Blackened Shrimp Tacos With Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe

Summer screams for fresh,  flavorful meals that are light yet satisfying. Enter blackened shrimp tacos with cilantro lime sauce recipe – a dish that ticks all the boxes! Packed with juicy,  succulent shrimp and a vibrant sauce,  these tacos are bursting with coastal flavors and come together surprisingly quickly. 

This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through every step of making restaurant-quality blackened shrimp tacos with cilantro lime sauce at home. So foodies we'll break down the recipe into easy-to-follow sections, so you can impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!

Blackened Shrimp Tacos With Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe 

Blackened Shrimp Tacos With Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe 

What are Blackened Shrimp Tacos?

Blackened shrimp tacos are a vivid version of the typical taco. The shrimp are dressed with a smoky mix of spices and grilled until just crispy to generate a combination of flavors; the result is a unique flavor note. Piled with cool cilantro lime sauce and crunchy cabbage among other yummy fillings,  these tacos call out to have their flavor appreciated.

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Ingredients Of Blackened Shrimp Tacos With Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe 

Before diving into the recipe,  let's make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here's a handy shopping list to guide you:

For the Blackened Shrimp

    * 1 pound large shrimp,  peeled and deveined (thawed if frozen)

    * 1 tablespoon olive oil

    * 1 teaspoon paprika

    * 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

    * 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

    * 1/2 teaspoon cumin

    * 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

    * 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

    * 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

    * Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Cilantro Lime Sauce

    * 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

    * 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

    * 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

    * 1 tablespoon olive oil

    * 1 clove garlic,  minced

    * 1/4 teaspoon salt

    * 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

For the Taco Assembly

    * 12 corn tortillas (warmed)

    * Your favorite taco toppings: shredded cabbage,  diced avocado,  crumbled queso fresco,  pico de gallo,  chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges 

Optional Ingredients

* If you don't have a pre-made blackened seasoning mix,  you can easily create your own by combining the listed spices in a small bowl.

 

* Feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika to the blackening spice mix for an extra smoky flavor. 

* For a creamier sauce,  use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. 

* Don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings! Sliced red onion,  pickled jalapeños,  and a dollop of guacamole are all delicious options.

Prepping Like a Pro: Mise en Place for Efficiency 

Mise en place,  a French term that translates to "putting in place,"  is a culinary technique that involves prepping all your ingredients before you start cooking. This simple step can significantly streamline the cooking process and prevent scrambling for ingredients mid-recipe. 

Here's how to effectively use mise en place for your blackened shrimp tacos:

1. Thaw and Devein the Shrimp (if necessary): If using frozen shrimp,  thaw them completely in cold water for about 30 minutes. Peel the shells and remove the dark "vein" running down the back of each shrimp with a paring knife. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure even browning. 

2. Make the Blackening Spice Mix: In a small bowl,  whisk together the paprika,  chili powder,  cayenne pepper,  cumin,  garlic powder,  onion powder,  and oregano. 

3. Prepare the Cilantro Lime Sauce Ingredients: Chop the fresh cilantro and mince the garlic. Measure out the remaining sauce ingredients – lime juice,  olive oil,  sour cream/yogurt,  salt,  and pepper. 

Pro Tip: While you're prepping,  preheat a cast-iron skillet or large frying pan over medium heat. Cast iron skillets are ideal for achieving a nice sear on the shrimp,  but any heavy-bottomed pan will work.

Cooking Up a Feast: The Blackened Shrimp and Cilantro Lime Sauce

Now that you're prepped and organized,  let's get cooking! 

Blackened Shrimp

1. Heat the olive oil in your preheated skillet over medium heat.

 

2. Season the shrimp generously with the prepared blackening spice mix,  making sure to coat them evenly. 

3. Carefully add the shrimp to the hot pan in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan,  as this will prevent them from searing properly. 

4. Cook the shrimp undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side,  or until they turn pink and opaque throughout. Be careful not to overcook them,  as they will become tough and rubbery.

 

5. Once cooked,  remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside on a plate. 

Cilantro Lime Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to low. Do not discard the drippings in the pan,  these flavorful drippings will add depth to your sauce. 

2. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds,  until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic,  as it will turn bitter. 

3. Add the chopped cilantro,  lime juice,  olive oil,  sour cream/yogurt,  salt,  and pepper to the pan. Whisk everything together to combine. 

4. Simmer the sauce for 1-2 minutes,  just until it's heated through. 

5. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a squeeze of extra lime juice for more tang,  or a pinch of salt for additional flavor. 

Pro Tip: If the sauce seems too thick,  whisk in a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out to your desired consistency. 

Building Your Masterpiece: Assembling the Tacos  

Now comes the fun part – assembling your delicious tacos! 

1. Warm your corn tortillas according to package instructions. You can warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side,  in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 30-60 seconds,  or directly over an open flame for a smoky flavor (be careful not to burn them!). 

2. Place a few warmed tortillas on a plate. 

3. Top each tortilla with a generous helping of blackened shrimp. 

4. Spoon the vibrant cilantro lime sauce over the shrimp. 

5. Get creative with your toppings! Add your favorites like shredded cabbage,  diced avocado,  crumbled queso fresco,  pico de gallo,  chopped fresh cilantro,  and lime wedges. 

6. Devour these beauties immediately! 

Pro Tip: Serve your tacos with a side of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for those who want to add a touch of extra creaminess. 

Final Thoughts

So foodies you've just made restaurant-quality blackened shrimp tacos with cilantro lime sauce recipe at home. So my dear friends pat yourselves on the back – you deserve it! 

These tacos are just what you need for a chill weeknight dinner,  a weekend hangout,  or a lively summer potluck. Their fresh flavors and impressive presentation make them a guaranteed hit with everyone!

So foodies grab your favorite ingredients, follow these simple steps,  and get ready to embark on a delicious culinary adventure.

Bonus Tip: Leftovers? No problem! Store leftover cooked shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Sure thing! Warm up the shrimp slowly in a pan over low heat,  then put together your tacos whenever you're ready to dig in again.