Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Garlic Aioli Recipe

Introduction

Turn up the heat in your kitchen with blackened shrimp tacos – a meal that brings bold flavors and a satisfying sizzle to your dinner table. These tacos feature perfectly seasoned, tender shrimp paired with a creamy garlic aioli and fresh toppings for a deliciously simple weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon garlic (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Corn or flour tortillas
• Cilantro (chopped)
• Lime wedges
• Vegetables for serving (such as lettuce or cabbage)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the shrimp to a medium bowl.
2. Step 2: In another bowl, combine chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and brown sugar. Toss the shrimp gently in the spice mixture until coated.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through.
4. Step 4: To make the aioli, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, and chopped garlic in a small bowl until well combined.
5. Step 5: Warm the tortillas, then assemble the tacos with blackened shrimp, vegetables, a drizzle of garlic aioli, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to lighten the aioli.
• Try adding sliced avocado or pickled onions for additional layers of flavor.
• Use shrimp tails on for a fun presentation, but peeled shrimp cook more evenly.

Storage

Store any leftover shrimp and aioli separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid overcooking. Tortillas are best warmed fresh or stored wrapped in foil to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning to ensure the spices stick well and the shrimp cook properly.

What can I serve with blackened shrimp tacos?

They pair well with simple sides like rice, black beans, or a fresh salad. Adding grilled vegetables or a corn salsa also complements the smoky flavor nicely.

Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Garlic Aioli Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 64 reviews

Blackened Shrimp Tacos combine tender, spicy shrimp cooked to perfection with a smoky seasoning blend, served on warm corn or flour tortillas and topped with a creamy garlic aioli. This quick and flavorful dish is ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal, offering a delightful balance of heat, zest, and fresh toppings.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp and Seasoning

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Aioli Sauce

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Additional Ingredients

• Corn tortillas or flour tortillas, as preferred
• Chopped cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving
• Vegetables of choice (such as shredded lettuce, purple cabbage, or other taco toppings)

Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into a medium bowl, ensuring they are ready for seasoning.
2. Mix the spice blend: In a separate bowl, combine chili powder, paprika, ground cumin, oregano, garlic powder, sea salt, ground black pepper, and brown sugar. Toss the shrimp gently in this spice mix to coat evenly.
3. Cook the shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until blackened and cooked through, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
4. Make the garlic aioli sauce: In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, lime juice, and chopped garlic until smooth and well combined.
5. Assemble and serve: Warm the tortillas, fill them with the cooked blackened shrimp, and add your desired vegetables. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Drizzle the garlic aioli over the tacos for an added creamy zest. Serve immediately alongside rice or additional vegetables if you like.

Notes

• For best results, use fresh or thawed shrimp before seasoning and cooking.
• You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter aioli sauce.
• Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by tweaking the amount of chili powder and black pepper.
• Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave before assembling for a softer texture.
• Serve with a side of rice or fresh salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: blackened shrimp, shrimp tacos, garlic aioli, quick dinner, Mexican seafood tacos, spicy shrimp recipe