These Whole30 Blackened Shrimp Tacos are spicy and fun! With juicy shrimp coated in delicious spices, they’re perfect for taco night without any guilt.
You’ll love how quick and easy they are to make! Just toss the shrimp in seasoning, cook them up, and serve in a taco shell with fresh toppings. Taco Tuesday has never been so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp are best for this recipe, but you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them properly beforehand. For a different protein, try using chicken pieces or grilled halloumi if you prefer a vegetarian option.
Olive Oil: This oil is perfect for cooking shrimp as it can withstand high heat. If you don’t have olive oil, avocado oil is a great substitute due to its high smoke point.
Blackening Spice: You can easily make your own if you don’t have a pre-mixed blend. Simply combine paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Adjust the spice levels to your taste if you like it milder or hotter!
Romaine Lettuce: This acts as the taco shell. If you want a crunchier option, use butter lettuce or a large collard green leaf. You could also use corn tortillas if you’re not strictly adhering to Whole30.
Mango: Fresh mango adds sweetness, but feel free to replace it with diced pineapple or peaches for a similar flavor. Canned fruit in juice can work too, just drain it well.
How Do I Cook Perfect Blackened Shrimp?
Cooking the shrimp perfectly helps them stay juicy and flavorful. First, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the shrimp; this gives them a nice sear. When you season the shrimp, coat them evenly to ensure all sides get that tasty blackened flavor.
- Heat the skillet over medium-high for about 2 minutes before adding the shrimp.
- Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Remove from the skillet immediately to prevent overcooking. They will continue to cook a little from residual heat.
Getting this right will give you delicious, tender shrimp every time!
How to Make Whole30 Blackened Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon blackening spice (a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper)
For the Taco Shells and Toppings:
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, leaves separated (for taco shells)
- 1 cup mango, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for added heat)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 6-8 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll need around 15-20 minutes to whip up these delicious tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, take the peeled and deveined shrimp. Add the olive oil and blackening spice to the bowl. Toss everything together until the shrimp are well coated in the oil and spice mixture. This step is important for getting that delicious flavor!
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
3. Prepare the Toppings:
While the shrimp are cooking, take a moment to prepare your taco toppings. Dice the mango, chop the red onion, and slice the jalapeño if you are using it. These fresh toppings will add a lovely crunch and flavor to your tacos.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Once the shrimp are done cooking, remove them from the skillet and allow them to cool for a minute. To serve, take a romaine lettuce leaf and place a generous amount of cooked shrimp inside. Top with the diced mango, chopped red onion, and jalapeño slices if desired.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor. Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze over the top. And there you go—your Whole30 Blackened Shrimp Tacos are ready to enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp first. The best way is to place them in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also run them under cold water in a sealed bag for about 10-15 minutes. Pat them dry before seasoning for better adherence to the spices.
What Can I Substitute for Blackening Spice?
If you don’t have blackening spice on hand, you can mix your own! Combine equal parts paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Add a pinch of onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne!
How to Store Leftover Shrimp Tacos?
Store the leftover shrimp and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The shrimp are best eaten within 2 days for optimal freshness. Reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, then assemble your tacos again using fresh lettuce leaves.
Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
Definitely! If you like extra heat, consider adding more jalapeños or even a drizzle of hot sauce over the tacos. You can also mix in some diced serrano peppers or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
