Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos

We are suckers for quick and easy dinners, especially in the summer! We love to make grilled garlic shrimp, grilled mahi-mahi, grilled red snapper, and more. That’s where grilled shrimp tacos come in. This recipe highlights seafood in a fresh and simple way, but it does not skimp on flavor!

The shrimp is marinated with seasonings like chili powder, cumin, and citrus, infusing it with a robust, smoky flavor. The pineapple slaw adds a crisp texture and a sweet, refreshing tang that perfectly complements the spiciness of the shrimp.

Once grilled, pop your shrimp into warm, tender corn tortillas with a healthy dose of pineapple slaw, or even grilled pineapple salsa for some majorly delicious tacos. Enjoy this vibrant dish outdoors for the perfect meal!

Why You’ll Love Grilled Shrimp Tacos

We have a feeling this grilled shrimp tacos recipe will soon be a part of your regular rotation. Here’s why:

• Quick on the grill: With the help of a grill, this recipe comes together incredibly quickly. It’s perfect for weeknight meals or impromptu gatherings.
• Light & healthy: Made with lean shrimp and a fresh, fruity slaw, these grilled shrimp tacos are well-balanced and nutritious.
• Fun to eat: There's something inherently fun about assembling and eating tacos. This dish is always a hit with both adults and kids!

Looking for more traditional shrimp tacos, try this easy shrimp taco recipe with the best shrimp taco sauce.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here is everything you need to make these tasty tacos.

• Shrimp: For our shrimp tacos, we generally use medium shrimp (26-30 per pound), but smaller or larger shrimp also work. Just remember to adjust the cooking times accordingly.
• Lime juice: Adds a fresh, tangy flavor that brightens the shrimp and helps tenderize it. If you don’t have any limes on hand, try lemon juice instead.
• Spices: The combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne creates a smoky, spicy flavor. If you’re sensitive to spice, omit the cayenne and use smoked paprika. Alternatively, use a store-bought taco seasoning.
• Cabbage: Adds a perfect crunch to the pineapple slaw. You can use red, green, or a mix of both. You can also use shredded lettuce or a coleslaw mix.
• Pineapple: Balances the spice and adds a juicy, tropical flavor profile. You can also try mango or a mix of both mango and pineapple.
• Cilantro: Imparts fresh, aromatic, and lemony notes that round out the entire dish. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try fresh parsley or basil in its place.
• Red onion: Provides a sharp, savory taste and a pop of color. You can also use regular white or yellow onion in a pinch.
• Olive oil: Helps the seasonings adhere to the shrimp and the slaw, imparting a rich, velvety texture and flavor. If you don’t have olive oil, try avocado or grapeseed oil.
• Corn tortillas: Serve as a gluten-free base for your tacos and add a slightly sweet, earthy flavor. If you prefer, you can use flour tortillas instead.

How To Make Grilled Shrimp Tacos

1. Marinate The Shrimp

Toss the raw shrimp together with some olive oil, lime juice, and all of the seasonings in a bowl until it’s well-coated. Set the bowl aside, which will allow the marinade to fully infuse the shrimp with flavor. Plus, the acid in the lime juice will help tenderize the shrimp.

2. Prepare The Pineapple Slaw

In a separate bowl, mix together the cabbage and pineapple with the herbs and seasonings until everything is evenly mixed. Similar to the shrimp, letting the slaw marinate while you prepare the rest of the meal will mellow out the onions and balance the flavors.

3. Grill The Shrimp

Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before grilling the shrimp. To make them easier to flip, we also recommend skewering the shrimp. You only need to cook them for a few minutes on each side — just enough to achieve a slight char while retaining their juiciness.

4. Warm The Tortillas

The great thing about grilling shrimp is that you can quickly heat your tortillas up on the side! Grill them for about 20 seconds per side until they're warmed through and have a nice char. This not only enhances their flavor but also makes them more pliable, so don’t skip warming your corn tortillas!

Best Toppings for Grilled Shrimp Tacos

To enhance the flavors even more, top your grilled shrimp tacos recipe with garnishes like these:

• Lime wedges
• Pickled Red Onions
• Avocado or Guacamole
• Corn salsa or pineapple salsa
• Mexican coleslaw
• Mango salsa
• Habanero salsa

Side Dish Ideas

If you’re looking for a more hearty and satisfying meal, serve some of these dishes on the side:

• Slow Cooker Black Beans
• Mexican Cauliflower Rice
• Borracho Beans
• Mexican rice
• Pinto beans

Storage & Reheating

If you end up with leftover shrimp tacos, you’re in luck! Follow these tips to keep everything fresh:

• Fridge: Store leftover grilled shrimp and pineapple slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: We don’t recommend freezing this recipe since both the slaw and shrimp will change in texture once thawed again.
• Reheating: Reheat the shrimp in a skillet on the stovetop over medium until warmed through. Give the slaw a mix and add a squeeze of lime if needed.

Customize Your Tacos

Flexibility is the key when it comes to making grilled shrimp tacos. Here are a few ideas to make this recipe your own:

• Protein: Instead of shrimp, opt for grilled fish or chicken if you prefer a different taste.
• Toppings: Add more flavor with toppings like corn, avocado salsa, or pico de gallo.
• Chips: Serve the shrimp and slaw with tortilla chips instead of tortillas for an extra crunch.
• Extra spicy: Increase the heat with a tablespoon or so of fresh or pickled jalapeños or hot sauce.
• Creamy: Try a creamy dressing, like chipotle sauce, Greek yogurt, sour cream, or Mexican crema. Or, garnish them with some queso fresco or Cotija cheese.