Spicy Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema
Savor the bold flavors of these Spicy Blackened Shrimp Tacos, featuring perfectly seasoned shrimp seared to perfection and served in warm corn tortillas. Topped with a creamy avocado sauce and fresh diced tomatoes, these tacos are a delightful twist on traditional Mexican cuisine. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, they promise to impress your family and friends. Enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Buttermilk
2 tablespoons (none)
Canola mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ((such as Hellmann's))
Garlic
1/2 teaspoon (minced)
White vinegar
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Queso fresco
2 ounces (crumbled (about 1/2 cup))
Paprika
2 teaspoons (none)
Cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons (ground)
Garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon (none)
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Thyme
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
Ground red pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Medium shrimp
1 lb (peeled and deveined)
Cooking spray
as needed (none)
Corn tortillas
8 (6 inch) (none)
Plum tomato
1/2 cup (diced)
Ripe avocado
1 (peeled and roughly mashed)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, canola mayonnaise, minced garlic, and white vinegar. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2
In a large zip-top plastic bag, combine paprika, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, thyme, and ground red pepper. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bag, seal it, and shake well to ensure all the shrimp are thoroughly coated with the spice mixture.
3
Preheat a grill pan over high heat and lightly coat it with cooking spray. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp to the pan. Sear the shrimp for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until they have turned opaque and are cooked through.
4
While the shrimp is cooking, heat each corn tortilla one at a time over a medium-high flame directly on the burner for about 15 seconds on each side, until lightly charred and pliable.
5
Assemble the tacos by placing an even amount of the blackened shrimp onto each tortilla. Top with diced plum tomatoes and roughly mashed avocado. Drizzle with the prepared buttermilk sauce for added creaminess and flavor.
6
Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors of your homemade tacos!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Spicy Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema.
How many servings does this shrimp taco recipe yield?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What ingredients are needed for the creamy sauce?
You will need 2 tablespoons of buttermilk, 2 tablespoons of canola mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar.
Which spices are used for the blackened shrimp seasoning?
The seasoning includes paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, dried thyme, and ground red pepper.
How much shrimp is required for this recipe?
You will need 1 lb of medium shrimp that has been peeled and deveined.
What type of tortillas should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas.
How do I prepare the shrimp to be cooked?
Combine the spices in a large zip-top plastic bag, add the shrimp, seal it, and shake well to coat them thoroughly.
How long should the shrimp be cooked on the grill pan?
The shrimp should be seared for approximately 2 minutes per side until they are opaque and cooked through.
How do I warm and char the corn tortillas?
Heat each tortilla one at a time over a medium-high flame directly on the burner for about 15 seconds on each side.
What fresh toppings are used for these tacos?
The tacos are topped with diced plum tomatoes and roughly mashed avocado.
Is there cheese in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 ounces of crumbled queso fresco.
What kind of mayonnaise is recommended?
Canola mayonnaise, such as Hellmann's, is recommended.
How much ground cumin is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin.
How much paprika is used for the blackening mix?
The spice mixture uses 2 teaspoons of paprika.
What should the heat setting be for the grill pan?
The grill pan should be preheated over high heat.
How do I prepare the avocado for the tacos?
The avocado should be peeled and roughly mashed.
What is the preparation for the plum tomatoes?
The plum tomatoes should be diced to yield about 1/2 cup.
How much garlic powder is included in the seasoning?
The seasoning includes 3/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What provides the spicy kick in this recipe?
The spiciness comes from the 1/4 teaspoon of ground red pepper and the blackening spices.
How much dried oregano and thyme are used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How should the buttermilk sauce be finished?
After whisking the ingredients, set the sauce aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Is oil used for cooking the shrimp?
No, a light coating of cooking spray on the grill pan is used instead of oil.
How do I assemble the final tacos?
Place blackened shrimp onto each tortilla, top with tomatoes and mashed avocado, and drizzle with the buttermilk sauce.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 17 ingredients in this recipe.
Can I serve these immediately?
Yes, it is recommended to serve them immediately to enjoy the vibrant flavors.
How much salt is in the blackening seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
What are some of the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include tacos, shrimp, mexican, blackened, avocado, spicy, and seafood.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
What is the purpose of the white vinegar in the sauce?
The white vinegar adds acidity and helps meld the flavors of the creamy buttermilk sauce.
How much queso fresco is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 ounces of crumbled queso fresco, which is about 1/2 cup.