Zesty Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Refreshing Tropical Salsa
Elevate your taco night with these Zesty Grilled Shrimp Tacos, perfectly paired with a vibrant Tropical Salsa! The marinated shrimp are grilled to tender perfection, infusing a smoky flavor that beautifully complements the juicy pineapple, creamy avocado, and sweet mango. This delightful combination is perfect for summer gatherings or casual weeknight meals. Garnished with a tangy crema and fresh cilantro, these tacos are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy a taste of the tropics with every bite!
N/A
Servings
447
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium shrimp
2 lbs (peeled, deveined, tails off (21-25 count))
limes
2 (sliced, plus the juice of 2 limes (about 2 tablespoons))
medium red onion
1 (sliced)
vegetable oil
1/2 cup
kosher salt
2 teaspoons
ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon
chipotle chile in adobo
1 (minced)
diced fresh pineapple
1 cup (1/2-inch dice)
ripe avocado
1 (diced)
cactus pieces
1 cup ((15 ounce jar, rinsed, patted dry and diced))
red jalapeno chile
1 (minced, seeds optional)
ripe mango
1 (1/2-inch dice)
fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup (plus more for serving)
apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon
additional vegetable oil
2 teaspoons
dried epazote
1/2 teaspoon
salt
to taste
Mexican crema
3/4 cup
adobo sauce
1 teaspoon
limes
2 (zest and juice)
corn tortillas
12 (warmed)
Instructions
1
For the shrimp marinade, combine the shrimp, lime slices, and sliced red onion in a resealable plastic bag.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, kosher salt, ground cloves, lime juice, and minced chipotle until well blended. Pour this marinade over the shrimp in the bag, seal it tightly, and gently shake to coat the shrimp evenly. Allow the mixture to marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.
3
While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the tropical salsa. In a medium bowl, combine diced pineapple, avocado, cactus pieces, minced jalapeño, and mango. Stir in fresh cilantro leaves, apple cider vinegar, vegetable oil, and dried epazote, mixing gently to combine. Refrigerate the salsa until ready to serve.
4
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the shrimp from the marinade and sprinkle lightly with additional salt. Grill the shrimp directly over heat for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they're nicely charred and the flesh turns pink. Be careful not to overcook.
5
After grilling, transfer the shrimp to the bowl with the tropical salsa and toss gently to combine, adding salt to taste.
6
In a separate small bowl, whisk together Mexican crema, adobo sauce, lime zest, and lime juice to create a creamy drizzle.
7
To assemble the tacos, warm the corn tortillas and layer each one with 4 to 5 grilled shrimp, followed by 1/4 cup of tropical salsa. Drizzle with the creamy adobo mixture, and finish with fresh cilantro leaves. Enjoy your delicious tacos!
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
35g
Carbs
27g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Refreshing Tropical Salsa?
These are flavor-packed tacos featuring shrimp marinated in a citrus-chipotle blend, grilled to perfection, and topped with a salsa made from pineapple, mango, avocado, and cactus.
What size and type of shrimp should I use?
The recipe recommends using 2 lbs of medium shrimp, specifically the 21-25 count size, peeled and deveined with the tails removed.
How long should the shrimp marinate?
For the best flavor, the shrimp should be marinated in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.
What ingredients are in the shrimp marinade?
The marinade includes lime slices, red onion, vegetable oil, kosher salt, ground cloves, lime juice, and minced chipotle chile in adobo.
What fruit is included in the tropical salsa?
The tropical salsa is made with diced fresh pineapple, ripe mango, and diced avocado.
What is the unique cactus ingredient in the salsa?
The salsa includes 1 cup of diced cactus pieces, which are typically found in a jar, rinsed, and patted dry.
How do I grill the shrimp?
Preheat the grill to medium-high and grill the shrimp directly over the heat for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until charred and pink.
What is the creamy drizzle made from?
The drizzle is a mixture of Mexican crema, adobo sauce, lime zest, and lime juice.
How many calories are in a serving of these tacos?
Each serving contains approximately 447 calories.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This recipe provides 27 grams of protein per serving.
How many grams of fat are in these shrimp tacos?
There are 25 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
The dish contains 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of tortillas are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 12 warmed corn tortillas for assembly.
How many shrimp should go into each taco?
Each taco should be filled with 4 to 5 grilled shrimp.
How much tropical salsa is used per taco?
The recipe recommends adding about 1/4 cup of tropical salsa to each taco.
What is epazote and how is it used?
Epazote is a traditional Mexican herb; this recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried epazote in the tropical salsa for authentic flavor.
Is the tropical salsa spicy?
The salsa contains one minced red jalapeño chile; you can include the seeds if you prefer more heat.
How should I prepare the red onion for the marinade?
One medium red onion should be sliced before being added to the resealable plastic bag with the shrimp.
What type of vinegar is used in the salsa?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to be mixed into the salsa.
Can I make the salsa in advance?
Yes, the instructions suggest refrigerating the prepared salsa until you are ready to serve the tacos.
How many limes are needed for the entire recipe?
You will need 4 limes total: 2 for the marinade and 2 for the crema drizzle.
Should I add salt to the shrimp before grilling?
Yes, after removing them from the marinade, sprinkle the shrimp lightly with additional salt before placing them on the grill.
How do I know when the shrimp are finished cooking?
Shrimp are done when their flesh turns pink and they are nicely charred, which usually takes 2-3 minutes per side.
What oil is used for the marinade?
The marinade uses 1/2 cup of vegetable oil.
What size should the fruit be diced for the salsa?
Both the pineapple and mango should be cut into a 1/2-inch dice.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 21 ingredients listed to make the shrimp, salsa, and crema.
Is cilantro used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro leaves are mixed into the salsa, with more used for serving.
How is the chipotle chile used?
One chipotle chile in adobo should be minced and whisked into the shrimp marinade.
What should I do with the shrimp after grilling?
After grilling, transfer the shrimp to the bowl with the tropical salsa and toss them gently to combine.
Why are these tacos good for summer?
The combination of light grilled seafood and refreshing fruit salsa makes them ideal for warm-weather gatherings.