Blackened Shrimp Tacos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These tacos are ready in under 30 minutes, loaded with seasoned shrimp, and completely customizable with your favorite toppings. The blackening spices create a perfect crust on the shrimp while locking in juicy flavor. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to spice up your taco routine, this dish delivers on taste and ease.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Olive oil
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Dried oregano
• Dried thyme
• Salt and pepper
• Corn or flour tortillas
• Optional toppings: shredded cabbage or slaw, avocado, lime wedges, cilantro, sour cream, salsa, pickled onions

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss shrimp with olive oil and coat evenly with the spice mix.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through. Remove from heat.
4. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a flame until soft and lightly charred.
5. Assemble tacos by placing shrimp in each tortilla and topping with your favorite garnishes such as slaw, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
6. Serve immediately while hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people (about 2 tacos each).
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Make it spicy: Add extra cayenne or drizzle with spicy mayo or hot sauce.
• Cool it down: Serve with a lime crema or avocado yogurt sauce.
• Grilled version: Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for a smoky, charred flavor.
• Tropical twist: Add pineapple salsa or mango chunks for sweetness.
• Low-carb option: Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave in short intervals.
For best texture, assemble tacos fresh just before serving, as tortillas and toppings don’t store well once combined.

FAQs

What is blackened seasoning?

Blackened seasoning is a bold blend of spices that creates a flavorful crust when seared over high heat. It usually includes paprika, garlic, onion, cayenne, and herbs.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

What kind of tortillas should I use?

Either corn or flour tortillas work — corn offers a traditional flavor, while flour is softer and more flexible.

How do I keep shrimp from overcooking?

Shrimp cook very quickly; watch closely and remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the shrimp and toppings ahead, but cook the shrimp just before serving for best results.

What toppings go well with blackened shrimp?

Cabbage slaw, avocado, cilantro, pickled onions, lime juice, sour cream, and salsa all pair well.

Can I use a store-bought blackened seasoning?

Yes, just check the ingredients to make sure it suits your spice preference.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if using corn tortillas and confirming your spices and toppings are gluten-free.

What can I serve with shrimp tacos?

Mexican rice, black beans, corn salad, or chips and guacamole make great sides.

Can I bake or air fry the shrimp instead?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.

Conclusion

Blackened Shrimp Tacos are an easy, vibrant, and flavor-packed dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table in under 30 minutes. With bold seasoning, juicy shrimp, and fresh toppings, these tacos are a hit for any occasion — from Taco Tuesday to summer cookouts and everything in between.

Blackened Shrimp Tacos

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Blackened Shrimp Tacos are bold, spicy, and easy-to-make seafood tacos featuring juicy, seared shrimp with blackening spices, wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with fresh garnishes—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or festive gathering.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• Optional toppings: shredded cabbage or slaw, avocado slices, lime wedges, fresh cilantro, sour cream, salsa, pickled onions

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss the shrimp with olive oil and coat evenly with the spice mix.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp in a single layer for 1–2 minutes per side until blackened and fully cooked. Remove from heat.
4. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or over an open flame until soft and lightly charred.
5. Assemble tacos by filling tortillas with shrimp and your choice of toppings such as slaw, avocado, cilantro, and lime juice.
6. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Use store-bought blackened seasoning to save time.
• For extra heat, increase cayenne or add spicy toppings like hot sauce or jalapeños.
• Top with lime crema or avocado sauce for a cooling contrast.
• Grill shrimp for a smoky flavor alternative.
• For low-carb, serve in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tacos
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 670mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 165mg