These Blackened Shrimp Tacos are a tasty treat! Filled with juicy shrimp cooked to perfection and topped with fresh veggies, they pack a flavorful punch in every bite.
I love how quick they are to whip up! Just spice, cook, and pile them high in soft tortillas—easy-peasy and perfect for taco night or any day! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are key to this dish. If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use chicken strips or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Smoked Paprika: This adds a nice smoky flavor. If you can’t find it, regular paprika with a pinch of liquid smoke can work. I personally love using smoked paprika; it really elevates the dish!
Cayenne Pepper: This brings the heat! If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount or use a milder chili powder. Remember, you can always add heat, but it’s harder to take it away.
Mango: Fresh mango gives a sweet twist to the tacos. If it’s out of season, try using pineapple or even diced apples for brightness. They both do a great job in fresh salsas!
Lettuce Leaves: I prefer using romaine or butter lettuce for wrapping. If you want something crunchier, cabbage wraps are also a refreshing choice.
How Do I Get Perfectly Blackened Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp just right ensures they’re flavorful and juicy. Here’s how to blacken them effectively:
- First, make sure your skillet is really hot before adding shrimp. This helps achieve that beautiful char.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn opaque and get a nice blackened color. Overcooking can make shrimp rubbery!
- Let the shrimp rest briefly before assembling to keep them juicy.
Following these tips will help you achieve that perfect blackened effect you’re aiming for!
How to Make Blackened Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Blackened Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Mango Salsa:
- 1/2 cup mango, diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
For Serving:
- 8-10 lettuce leaves (for serving)
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, avocado
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 35-40 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15-20 minutes marinating the shrimp and 10-15 minutes cooking them and preparing the salsa. It’s quick and perfect for a tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Shrimp:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated. Add the shrimp to the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Let the shrimp marinate for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the salsa.
2. Making the Mango Salsa:
While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the mango salsa. In a separate bowl, mix together the diced mango, cucumber, red onion, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Stir everything gently and set the mixture aside to let the flavors blend.
3. Cooking the Shrimp:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn opaque and have a nice char. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and let them rest for a minute.
4. Assembling the Tacos:
To put the tacos together, take a lettuce leaf and fill it with a few pieces of the blackened shrimp. Top with the delicious mango salsa. If you like, add optional toppings such as sliced jalapeños or avocado for extra flavor.
5. Serving:
Serve your blackened shrimp tacos immediately while they’re fresh and tasty. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating them. You can thaw them in the fridge overnight or quickly by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging in cold water for about 20-30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Lettuce Leaves?
If you prefer a different base for your tacos, you can use corn tortillas, flour tortillas, or even whole grain wraps. For a lower-carb option, consider using avocado halves or bell pepper halves as a creative vessel!
How to Store Leftover Shrimp and Salsa
Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The mango salsa also keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, and enjoy them on your next taco night!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level in This Recipe?
If you want less heat, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. You can also balance the spice by adding more mangoes to the salsa, as their sweetness helps tone down the heat. For extra spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce on top!
