Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Garlic Aioli Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Prepare the shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into a medium bowl, ensuring they are ready for seasoning.
- 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.
- 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.
- Make the garlic aioli sauce: In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, lime juice, and chopped garlic until smooth and well combined.
- 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
