Name: Blackened Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon chopped garlic; 1 tablespoon lime juice; Corn or flour tortillas; Cilantro, chopped; Lime wedges; Assorted vegetables

Jump to Recipe

This Blackened Shrimp Tacos Recipe is pure weeknight magic with a little fiery kick! Imagine plump, juicy shrimp crusted in a smoky-sweet blend of spices, quickly seared until just-charred, then tucked inside soft tortillas with crunchy veggies, zesty aioli, and a bright pop of cilantro and lime. Every bite is an irresistible balance of heat, tang, and freshness. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking to spice up your taco night, this favorite will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Blackened Shrimp Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the list — every ingredient in this Blackened Shrimp Tacos Recipe has a delicious purpose, from building bold flavor on the shrimp to adding freshness and crunch to your tacos. Gather these simple essentials, and you’re only minutes away from a truly show-stopping meal.

Shrimp: Fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined for easy eating and maximum flavor soak-up.
Chili Powder: Brings a gentle warmth and smoky undertone to the shrimp.
Paprika: Adds bright color and a subtle sweetness to balance the spice blend.
Ground Cumin: Infuses deep, earthy flavor that’s essential for that blackened taste.
Oregano: Lends an herby, aromatic note that brings the seasoning together.
Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth without the harshness of raw garlic in the rub.
Sea Salt: Just enough to make all those flavors pop on your palate.
Ground Black Pepper: Gives a hint of sharpness that plays well with the other spices.
Brown Sugar: Balances the heat and helps create that irresistible caramelized crust.
Olive Oil: Ensures the spices cling to the shrimp and promotes even searing.
Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy, cooling base for the zesty aioli sauce.
Garlic (chopped): Fresh, pungent garlic for maximum flavor in your aioli.
Lime Juice: Adds a tangy zing that brightens up both the shrimp and the sauce.
Corn or Flour Tortillas: The perfect soft vessel for piling on spicy, juicy shrimp.
Cilantro (chopped): A fragrant, fresh finish that ties the tacos together.
Lime: For squeezing on top — don’t skip it!
Vegetables: Think crunchy cabbage, lettuce, onions, or sliced avocado for color and texture.

How to Make Blackened Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to a medium bowl so they’re ready for their flavor bath. In a separate bowl, mix together your chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and brown sugar to form your homemade blackening spice blend. Pour the spices over the shrimp and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated and glowing with flavor.

Step 2: Sear to Perfection

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and swirl in the olive oil so it shimmers. Lay the shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Sear for about 2 minutes per side, just until the shrimp are cooked through and have a gorgeous, slightly charred edge. You want them tender and juicy, not overcooked!

Step 3: Whip Up the Garlic-Lime Aioli

While the shrimp sizzle, quickly stir together the mayonnaise, chopped garlic, and fresh lime juice in a small bowl. The creamy aioli comes together in a flash and delivers the perfect zesty counterpoint to your bold blackened shrimp.

Step 4: Prep the Toppings

Chop your veggies, slice some extra lime into wedges, and coarsely chop the cilantro. Having your toppings ready is the secret to fun, build-your-own tacos at the table. Remember, crunchy cabbage or lettuce contrasts beautifully with the spicy shrimp.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Warm your corn or flour tortillas until just pliable and soft (a quick toast over a flame or in a dry pan does wonders). Add a generous layer of blackened shrimp, pile on the veggies, drizzle with aioli, and sprinkle plenty of cilantro over each taco. Finish them off with a fresh squeeze of lime. Dive in while they’re hot and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Blackened Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Garnishes

No Blackened Shrimp Tacos Recipe is complete without a fun shower of garnishes! Scatter chopped cilantro, extra lime wedges, finely sliced radish, or thinly sliced jalapeños over the top for a punchy, colorful finish. A simple avocado fan or crumble of cotija cheese also takes things to a whole new level.

Side Dishes

Keep the party going with bright, easy sides like Mexican street corn, cilantro-lime rice, simple black beans, or a crisp slaw. Chips with fresh pico de gallo or creamy guacamole are always a hit for scooping up anything that escapes those tortillas.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual get-together, try serving everything family-style on a large board: shrimp, warm tortillas, and all the toppings in little bowls. Or let guests build their own tacos at a DIY taco bar. For a unique twist, use lettuce cups instead of tortillas for a lighter, gluten-free option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover shrimp (hard to imagine!), simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the aioli and veggies separate for the freshest, crispest tacos when you’re ready for round two.

Freezing

While the Blackened Shrimp Tacos Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, cooked shrimp can be frozen if needed. Spread shrimp out on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag for up to one month. Do not freeze the aioli or fresh veggies — they won’t hold up well to the cold.

Reheating

Gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat just until warmed through to preserve their juiciness and flavor. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them tough. Warm fresh tortillas and assemble new tacos with fresh toppings for best results.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning. This helps the blackening spices stick and keeps the shrimp from steaming instead of searing.

What vegetables work best as taco toppings?

You can get creative, but classic choices like shredded cabbage, thinly sliced red onion, crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, and creamy avocado all work beautifully in this Blackened Shrimp Tacos Recipe. Experiment with what you love or what’s in season!

Is the recipe spicy?

This Blackened Shrimp Tacos Recipe has a gentle kick, but it’s easy to adjust the heat to suit your taste. If you prefer milder tacos, scale back the chili powder or skip the jalapeños. Love heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the shrimp or aioli.

How do I make the tacos gluten-free?

Simply use corn tortillas instead of flour, and check that your spices are gluten-free (most are, but it’s good to double-check). This swap makes the entire meal naturally gluten-free and just as delicious.

Can I grill the shrimp instead of using a skillet?

Definitely! Thread the seasoned shrimp onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for about two minutes per side. This gives you that delicious smoky char and keeps cleanup to a minimum.

Final Thoughts

If your dinner routine needs a boost, I can’t recommend this Blackened Shrimp Tacos Recipe enough! It’s bursting with color, flavor, and just the right amount of spice to keep things exciting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a solo feast, these tacos are sure to make your table the happiest place to be tonight. Give them a try and let me know how you top yours!

Blackened Shrimp Tacos Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 30 reviews

Author: Chloe
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Blackened Shrimp Tacos are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that will impress your family and friends. The seasoned shrimp are perfectly cooked and served with a zesty aioli sauce, fresh cilantro, and lime for a delicious meal.

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp: Add shrimp to a medium bowl.

In another bowl, combine chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Add the spice mix to the shrimp and toss gently to coat.

Cook the Shrimp: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until blackened.
Make the Aioli Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, chopped garlic, and lime juice to prepare the aioli sauce.
Assemble the Tacos: Serve the blackened shrimp in tortillas with assorted vegetables. Garnish with chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and drizzle with the prepared aioli sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: Mexican