Jerk shrimp tacos bring tropical vibes to your plate! Juicy shrimp are spiced up with bold jerk seasoning and tucked into warm tortillas. Yum!
These tacos are a fun twist for taco night, and the flavors will make you feel like you’re on a beach vacation. I love adding fresh toppings like avocado and lime for extra zing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works here. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely. For a milder flavor, you can substitute shrimp with chicken by adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Jerk Seasoning: This spice blend gives the dish its signature heat and flavor. If you can’t find it, a mix of paprika, cayenne, and allspice can work in a pinch, though it’s less authentic. You can also make your own jerk seasoning if you have the spices at hand.
Corn Tortillas: I love corn tortillas for their flavor and texture, but flour tortillas are a great alternative. They hold the shrimp well and are softer to eat. Just warm them up before serving!
Cabbage: The mix of green and purple cabbage adds crunch. If you want to lighten things up, you could use lettuce instead. Also, shredded carrots add a sweet crunch and color.
How Do I Cook the Shrimp to Perfection?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but a few tips can help you nail it every time! First, make sure your skillet is hot to achieve a nice sear. This enhances the flavor!
- Heat your skillet on medium-high; don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.
- Shrimp cooks quickly. 2-3 minutes per side is all you need for that perfect, tender result.
- Keep an eye on the color: when shrimp turns opaque and pink, they’re ready!
And remember, it’s better to undercook a bit than to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery. Happy cooking!
Jerk Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook, plus an additional 10 minutes for the shrimp to marinate. In just 25 minutes, you can have a flavorful meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
Begin by placing the raw shrimp in a bowl. Sprinkle the jerk seasoning over the shrimp, drizzle the olive oil, and toss everything together until the shrimp are well coated. Let this sit and marinate for about 10 minutes. This will help the shrimp soak up all those spicy, delightful flavors!
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and develop a beautiful char. Remember, shrimp cook fast, so keep an eye on them!
3. Warm the Tortillas:
While the shrimp is cooking, take your corn tortillas and warm them in a separate skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Each tortilla should be warm and slightly toasted, taking about 30 seconds on each side. This makes them soft and pliable for assembly.
4. Prepare the Slaw:
In a small bowl, mix together the shredded green and purple cabbage, diced tomato, and half of the chopped cilantro. Add a pinch of sea salt and toss well to combine. This colorful slaw will add crunch and freshness to your tacos!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Take a warm tortilla and place a handful of the cabbage slaw inside. Top it with 3-4 pieces of the cooked jerk shrimp. Don’t forget to sprinkle the remaining cilantro over the top for that burst of flavor!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing. If you like it spicy, add some sliced jalapeños on top. Enjoy these delicious, spicy jerk shrimp tacos that are perfect for any meal!
Feel free to make adjustments to the toppings or spice level to suit your taste. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure the shrimp are fully thawed before marinating. The best way to thaw them is by placing them in the fridge overnight or by running cold water over them in a sealed bag for a quicker option.
What If I Can’t Find Jerk Seasoning?
If you can’t locate jerk seasoning, you can make a simple alternative by mixing paprika, cayenne pepper, allspice, garlic powder, and a touch of brown sugar. This won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still give a nice flavor to the shrimp!
How Should I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftovers in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the shrimp and slaw separate from the tortillas to avoid sogginess. Reheat the shrimp gently on the stove while keeping the tortillas warm before serving.
Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
Definitely! You can increase the amount of jerk seasoning used or add sliced jalapeños directly onto the tacos for extra heat. Mixing a spicy hot sauce into the slaw can also amp up the spice level without compromising taste!
