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Spicy Blackened Shrimp Tacos

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These spicy blackened shrimp tacos deliver bold smoky heat balanced with fresh, crunchy toppings and a creamy spicy crema. Quick and easy to prepare, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined (wild-caught if possible)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • Shredded cabbage or slaw mix
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
  • Thinly sliced red onion or pickled onions
  • Fresh lime wedges
  • Spicy Crema (optional):
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce or chipotle in adobo
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove moisture (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, brown sugar, and black pepper until combined (2 minutes).
  3. Toss the dried shrimp in the spice blend until well coated (3 minutes).
  4. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Wait until the oil shimmers but does not smoke (3-4 minutes).
  5. Add shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 1.5 to 2 minutes per side until shrimp develop a deep blackened crust and turn opaque (total 4 minutes).
  6. Warm corn tortillas on a dry skillet or over a gas flame for a few seconds on each side until pliable and slightly charred (5 minutes).
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, hot sauce, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to make spicy crema. Adjust heat and acidity to taste (2 minutes).
  8. Assemble tacos by placing shrimp on tortillas, topping with shredded cabbage, red onion, cilantro, and a drizzle of spicy crema. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime (5 minutes).

Notes

Pat shrimp dry thoroughly before seasoning to ensure a crispy blackened crust. Use a cast-iron skillet for best results. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the crust. Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level. Warm tortillas just before serving. Store leftovers separately to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy shrimp tacos, blackened shrimp, shrimp tacos recipe, quick tacos, easy dinner, bold flavor tacos, seafood tacos

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/spicy-blackened-shrimp-tacos-recipe-easy-perfect-bold-flavor/