Simple Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Simple Grilled Shrimp Tacos

These Simple Grilled Shrimp Tacos are sure to please. Citrus flavor and touch of heat bring these shrimp to life. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Grilled shrimp tacos with sour cream, salsa, sriracha and cheddar cheese on a toasted tortilla

We love tacos, beef, chicken, fish and yes shrimp tacos. What’s great about these Simple Grilled Shrimp Tacos is the marinade is full of flavor and super easy to make. Fire up the grill and 10 minutes later you’ll have the makings of a great dinner.

We also love to combine this with beef or chicken tacos and they make a great spread for a large crowd.

Great Toppings for Tacos

  • Queso: Roll up your taco and pour it over the top for some creamy, cheesy goodness.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: One of the most common toppings, shredded cheddar cheese elevates the flavors of meat and vegetables.
  • Fresh salsa: A staple found in many Mexican dishes, salsa adds some spice and tons of flavor and texture.
  • Guacamole: This creamy mixture is a combination of mashed avocados, onion, garlic, peppers, lime juice, salt and pepper. A delicious topping that you can add to the inside or outside of your taco!
  • Habaneros: Years ago the habanero was listed as one of the world’s hottest chilis. However, in recent years, it has been displaced by hotter peppers. The habanero is categorized in the extra-hot zone on the Scoville heat scale, ranging from 100,000-350,000, just below the super-hot peppers. Cut them up and add some real heat!
  • Tomatoes: Add a little juicy sweetness to your taco! Tomatoes also pair well with meats and other vegetables.
  • Grilled onions and peppers: Both go well with tomatoes and other vegetables that you may add to your taco. The onions will add a light and sweet flavor while the green peppers will add a little grassy bitterness.
  • Jalapeños: For those that like a little more milder spice, cut up some fresh jalapeños. Jalapeños range from 2,500 to 8,000 on the Scoville heat scale.  Much milder than a habanero.
  • Black, kidney or refried beans: What’s Mexican food without beans? Black beans, in particular, add an eye-catching, striking color to your dish.
  • Corn: Adds a sweet, starchy, and crunchy taste to your taco.
  • Shredded lettuce: Adds a little texture and crunchiness to your taco.
  • Chillies: Chillies have a variety of flavors including smoky, spicy, earthy, sweet, and grassy. Depending on your mood, add some of your favorites!
  • Sour cream: Adds a tart, creamy, cool taste to your taco.
  • Hot sauce: A spicy condiment made from hot chili peppers that raises the heat intensity in your taco. Depending on the hot sauce, temperatures may range from mild to super-hot!
  • Cilantro: Cilantro is a relative of parsley and is used as an herb or spice. Adding it to your taco will add a little fresh, citrusy flavor.

Try them all or just add your favorites. There’s no wrong way to build your taco!

Grilled shrimp tacos with sour cream, salsa, sriracha and cheddar cheese on a toasted tortilla

Simple Grilled Shrimp Tacos-Ingredients

  • 2 lbs raw deveined shrimp
  • 1 lime (zest and juice)
  • 1 orange (zest and juice)
  • 1/4 cup Tequila
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (Optional)

Simple Grilled Shrimp Tacos-Instructions

First, zest the lime and orange.

Lime and Orange Zest

Next, squeeze the juice of the lime and orange into the bowl.

Lime and Orange Juice

Add the oil, tequila, pepper and chili powder. If you want a little extra heat, add some cayenne pepper as well.

Tequila Lime Marinade

Whisk all the ingredients together. Then add the thawed shrimp with shells off. If this is a main course, I usually take the tail off as well to make is easier to eat. Stir to coat all the shrimp with the marinade. Now, cover and chill for 30 minutes. If you let the shrimp marinate too long they will get mushy, which is not ideal.

Shrimp in marinade

Hitting the Grill

Shrimp in a basket on grill

Using a grill basket is the best way to cook the shrimp. Plus, you won’t lose any through the grates. If you do not have a grill basket, you can load the shrimp on skewers which will accomplish the same thing, just a little more prep time. I suggest the grill on medium heat if using a gas grill, or around 450 degrees.

Shrimp in a basket on the grill marinaded in tequila lime

The shrimp will start off translucent and grey. As they cook, they will start to turn pink and opaque. It will take about 8-10 minutes to cook the shrimp, depending on how many you have, and the grill temperature. Make sure to flip every couple of minutes until all the shrimp are pink and opaque.

Shrimp on the grill

Be careful! If you cook the shrimp too long they will become rubbery and chewy. When in doubt, pull one off the grill and taste it!

Grilled shrimp tacos with sour cream, salsa, sriracha and cheddar cheese on a toasted tortilla

Place 4-5 Shrimp in a warm tortilla, top with your favorite toppings & enjoy!

For other great tacos try:

Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Barbacoa Style Short Rib Tacos

Try these great drinks to go with these tacos!

Fresh Strawberry Margarita

Tequila Breeze Margarita

Simple Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Simple Grilled Shrimp Tacos

These simple grilled shrimp tacos are sure to please. Citrus flavor and touch of heat bring these shrimp to life. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course, Tacos
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 5 people

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs raw deveined shrimp
  • 1 lime zest and juice
  • 1 orange zest and juice
  • 1/4 cup Tequila
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional-to add some heat

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, add the zest of the lime and orange.
  • Squeeze the juice of the lime and orange into the bowl.
  • Add tequila, olive oil, black pepper, chili powder and cayenne pepper (optional). Whisk together.
  • Add the thawed shrimp to the bowl and mix to coat (shell off).
  • Cover and chill for 30 minutes.
  • Heat grill to medium heat, about 450 degrees.
  • Add shrimp to grill in a basket or on skewers.
  • Grill for 8-10 minutes or until shrimp are pink and opaque.
  • Place 4-5 Shrimp in a warm tortilla, top with your favorite toppings & enjoy!
Keyword Dinner, Lime, Shrimp, Tacos, Tequila
Grilled shrimp tacos with sour cream, salsa, sriracha and cheddar cheese on a toasted tortilla
Grilled shrimp tacos with sour cream, salsa, sriracha and cheddar cheese on a toasted tortilla
Grilled shrimp tacos with sour cream, salsa, sriracha and cheddar cheese on a toasted tortilla
Grilled shrimp tacos with sour cream, salsa, sriracha and cheddar cheese on a toasted tortilla
Grilled shrimp tacos with sour cream, salsa, sriracha and cheddar cheese on a toasted tortilla
Grilled shrimp tacos with sour cream, salsa, sriracha and cheddar cheese on a toasted tortilla

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