Description
Sizzling blackened shrimp tacos bring coastal Mexican flavors right to home kitchens with bold spices and fresh ingredients. Crisp tortillas cradle succulent shrimp, inviting you to savor each zesty, mouthwatering bite of this easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings and Garnishes:
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 1 cup diced mango
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Craft a robust seasoning blend by whisking olive oil with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper into a smooth, aromatic paste.
- Gently coat raw shrimp in the prepared seasoning mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly and evenly covered with the spice blend.
- Preheat a large skillet to medium-high heat, creating an optimal cooking surface for the shrimp. Once hot, carefully arrange seasoned shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Cook shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, watching closely to achieve a deep, charred exterior while maintaining tender, opaque flesh. Shrimp should turn bright pink and develop a slightly crisp, blackened appearance.
- Simultaneously prepare a vibrant salsa by combining diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, and optional jalapeño, creating a fresh, zesty accompaniment.
- Select crisp lettuce leaves as taco shells, positioning them flat on serving plates. Layer each leaf with blackened shrimp, then generously top with the mango salsa.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges, allowing diners to squeeze additional citrus flavor just before enjoying these whole30-compliant, flavor-packed tacos.
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture, preferably wild-caught and deveined.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal spice tolerance, reducing or increasing heat levels.
- Swap lettuce wraps with compliant Whole30 coconut wraps for easier handling if desired.
- Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect blackening and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg