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If you are needing an easy weeknight meal, make Grilled Shrimp Tacos. Thread shrimp on skewers and grill for a flavorful meal idea.

Shrimp tacos topped with red cabbage and diced avocado
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If you love shrimp as much as my family does, make these Grilled Shrimp Tacos. They are light, healthy and taste amazing topped with this easy Avocado Salsa. You can easily have this dinner done in less than 15 minutes.

This is a family favorite seafood recipe. Check out these other shrimp taco recipes – Blackened Shrimp Tacos, The Best Shrimp Tacos Recipe, and 5 minute Baja Shrimp Tacos Recipe.

Can I use Frozen Shrimp?

When making this recipe, you can use fresh shrimp that you get at the meat counter or purchase frozen shrimp. If you purchase frozen shrimp, make sure to let it thaw before cooking. It will take about 20 minutes to thaw out.

To let it thaw, place shrimp in a colander and let it run cold water until thaw. You can also put the frozen shrimp bag in the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.

Ingredients

Ingredients needed - shrimp, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, lime, avocado, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime, garlic salt, pepper, skewers, flour tortilla, cojita cheese

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variation Ideas

  • Shrimp – This recipe can be made with raw or pre-cooked shrimp. If you use pre-cook shrimp, cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side to heat them through.
  • Change the Seasoning – You can easily seasoning the shrimp with a packet of taco seasoning or make Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe. We even have added cayenne pepper for an extra hint of spice and flavor.
  • Tortillas – We used flour tortillas in this recipe, but you can easily use corn tortillas.
  • Skewers – We used wooden skewers but you can use metal or bamboo skewers.

How to Make Grilled Shrimp Tacos

  • Step 1 – Marinade Shrimp – In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with the marinade ingredients in a medium bowl. Allow the shrimp to marinade while the grill is preheating.
Marinating the shrimp in a large bowl
  • Step 2 – Prepare Grill – Preheat the grill over medium high heat (approximately 400 degrees F).
  • Step 3 – Thread Shrimp on Skewers – Place the shrimp on the wooden skewers. Then place shrimp on grill grates and grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp is cooked through.
Shrimp on skewers stacked on a white platter
  • Step 4 – Make Avocado Ingredients – In a separate bowl, combine all the avocado salsa ingredients.
  • Step 5 – Warm the Tortillas – Then it’s time to assemble the tacos. Warm the tortillas. You can heat them in the microwave or place them on the grill for a few seconds to heat them through.
  • Step 6 – Make the Tacos – Place cabbage on the bottom of each tortilla. Top it with the shrimp, avocado salad and cheese.
  • Step 7 – Serve and enjoy – Serve warm with lime zest or lime juice and then enjoy.

Recipe Tips

  • Cooking Shrimp – I love grilling the shrimp directly on the grill gates. However, if your shrimp is smaller and you’re concerned that it will fall through the grate, you can cook the shrimp on a cast iron skillet, grill pan or grill basket on the grill.
  • Overcooking Shrimp –  It does not take long for shrimp to cook. Be careful that you do not cook it too long or it will be tough.
  • Place the shrimp in a single layer on the grill. This will ensure even cooking and that each shrimp has those gorgeous grill marks.
  • Serving Immediately – We recommend serving the shrimp as soon as your pull it off the grill. It is best served warm.
Shrimp tacos topped with red cabbage and diced avocado

How Long to Grill Shrimp

Since the shrimp we made this recipe with is already cooked, it didn’t take long to heat them up. You want to make sure to stand close by as it only takes about 2 minutes on each side to heat the shrimp.

Overcooked shrimp can become chewy and not flavorful. So grilling them on a hot grill should only take a few minutes.

Shrimp Taco Toppings

When making these shrimp tacos I love to top them with many different toppings. The avocado salsa is delicious but these are some of our other favorites. I like to put small bowls of topping option when we are hosting a party.

  • Sour Cream
  • Diced Avocado
  • Salsa
  • Guacamole
  • Pico de Gallo
  • Fresh Cilantro
  • Pineapple Salsa
  • Mango Salsa
  • Slaw
  • Cotija Cheese
Shrimp tacos topped with red cabbage and diced avocado

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Heat up Tortillas on the Grill:

Heating up the tortillas on the grill is so easy to do. We love the the way the tortillas get crispy edges and it heats up perfectly. Simply place the tortillas on the grill for about 1 minute or less and then flip. Place the warm tortilla on a platter and immediately began filling the tortillas with your shrimp and toppings.
You can also heat the tortillas up in the microwave or on your gas stovetop.

What Type of Shrimp do you use?

The perfect shrimp to grill is the large, jumbo or colossal size shrimp. In this recipe we bought the precooked shrimp that is already peeled and deveined. But you can grill shrimp with the peel on.
I like to keep things easy, so I look for the shrimp that is already peeled and cooked.
This recipe can be made with raw or pre-cooked shrimp. The seasoning can be used for both and makes a delicious meal.

How to Store Leftover Grilled Shrimp

These tacos are best served fresh but you can refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

More Taco Recipes

More Easy Shrimp Recipes

We love to hear from you. If you make this Grilled Shrimp Tacos Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

Grilled Shrimp Tacos

5 from 4 votes
If you are needing an easy weeknight meal, make Grilled Shrimp Tacos. Thread shrimp on skewers and grill for a flavorful meal idea.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 21 minutes
Servings 6
Cuisine Mexican
Course Main Course
Calories 418

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

For the Avocado Salsa:

  • 1 Ripe Avocado diced
  • 1/4 Red Onion diced
  • 1/2 Jalapeño deseeded and diced
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro finely chopped
  • 1/2 Lime juiced
  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Pepper

For the Tacos:

  • Wooden Skewers
  • 12 Flour Tortillas 6 inch
  • Red Cabbage chopped
  • 1 cup Crumbled Cojita Cheese or Feta
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Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with the marinade ingredients. Allow the shrimp to marinade while the grill is preheating.
  • Preheat the grill over medium high heat (approximately 400 degrees F).
  • Place the shrimp on the wooden skewers and grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp is cooked through.
  • In a separate bowl, combine all the avocado salsa ingredients.
  • Then it’s time to assemble the tacos. Warm the tortillas. You can heat them in the microwave or place them on the grill for a few seconds to heat them through.
  • Place cabbage on the bottom of each tortilla. Top it with the shrimp, avocado salad and cheese.
  • Serve warm and then enjoy!

Recipe Notes

This recipe can be made with raw or pre-cooked shrimp. If you use pre-cook shrimp, cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side to heat them through.
These tacos are best served fresh but you can refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 418kcal, Carbohydrates 36g, Protein 21g, Fat 22g, Saturated Fat 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat 3g, Monounsaturated Fat 9g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 114mg, Sodium 1193mg, Potassium 375mg, Fiber 5g, Sugar 3g, Vitamin A 491IU, Vitamin C 10mg, Calcium 275mg, Iron 3mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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