Imagine a quick, mouthwatering meal that transforms ordinary shrimp into a culinary masterpiece in just 20 minutes! These Easy Blackened Shrimp Tacos are not just a recipe, they're a ticket to a flavor-packed Mexican-inspired feast that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds. With a perfect balance of spicy, charred shrimp, fresh cabbage slaw, and creamy avocado, these tacos are about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner sensation.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning
- 8 taco-sized tortillas
- 1 cup cabbage slaw
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp, 2 tablespoons of blackening seasoning, 8 taco-sized tortillas, 1 cup of cabbage slaw, 1 sliced avocado, and lime wedges for serving.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with the blackening seasoning until they are evenly coated. Ensure that each shrimp is well covered with the seasoning for optimal flavor.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. Allow the oil to heat for about 1 minute.
- Carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they are opaque and slightly charred.
- Using tongs, flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side until fully cooked through and blackened. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- While the shrimp are cooking, warm the taco-sized tortillas in a separate skillet or in the microwave until they are soft and pliable.
- To assemble the tacos, place a generous portion of cabbage slaw on each tortilla, followed by the blackened shrimp.
- Add a few slices of avocado on top of the shrimp for creaminess and flavor.
- Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side, allowing everyone to squeeze fresh lime juice over their tacos before enjoying.
- Enjoy your easy blackened shrimp tacos with family or friends!
Tips
- Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a mild ocean scent.
- Pat the shrimp completely dry before adding seasoning to ensure they blacken properly and develop a beautiful crust.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible - it provides the best heat distribution for perfect blackening.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each shrimp gets crispy and charred.
- For extra flavor, make your own blackening seasoning blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and dried herbs.
- Warm tortillas just before serving to keep them soft and pliable.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the shrimp at their most flavorful and crispy state.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 220mg
