The blackened shrimp tacos are a delicious combination of spicy, juicy shrimp with crunchy slaw. They also have a creamy chipotle sauce. These are a healthy and easy dinner that you can serve any day of the week!
Tacos make a great weeknight meal because they’re so simple to prepare. Shrimp is also one of the easiest protein to cook in a very short time. These shrimp tacos are a great dinner option.
Blackened Seasoning is a seasoning that has been seasoned with blackened spices.
A blackened seasoning blend is used to cook using a technique called “blackening”. The term “blackened” does not mean burned, however the food may appear black or brown as a result of the seasonings and the cooking process. The roots of this cuisine are New Orleans, and it takes inspiration from Cajun or Creole food.
While you can purchase blackened spice in the stores, I like to create my own blend. This seasoning is made up of:
- Chili Powder
- smoked paprika
- Dry oregano
- Thyme dried
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- cayenne pepper
- Black pepper
- Salt
What is the best shrimp to use for blackened Shrimp tacos?
To make these shrimp tacos, I used frozen Argentinian red Shrimp. These shrimp are tender and juicy, with a taste that is similar to lobster. Use another large variety of shrimp, which has already been deveined and peeled. Thaw frozen shrimp first. The Argentinian red shrimp I used was jumbo sized but I normally use large shrimp (31-40). You can tell by the numbers on the bag how big the shrimps are. For large shrimp there will be between 31 to 40 shrimp in a pound. A larger number means smaller shrimp, a smaller number means larger shrimp.
What is the best shrimp to use for blackened Shrimp tacos?
To make these shrimp tacos, I used frozen Argentinian red Shrimp. These shrimp are tender and juicy, with a taste that is similar to lobster. Use another large variety of shrimp, which has already been deveined and peeled. Thaw frozen shrimp first. The Argentinian red shrimp I used was jumbo sized but I normally use large shrimp (31-40). You can tell by the numbers on the bag how big the shrimp is – the number of shrimp per pound. For large shrimp there will be between 31 to 40 shrimp in a pound. A larger number means smaller shrimp, a smaller number means larger shrimp.
Make chipotle Crema for Tacos
It’s easy to make homemade chipotle cream. In a food processing machine, combine sourcream, mayo and one chipotle in adobo with garlic, lime juice, salt, and a single pepper in the adobo. Blend until smooth.
Blackened Shrimp Tacos
Here is a quick overview of the recipe.
- To begin, mix the spices to make the blackened seasoning. Add it into a bowl along with the shrimp, garlic, and olive oil. Stir to coat, and let marinate 15 minutes.
- Set aside the marinated cabbage slaw to prepare.
- Make the chipotle Crema.
- If using cilantro, chop it or wash microgreens.
- Add a little lime juice, salt and mash the avocado. Set aside.
- Heal a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Spray a bit of cooking spray on the hot skillet, then add the first layer of tortillas. (I fit three at once in my large pan). Then spray the tops of each tortilla with some more cooking spray. (The cooking spray is not required, but I prefer the browning effect it gives the tortillas). Flip the tortillas over after browning one side. Continue until all tortillas are browned.
- Remove tortillas from the pan when done and place empty pan on heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are no longer transparent.
- To assemble tacos, spread some mashed avocado onto a tortilla. Add the shrimp, cabbage slaw and chipotle cream to your tacos. Sprinkle on some chopped microgreens or cilantro.
How to serve shrimp tacos
Tacos are a great meal on their own and you don’t need any sides. You can also serve them with extra lime slices, rice or beans, and tortillas and chips.
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