These Jerk Shrimp Tacos are packed with flavor! Tender shrimp are marinated in a spicy jerk sauce and then grilled to perfection, all wrapped up in soft tortillas.
Add your favorite toppings like avocado and cabbage for some crunch. I like to set up a taco bar and let everyone build their own. It’s fun and delicious! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for best results. If shrimp isn’t available, you can substitute with chicken or tofu for a different twist.
Jerk seasoning: This blend adds spicy flavor. If you want less heat, use a milder spice blend or make your own with herbs and spices like thyme, allspice, and nutmeg.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour ones work too. If you’re gluten-free, look for corn tortillas that are labeled as such.
Cabbage: Green and purple cabbage gives crunch and color. You could swap for coleslaw mix or add some shredded carrots for extra sweetness and crunch.
Cheese: Queso fresco is my favorite for its creamy texture. If you can’t find it, feta or crumbled goat cheese will work well too.
How Do I Get the Shrimp Just Right?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky since they cook quickly. Here’s how to get them perfect:
- Preheat your grill pan or skillet so that the shrimp sear instead of steam.
- Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
- Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if needed to achieve a good sear.
This technique ensures juicy shrimp with a delightful char. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking!
Jerk Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 fresh jalapeño, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh pico de gallo (diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, salt)
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total, including 15 minutes for marinating the shrimp. The rest of the time is spent cooking and assembling your tasty tacos. Quick and fun to make!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with jerk seasoning and olive oil until they are evenly coated. Set aside and let them marinate for about 10-15 minutes to absorb all those zesty flavors.
2. Warm the Tortillas:
While the shrimp are marinating, warm your tortillas. You can do this by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side or wrapping them in foil and heating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Warm tortillas make for tasty tacos!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turn opaque and get a nice char. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Take a warm tortilla and layer it with shredded green and purple cabbage for that delightful crunch. Then, place 4-5 shrimp on top of the cabbage.
5. Add Fresh Toppings:
Spoon fresh pico de gallo and sliced jalapeños over the shrimp for some added flavor and spice. Don’t forget to sprinkle crumbled queso fresco on top!
6. Finish with Avocado and Lime:
If you like, add some avocado slices for creaminess. Serve your tacos with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of zesty freshness when you’re ready to eat!
Enjoy your vibrant, spicy Jerk Shrimp Tacos packed with fresh flavors! They’re perfect for a fun weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. Dig in!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. The best way to do this is by placing them in the fridge overnight or running them under cold water in a sealed bag for quicker thawing.
What Can I Substitute for Jerk Seasoning?
If you don’t have jerk seasoning on hand, you can make a simple substitute by combining spices like paprika, cumin, cinnamon, thyme, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. Adjust the quantities to taste for your desired level of spice.
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover shrimp and toppings in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for about 1-2 days. To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet; avoid overheating to keep them tender.
What Toppings Can I Add or Swap?
Feel free to customize your tacos! Besides avocado and jalapeños, you can add toppings like sour cream, lime crema, pickled onions, or even mango salsa for a twist. Get creative and make it your own!
