If you are craving a dish that bursts with fresh flavors, bright colors, and a perfect balance of smoky and creamy, then you absolutely need to try this Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa Recipe. It’s a vibrant and easy-to-make meal that combines tender, spice-kissed shrimp with a luscious avocado salsa, all hugged by warm, soft corn tortillas. Every bite delivers a delightful mix of textures and lively tastes that make it feel like a fiesta on your plate. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want a quick, satisfying dinner, this recipe is a total winner that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these simple ingredients together is the key to making your Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa Recipe sing. Each item plays its part perfectly—bringing freshness, zest, or that essential creamy touch that balances the smoky grilled shrimp.
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein, tender and ideal for quick grilling.
- 8 corn tortillas: Soft and slightly sweet, they hold the filling beautifully without overpowering it.
- 2 ripe avocados: Creamy and buttery, they form the base of the fresh salsa.
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Adds a bright herbal note that lifts the entire dish.
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice: Provides zesty acidity that wakes up the flavors.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings a subtle depth to the shrimp marinade.
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin: Introduces a warm earthiness that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning that enhances all the natural flavors.
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by combining the shrimp with freshly squeezed lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Letting the shrimp soak up these flavors for at least 15 minutes not only adds taste but also tenderizes the shrimp slightly, making each bite juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Prepare the Avocado Salsa
While the shrimp marinates, dice the ripe avocados and toss them with chopped cilantro, extra lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Optionally, you can add finely diced onions for crunch and sharpness. This salsa is the creamy, bright contrast that will bring freshness to your tacos.
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high, about 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for cooking shrimp quickly without drying them out. A hot grill will also give you those irresistible char marks that add smoky depth.
Step 4: Grill the Shrimp
Place the marinated shrimp on the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. The shrimp cooks fast, so keep a close eye to prevent overcooking. Perfectly grilled shrimp have a slight char and a firm but juicy texture.
Step 5: Warm the Corn Tortillas
Quickly warm the tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds each side. This makes them pliable and enhances their natural corn flavor, creating the ideal vessel for your shrimp and salsa.
Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos
Load each tortilla with several shrimp, then generously spoon over the avocado salsa. The combination of grilled shrimp and creamy, herby salsa is nothing short of magical. Get ready for pure taco bliss!
How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish further, try garnishing with thinly sliced radishes for crunch, a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese for a bit of salty creaminess, or an extra squeeze of lime for brightness. Fresh jalapeño slices can add a fun kick if you like heat.
Side Dishes
Light and fresh sides complement these tacos best. Consider a crisp cabbage slaw, Mexican street corn, or a simple black bean salad. Each adds texture and flavor without overshadowing your star dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa Recipe on colorful plates with a variety of salsas and sauces on the side. You can also serve the shrimp and salsa deconstructed for a taco salad or platter style, letting everyone build their perfect bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the grilled shrimp and avocado salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the avocado from browning and keeps the shrimp fresh for the next day.
Freezing
While shrimp can be frozen, the avocado salsa does not freeze well due to its creamy texture, which can become watery or discolored. It’s best to freeze only the grilled shrimp in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to one month.
Reheating
Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or briefly on the grill to avoid rubberiness. Freshen the tacos by warming tortillas and adding freshly made avocado salsa rather than reheating the salsa itself.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before marinating. This helps the marinade stick and cooks more evenly on the grill.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries. You can cook the shrimp in a hot grill pan or skillet on the stove. Just watch the cooking time closely to achieve that perfect sear.
Can I make the avocado salsa ahead of time?
You can, but try to prepare it no more than a few hours in advance to keep it fresh and vibrant. Store it with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to minimize browning.
Are corn tortillas necessary?
Corn tortillas are traditional and have a lovely flavor, but flour tortillas work just fine if that’s what you have on hand. Just warm them properly so they don’t tear.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa Recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add heat with jalapeños, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of chili powder in the marinade for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about the combination of smoky grilled shrimp and creamy avocado salsa wrapped in warm corn tortillas. This Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s both quick and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you!
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Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa offer a fresh, vibrant, and quick meal perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Marinated shrimp are grilled to juicy perfection and paired with a creamy avocado and cilantro salsa, all wrapped in warm corn tortillas for a deliciously balanced dish bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Avocado Salsa
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- Salt to taste
- Optional: diced onions (amount to preference)
Tacos
- 8 corn tortillas
Instructions
- Marinate Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare Avocado Salsa: In another bowl, dice the ripe avocados and gently mix with chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and optional diced onions. Stir carefully to maintain the chunky texture.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, approximately 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s hot enough to sear the shrimp.
- Grill Shrimp: Place the marinated shrimp directly on the grill grates. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Warm Tortillas: Briefly warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side until they become soft and pliable, perfect for folding.
- Assemble Tacos: Lay the grilled shrimp onto each tortilla and top generously with the freshly made avocado salsa. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect blend of smoky and creamy flavors.
Notes
- For added heat, consider adding diced jalapeños to the avocado salsa or a spicy sauce to the tacos.
- If you don’t have a grill, shrimp can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or skillet.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor in both the marinade and salsa.
- Optional onions in the salsa add crunch and extra flavor, but can be omitted if preferred.
