These spicy shrimp tacos are quick and simple—ideal for busy weeknight dinners. Grilled shrimp served over fresh homemade guacamole and finished with a creamy spicy sauce create a balanced taco with smoky, bright, and savory notes. The grill lends a pleasant char while the vegetables and lime add freshness, making this a light, satisfying summer meal.
Table of Contents
- Step 1: Prep the shrimp.
- Step 2: Make homemade guacamole and spicy cream.
- Step 3: Grill and assemble the tacos.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Similar Recipe Ideas
- Spicy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prep the shrimp.
Using frozen, large deveined shrimp is a convenient time-saver. Thaw and pat them dry before seasoning so they sear well on the grill. Peel and devein if necessary, leaving the tails on or off depending on preference.
Toss the shrimp with a light drizzle of olive oil and an all-purpose seasoning of your choice to coat evenly. Let them sit briefly while you prepare the guacamole and sauce—this helps the flavors adhere to the shrimp.
Step 2: Make homemade guacamole and spicy cream.
Guacamole is simple and fresh. In a bowl combine ripe avocado, finely diced red onion, diced roma tomato, a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a pinch of seasoning. Use a fork or potato masher to gently mash the mixture to your desired texture—some like it chunky, others smooth. Cover and set aside so the flavors meld while you cook.
For the spicy cream, combine equal parts mayonnaise and sour cream in a blender. Add a few chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky heat, a touch of honey to balance the spice, and a squeeze of lime for brightness. Add a tablespoon or two of water to reach a drizzleable consistency, then blend until smooth. Taste and adjust heat and sweetness to preference.
Step 3: Grill and assemble the tacos.
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high, about 450°F if your thermometer allows. Place the seasoned shrimp directly on the grates or thread them onto skewers to prevent falling through. Grill quickly—about 2 minutes per side—until they are opaque and just cooked through. Overcooking makes shrimp rubbery, so remove them promptly.
Warm flour or corn tortillas on the grill for a few seconds per side. To assemble each taco, spread a spoonful of guacamole on the warmed tortilla, top with several grilled shrimp, and finish with a drizzle of the creamy chipotle sauce. Optionally add shredded cabbage, cilantro, extra lime wedges, or pickled onions for contrast, but the basic trio of shrimp, guacamole and spicy cream is delicious on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can replicate this recipe on a stovetop using a hot cast-iron skillet or under a broiler in the oven. Sear the shrimp quickly over high heat on the stove or broil briefly until opaque, following the same timing guidelines to avoid overcooking.
Similar Recipe Ideas
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Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Printer-friendly recipe and a brief recipe card are shown below.
Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Fast, flavorful tacos with grilled shrimp, homemade guacamole and a smoky chipotle cream.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp
- 1 tbsp all-purpose rub or seasoning
- 1 tsp olive oil
Homemade Guacamole
- 2 avocados
- 1 roma tomato, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tsp seasoning or salt, to taste
Spicy Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 chipotle peppers in adobo (adjust to taste)
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp water, or enough to thin sauce
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry, toss with olive oil and seasoning until evenly coated.
- For guacamole: mash avocado with diced tomato and onion, add lime juice and seasoning, and mix to desired texture. Cover and set aside.
- For the spicy cream: blend mayo, sour cream, chipotle peppers, honey and lime juice. Add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach a drizzleable consistency. Adjust seasoning.
- Preheat grill to medium-high (about 450°F). Grill shrimp 2 minutes per side until opaque and just cooked through. Remove immediately to avoid overcooking.
- Warm tortillas briefly on the grill. Assemble tacos with a spoonful of guacamole, several shrimp, and a drizzle of spicy cream. Serve with lime wedges and optional garnishes like cilantro or shredded cabbage.
Nutrition (approx.)
Calories: 426 kcal | Carbohydrates: 25 g | Protein: 19 g | Fat: 30 g
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