Barbecue Shrimp Tacos
Get ready to spice up your taco night with these mouthwatering Barbecue Shrimp Tacos! They're a smoky, tangy delight that's perfect for grilling season or whenever you're craving a taste of summer.
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Ingredients for Barbecue Shrimp Tacos
Shrimp is the star of this dish, providing a sweet and succulent base that pairs beautifully with smoky barbecue flavors. Olive oil helps the spices adhere to the shrimp while adding a subtle richness. The spice blend — smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper — infuses the shrimp with a smoky, spicy kick. For the slaw, red cabbage and carrot add crunch and color, while cilantro, lime juice, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar create a zesty and creamy contrast. Corn tortillas are the perfect vessel, adding a slight sweetness that complements the spice, and avocado brings a creamy finish that balances the heat.
Barbecue Shrimp Tacos Tips & Tricks
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but if you're using frozen, make sure they're completely thawed before cooking.
- Grill the tortillas just until they start to char slightly for an extra smoky flavor.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper in the spice mix to suit your heat preference.
Serving Ideas for Barbecue Shrimp Tacos
Pair these tacos with a side of black beans or a fresh corn salad. For beverages, a crisp, cold beer or a tangy margarita complements the flavors beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
- Absolutely! Flour tortillas work just as well if you prefer them.
- What if I don't have a grill?
- You can cook the shrimp in a hot skillet. Just make sure it's well-oiled and preheated.
- Can I prepare the slaw in advance?
- Yes, you can make the slaw a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a toss before serving.
Barbecue Shrimp Tacos Recipe Walkthrough
Start by mixing your spices — combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This blend will be your secret weapon for perfectly seasoned shrimp.
Next, toss the shrimp in olive oil, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Sprinkle the spice mix over the shrimp, and give them a good stir to make sure every shrimp is covered in that flavorful rub.
With your grill preheated to medium-high, place the shrimp on the grill. They only need about 2-3 minutes on each side. You'll know they're done when they turn opaque and have those lovely grill marks.
While your shrimp are cooking, prepare the slaw. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, julienned carrot, and chopped cilantro. Add lime juice, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar, then toss everything together until the veggies are well-coated and the flavors meld together.
Warm your corn tortillas on the grill or in a skillet for about 30 seconds per side, just until they're soft and pliable.
To assemble your tacos, place a few shrimp on each tortilla, top with a generous scoop of slaw, and finish with slices of avocado. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Why This Barbecue Shrimp Tacos Works
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Combines smoky, spicy shrimp with a refreshing slaw for a flavor-packed bite.
- Perfectly customizable for any palate or dietary preference.
Ingredients
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined),1 lb
- Olive oil,2 tbsp
- Smoked paprika,1 tsp
- Garlic powder,1 tsp
- Onion powder,1/2 tsp
- Cayenne pepper,1/4 tsp
- Salt,1/2 tsp
- Black pepper,1/2 tsp
- Corn tortillas,8
- Avocado (sliced),1
- Red cabbage (shredded),2 cups
- Carrot (julienned),1
- Cilantro (chopped),1/4 cup
- Lime juice,2 tbsp
- Mayonnaise,1/4 cup
- Apple cider vinegar,1 tbsp
Step-by-step Instructions
- 1. In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- 2. Coat the shrimp with olive oil and the spice rub.
- 3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
- 4. In a separate bowl, toss together the cabbage, carrot, cilantro, lime juice, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar to make the slaw.
- 5. Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a skillet.
- 6. Assemble the tacos by placing grilled shrimp on a tortilla, followed by a scoop of slaw and slices of avocado.