Savor the vibrant flavors of summer with these incredibly easy and utterly delicious Grilled Shrimp Tacos. Bursting with bright citrus notes, a hint of smoky char from the grill, and a creamy, zesty chipotle-lime sauce, these tacos are a culinary delight that will transport you straight to a beachside fiesta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend gathering, they offer a delightful combination of fresh ingredients and irresistible taste. Elevate your summer menu with a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Don’t forget to pair your tacos with a refreshing Mango Green Tea Lemonade for the ultimate summer experience!

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Grilled Shrimp Tacos: Your Ultimate Guide to a Flavor-Packed Summer Meal

As August settles in, bringing with it the golden glow of late summer, I find myself reflecting on these fleeting moments. Where did July go? It feels like just yesterday I was making a mental note, a solemn vow, to cook and bake every ounce of summer’s incredible bounty. Yet, here we are, already on the cusp of autumn, with pumpkin spice whispers just around the corner, and I’m still chasing the last rays of summer sunshine.

This summer has been a whirlwind of activity, a beautiful blur of busy weekends away from home and weeknights packed with soccer practices, t-ball games, and gymnastics classes. And truthfully, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Watching my kids thrive in their activities and spending precious time with friends and family celebrating life’s milestones has been truly wonderful. But amidst all the joyous chaos, the garden’s yield and the farmer’s market treasures sometimes take a backseat to convenience. It’s a classic summer dilemma for many of us, isn’t it?

So, with August firmly here, I’m renewing my pledge: to fully embrace the remaining days of summer and infuse every meal with its distinctive flavors. That means no pumpkin or fall-themed recipes will grace these pages until at least September 1st. Deal? My husband, in particular, will appreciate this commitment. Last year, by September 15th, he had officially declared himself “over all things pumpkin” for an entire year. Sorry, honey!

Beyond our culinary adventures, this month will also feature a special post dedicated to school lunches, complete with an exciting giveaway to ease the back-to-school transition. My eldest is embarking on his kindergarten journey this year, and I’m hoping this initiative will help both him and, quite frankly, me! While a part of me isn’t quite ready for him to be in full-day school, he’s already at the front door, backpack brimming with supplies, eager to begin. This fills my heart with an overwhelming mix of joy and a touch of bittersweet sadness. I recently read an article that perfectly captured these emotions, bringing tears to my eyes. We have just two and a half weeks until the big day, and while I know he’s more than ready, his mama needs a little more time. But I anticipate copious amounts of caffeine and some retail therapy waiting for me after I drop him off and allow myself a good cry in the car.

But enough with the sappy sentiments for now; let’s dive headfirst into these incredible Grilled Shrimp Tacos. My first encounter with shrimp tacos was years ago at a popular seafood restaurant. While their current menu features a different version, that initial experience ignited my love for fish tacos. I’d seen various renditions everywhere, featuring different types of fish, but seafood wasn’t always my go-to choice. These particular shrimp tacos, however, completely changed my perspective. They were so good, they had me rethinking everything!

Fast forward a few years, and these memorable tacos had faded from my immediate memory until a recent family vacation in Wyoming. My aunt prepared them for dinner, and the moment those perfectly charred shrimp came off the grill, we couldn’t resist. We were practically eating them right off the skewers! It’s a wonder we had any left to assemble the tacos, but somehow, we managed, and I’m incredibly glad we did. The flavors came rushing back, reminding me why I loved them so much.

The Secret to Irresistible Grilled Shrimp Tacos: Marinade & Sauce

The smoky depth imparted by the grill transformed the shrimp, taking it to an entirely new level. I could discern a subtle hint of tequila, beautifully complemented by a spicy kick from the peppers in the marinade. That exquisite taste lingered long after the meal, and I found myself constantly replaying the complex flavors in my mind. It’s no surprise that the very first meal I prepared upon returning home from vacation was a batch of these shrimp tacos. Their bright, citrusy profile, combined with a perfectly balanced spiciness, was everything I could ever wish for in a shrimp taco.

When it comes to tortillas, my family is split: some prefer soft flour tortillas, while others favor corn. If you opt for corn tortillas, here’s a crucial tip: double them up! There’s nothing quite as disappointing as biting into a delicious taco only to have the shell break in half. Doubling up provides extra structural integrity, preventing a messy meal. Beyond the star-studded chipotle-lime sauce, we loaded our tacos with a fresh coleslaw mix, diced Roma tomatoes, creamy avocado, and fragrant cilantro. This combination creates a symphony of textures and flavors, making them the quintessential summer meal.

To complement these delightful tacos, I served them alongside grilled corn on the cob, generously slathered with a whipped chive and onion cream cheese, and finished with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan. Oh, my goodness, it’s absolutely divine! The sweetness of the charred corn, the savory richness of the creamy onion cream cheese, and the salty sharpness of the Parmesan create a harmonious blend that is pure perfection. This side dish is a must-try with any summer meal you prepare; I promise you’ll love it.

Mastering the Grill: Tips for Perfect Shrimp Tacos

Just look at those deliciously charred shrimp in the photos! I wish I were having them for dinner tonight. And that lime chipotle sauce? It’s so good, I could honestly drink it. Before the glorious dog days of summer fade away completely, promise me you’ll make these tacos and that incredible sweet corn. They are the perfect embodiment of summer’s joy, best enjoyed with an ice-cold beer.

Here are some essential tips for grilling shrimp to perfection:

We used wooden skewers, which we soaked in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling. This crucial step prevents the skewers from catching fire on the hot grill. If you prefer, a grill basket is an excellent alternative for easier flipping and to prevent shrimp from falling through the grates.
Shrimp cook rapidly, so it’s best to grill them over medium, direct heat. Keep a close eye on them!
Grill shrimp for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until they turn opaque and pink. The key is to avoid overcooking them, as this can quickly lead to a rubbery texture. No one wants rubbery shrimp – yuck!

The Ultimate Grilled Shrimp Tacos Recipe

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Print Recipe

Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Author Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Yield 6 -8 tacos

These Grilled Shrimp Tacos are deliciously easy, fun, and packed with bright citrus flavor. Topped with a chipotle lime sauce, they are taken to a whole other level. Throw the shrimp on the grill for a delicious charred flavor, and you’ve got yourself a quick summer meal perfect for any time of the day.

Ingredients

Chipotle Lime Sauce:
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 lime, juiced
1 chipotle pepper in adobo, finely chopped
Marinade:
1/4 cup olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 serrano pepper, seeded and minced
1 lime, juiced
1/3 cup tequila
Pinch of kosher salt
For Tacos:
1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
6-8 soft-taco-sized flour or corn tortillas, warmed through
1 package coleslaw mix
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
1 avocado, diced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Chipotle Lime Sauce:
In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together all sauce ingredients. Cover and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Marinade:
Begin by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the minced serrano pepper and garlic.
Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it.
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the olive oil, fresh lime juice, tequila, and a pinch of kosher salt.
Stir for one minute to combine thoroughly, then set aside and allow the marinade to cool completely to room temperature.
Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into a resealable plastic bag. Pour the cooled marinade over the shrimp. Gently massage the bag to ensure all the shrimp are thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, and up to 1 hour, turning the bag occasionally to redistribute the marinade. (Do not marinate for longer than an hour, as the acid can start to “cook” the shrimp).
After the shrimp have marinated, thread them onto wooden skewers (pre-soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning) or place them in a grill basket.
Preheat your grill to medium, direct heat.
Grill the shrimp for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until they turn opaque and pink. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking, which can make the shrimp rubbery.
To prepare tacos:
Warm your tortillas. Fill each taco with a generous portion of grilled shrimp, a spoonful of coleslaw mix, diced tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a drizzle of the zesty lime chipotle sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

*This recipe yields approximately 6-8 tacos, depending on the size of your tortillas and how generously you stuff them. This recipe is slightly adapted from Red Lobster at Home.

Courses Main

Cuisine Seafood, Mexican-Inspired

Enjoy every delightful bite of these Grilled Shrimp Tacos! If you make this recipe, please share a photo on social media and hashtag it #strawberryblondiekitchen. I absolutely love seeing your delicious creations and how you bring these flavors to life!