shrimp gently on the stove before serving again!
Can I Add Other Toppings to My Tacos?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your tacos with your favorite toppings. Some great additions include shredded cheese, cilantro, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream. Experiment and find your perfect combo!
