The only shrimp taco recipe you need this summer

Whenever I’m at the beach, I can feel my entire system resetting. We don’t have most things on our family’s schedule, so this time allows us to unwind and get into a more relaxed state. When we are in Malibu, my favorite time of day is just before sunset when everything is bathed in a golden light and you can find us gathered around the grill, preparing ingredients from the farm stand, holding cold drink. This summer, our MVP is these Grilled Shrimp Quesadillas with Grapefruit Avocado Salsa, also known as the best shrimp tacos on the planet. Call us obsessed.

Now, when I return to Austin, I am committed to bringing the relaxed Cali vibe back home. (Yes, even if I’m juggling a busy work schedule with the reality of carpooling my kids from one activity to another.) For me, the best way to get into the summer spirit is to cook (and eat!) Eat out as much as possible. This shrimp tacos recipe is the perfect excuse to enjoy al fresco dining any night of the week. Let’s dive in—I’ll show you how easy they come together.

Ingredients for grilled shrimp tacos

Here’s a short and sweet ingredient list – which I think is a basic requirement for any great summer recipe. Here’s what to buy at the grocery store:

• lime
• Grapefruit
• Honey
• garlic
• paprika
• mayonnaise
• Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• cabbage
• corn cake
• avocado
• coriander
• black pepper

How to Make the Best Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Marinate the shrimps

The key to keeping this recipe simple is to let our ingredients do double duty. Marinades are also used as the base for creamy sauces, and grapefruit salsa uses several of the ingredients in marinades. Because again I love a short shopping list.

To make the marinade, you’ll stir the citrus zest and juice with honey, garlic, paprika, and olive oil. Then put the shrimp into a bowl and pour in half of the marinade. You only need to marinate the shrimp for a maximum of 30 minutes to an hour, any longer than that and you run the risk of starting to “cook” the shrimp in the citrus. (We don’t do ceviche here.)

Make grease quickly

This sauce plays an important role in giving this shrimp taco recipe tons of flavor. All you need to make the creamy sauce is the reserved marinade, mixed with mayonnaise or sour cream. You can toss it with our chopped cabbage for a five-second salad, then reserve the rest to drizzle over the top of the finished tortillas.

Stir together your salsa

I use grapefruit as the star ingredient in this addictive salsa. It’s so easy and takes these tacos to the next level. Just stir together the avocado chunks and grapefruit, then add the cilantro and adjust the jalapeños to add the heat you like. Double the recipe and serve with nachos as an appetizer.

How to Cook Shrimp Tacos

Trust me: the key is most The delicious shrimp are already charred, which means a quick cooking method is the way to go. I like to cook the shrimp over high heat in a cast iron skillet set on the grill. It gives you a quick sear while also ensuring your shrimp don’t fall through the grill.

Once you add the shrimp to the pan and hear it sizzling, resist the temptation to move or flip the shrimp until the first side is nice and caramelized.

Assemble your tortillas

To serve, top the charred tortillas with some slaw, grapefruit salsa, and top with grilled shrimp. Garnish with cilantro and a little grease and serve with lime wedges. Voila – the best shrimp tacos you’ve ever had.

The Secret to Shrimp Taco Success

change ingredients

If you want it without the salsa, just add a few slices of creamy avocado, a few slices of fresh cilantro, and a few drops of fresh lime. You are always welcome in Pico de Gallo!

switch protein

You can turn them into fish tacos using the same marinade, sauce, and salsa. Cod or halibut fillets are perfect for this recipe.

make everything simple

When I make my shrimp tacos recipe, I rely on a few key shortcuts:

• Use a bag of pre-shredded cabbage.
• Purchase raw shrimp that has been peeled and deveined.
• Sear the tortillas on the grill so you can do all your cooking outdoors (with minimal cleanup!).

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