Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa
There’s nothing quite like the rich, smoky flavor of grilled shrimp paired with the creamy freshness of avocado salsa, all wrapped up in a soft taco shell. This recipe takes full advantage of seasonal ingredients and the beautiful weather of late summer, perfect for an outdoor gathering or a family dinner. With every bite, you’ll experience a burst of flavors, from the charred, smoky shrimp to the tangy, creamy avocado salsa.
If you are looking for a light yet fulfilling meal that is packed with flavor and easy to make, then these Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa should be your go-to.
Tips and Tricks
- Marinating the Shrimp: Marinating the shrimp for at least 15 minutes helps to impart flavor, but for a deeper, more pronounced flavor, marinating for a few hours or even overnight is best.
- Grilling the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly and can become tough if overcooked. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Serving: These tacos are best enjoyed immediately while the shrimp are still warm and the tortillas are soft. However, you can store leftover shrimp and salsa separately in the fridge and assemble more tacos the next day.
- Alternatives: You can easily substitute the shrimp for other proteins like fish, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it’s best to serve these tacos immediately, you can prepare components ahead of time. Marinate the shrimp and keep it in the fridge. You can also make the avocado salsa ahead of time. However, keep in mind that avocado can brown if left out for too long. Adding lime juice will help prevent this, but it’s best to make the salsa close to when you’ll be serving the tacos.
These shrimp tacos pair well with many typical Mexican side dishes. You might consider serving them with some black beans, Mexican rice, or a fresh corn salad. A simple green salad or some grilled vegetables would also be a nice complement.
Yes, you can easily swap out the shrimp for another type of seafood. Grilled fish would work well, as would scallops. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as different types of seafood will cook at different rates.
No problem! These shrimp can be cooked in a grill pan on the stovetop or even broiled in the oven. If you’re using the oven, set it to broil, place the shrimp on a baking sheet, and broil for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until pink and opaque.
These Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa are a fantastic way to enjoy a light, refreshing meal that takes full advantage of the summer season. With the perfect balance of smoky grilled shrimp and cool, creamy avocado salsa, these tacos are sure to become a favorite in your household.
So, whether you’re hosting a summer get-together or simply looking for a delicious family dinner, these Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa are a delightful choice. They are simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfectly customizable to suit your preferences. Enjoy the process of making them and, more importantly, savor every bite!
Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Equipment
- grill or a grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- chopping board
- sharp knife
- Skewers (if using a grill)
Ingredients
For the Grilled Shrimp:
- 1.5 lbs large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Avocado Salsa:
- 2 avocados diced
- 1 tomato diced
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 jalapeno seeds removed and finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Salt to taste
Other Taco Ingredients:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Preparing the Grilled Shrimp:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until the shrimp are well coated in the marinade. Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill, thread the shrimp onto skewers. If you’re using a grill pan, the shrimp can go directly onto the pan.
- Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
Preparing the Avocado Salsa:
- While the shrimp are marinating, prepare the avocado salsa. In a separate bowl, combine the diced avocados, tomato, red onion, lime juice, jalapeno (if using), chopped cilantro, and salt. Gently mix to combine.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a more acidic salsa, add more lime juice. If you like it spicier, add more jalapeno.
Assembling the Tacos:
- Warm the tortillas on the grill or in a dry pan over medium heat. Warming the tortillas makes them softer and more pliable.
- To assemble each taco, lay a warm tortilla flat and place a few pieces of grilled shrimp down the center. Top with a generous scoop of avocado salsa. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, if desired.
- Repeat with the remaining ingredients until all the tacos are assembled.
Nutrition values are estimates, for exact values consult a nutritionist.
