Look for small to medium shrimp at your local grocery store, for even cooking and easy filling of the tortillas. To ensure the shrimp sear well, pat them dry ahead of cooking using a paper towel. They only need a short amount of time in the pan, as shrimp cook quickly and will turn rubbery if left for too long.
For advice on how to prepare shrimp, if not already deveined for you, we have an easy guide to follow with all the tips you need ahead of cooking. If you have any leftover shrimp after making the tacos, take a look at our selection of six of the top shrimp dishes from Michelin-star chefs, including shrimp carpaccio.
It’s possible to warm the tortillas before assembling them into tacos with the shrimp. Simply cover and place into the oven for five minutes on low heat to warm through first. Once you’ve had your fill of shrimp tacos, try exploring a world of taco flavors with fish tacos and even Arab tacos, featuring pork and harissa.
Shrimp Seasoning and Cooking Methods
Classic shrimp taco seasoning includes a mixture of chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic salt, ground cumin, lime zest, and salt. You can, however, vary the seasoning to your taste preferences, depending on the level of heat you’d like in the final dish.
If preferred, it’s possible to marinate the shrimp briefly before sautéing for 30 minutes, to deepen the flavors. This is also a delicious recipe to make at a barbecue in the summer months, as grilling the shrimp imparts a smoky flavor to the tacos.
Toppings and Sauces
We’ve shared a basic method above for making shrimp tacos, but for the best shrimp taco recipe try adding a variety of toppings and sauces to the tacos too.
Take inspiration from Mexican cuisine and dollop your favorite salsa on top of the shrimp, or add slices of creamy avocado to contrast the spice mixture. Fresh lime juice and a sprinkling of chopped cilantro brightens the flavors.
For a shrimp taco sauce, chipotle mayonnaise brings a welcome creaminess and hint of spice to the plate. Or, you could opt for sour cream to balance the spice mixture with the shrimp.
How to Serve Shrimp Tacos
Shrimp tacos should be enjoyed straight away while the shrimp are still warm. Plate with two lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the top of the tacos to enhance the flavors. While delicious on their own, you can also pair shrimp tacos with other Mexican side dishes, such as black beans, or street-style corn.
