Name: Bobby Flay’s Shrimp Tacos: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: Shrimp (peeled and deveined) – 1 pound (about 20-25 shrimp); Olive oil – 2 tablespoons; Chili powder – 1 tablespoon; Cumin – 1 teaspoon; Paprika – 1 teaspoon; Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon; Salt – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste); Pepper – ½ teaspoon (adjust to taste)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you love shrimp tacos, then Bobby Flay’s version will absolutely blow your mind! Packed with juicy shrimp, fresh veggies, and the perfect amount of heat, these tacos are bursting with flavor. The combination of smoky grilled shrimp, tangy slaw, and creamy avocado will leave you craving more. Best of all, this recipe is super easy to whip up for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend get-together. Once you try these, you’ll never look at shrimp tacos the same way again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bobby Flay’s Shrimp Tacos are the perfect balance of bright, bold flavors with a little kick. The shrimp is perfectly seasoned, grilled to perfection, and combined with fresh, crunchy slaw, making every bite a flavor-packed adventure. The creamy avocado adds richness, while the tangy lime and cilantro bring everything together beautifully. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or just craving a quick, delicious meal, these shrimp tacos are guaranteed to hit the spot.

Ingredients

(Full list of ingredients is at the bottom!)

Here’s what you’ll need to create these incredible shrimp tacos:

Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Olive oil
Chili powder
Cumin
Paprika
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper
Flour or corn tortillas
Shredded cabbage or slaw mix
Lime juice
Cilantro
Avocado
Sour cream or crema (optional for extra creaminess)

This mix of simple yet vibrant ingredients comes together to create shrimp tacos that are packed with flavor but easy to make.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by preparing the shrimp. In a bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp in this spice mixture until they’re well-coated. Let them marinate for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the shrimp to soak up all those delicious spices and flavors.

Step 2: Make the Slaw

While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the slaw. In a separate bowl, mix together shredded cabbage (or pre-made slaw mix), a squeeze of lime juice, and a handful of fresh cilantro. Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste. The slaw should be fresh, crunchy, and slightly tangy to complement the shrimp perfectly.

Step 3: Grill the Shrimp

Heat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re opaque and pink. You want them to be slightly charred, adding that smoky flavor that makes these tacos so special. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and chewy.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

While the shrimp cooks, warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side, until they’re soft and pliable. This step adds an extra layer of warmth and flavor to your tacos.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Now it’s time to assemble the tacos! Place a couple of grilled shrimp in the center of each tortilla, and top with a generous amount of slaw. Slice up some creamy avocado and add a few pieces on top of the shrimp. If you like, drizzle a little sour cream or crema over the top for added creaminess. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of cilantro for that perfect finishing touch.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the tacos with extra lime wedges on the side for those who want an extra burst of citrus. These tacos are great on their own or paired with a side of rice, beans, or grilled vegetables. Enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Shrimp size: When selecting shrimp, opt for medium to large shrimp (about 21-25 count per pound). Smaller shrimp can work, but larger shrimp have a juicier, more satisfying bite.
Make-ahead slaw: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the slaw ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The flavors will even get better as it sits.
Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks fast, so keep an eye on them. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and lose their sweetness, so 2-3 minutes per side is usually perfect.
Spicy kick: If you like a little heat, you can add some diced jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce on top of the tacos.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Grilled veggies: For a vegetarian twist, you can swap the shrimp for grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions. They’ll pick up the same smoky flavors and pair beautifully with the slaw.
Lettuce wraps: If you’re looking to cut down on carbs, try serving the shrimp and slaw in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas. This keeps the dish light but still full of flavor.
Different proteins: While shrimp is the star of this recipe, you could easily substitute grilled chicken, fish, or even beef if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the protein you use.
Spice up the crema: To give your sour cream or crema an extra kick, mix in some chipotle powder or smoked paprika for a smoky, spicy twist.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These shrimp tacos are packed with flavor, but they also pair perfectly with a few sides to complete the meal:

Mexican street corn (elote): Grilled corn slathered in mayo, cheese, lime, and chili powder is a great accompaniment to shrimp tacos. The creamy and smoky flavors complement each other beautifully.
Cilantro-lime rice: A simple side of cilantro-lime rice is the perfect balance to the bold flavors of the tacos. It’s light, fresh, and tangy.
Guacamole and chips: Pair your shrimp tacos with some homemade guacamole and tortilla chips for a snack or side dish that everyone will love.
Grilled vegetables: Grilled veggies, like peppers, onions, or zucchini, add color and texture to your meal. Plus, the smoky flavors from the grill match the shrimp perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

While shrimp tacos are best enjoyed fresh, you can store the leftover components separately in the fridge for up to 1-2 days.

Shrimp: Store the cooked shrimp in an airtight container. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook them.
Slaw: The slaw will keep for about 2-3 days in the fridge. Just give it a quick toss before serving.
Tortillas: Tortillas are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F.

4 FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and grilling.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem! You can cook the shrimp in a grill pan or skillet on the stovetop. Just heat a little oil and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re opaque.
Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the slaw up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will be ready to go when you’re ready to assemble the tacos.
Can I make these shrimp tacos spicier?
Absolutely! Add more chili powder, cumin, or even some cayenne pepper to the shrimp marinade. You can also top the tacos with a spicy hot sauce or fresh jalapeños for extra heat.

Conclusion

Bobby Flay’s Shrimp Tacos are everything you could want in a taco: fresh, flavorful, and full of zest. With juicy grilled shrimp, tangy slaw, creamy avocado, and smoky spices, each bite is a burst of deliciousness. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for any taco night. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making dinner for yourself, these shrimp tacos are sure to become a new favorite. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate shrimp taco experience!

Bobby Flay’s Shrimp Tacos: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Packed with juicy grilled shrimp, tangy slaw, and creamy avocado, Bobby Flay’s Shrimp Tacos are the perfect balance of bright, bold flavors with a touch of heat. These tacos are perfect for taco nights, quick weeknight dinners, or weekend gatherings, delivering a flavor explosion in every bite!

Ingredients

Shrimp (peeled and deveined) – 1 pound (about 20-25 shrimp)
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Chili powder – 1 tablespoon
Cumin – 1 teaspoon
Paprika – 1 teaspoon
Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
Salt – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp: Combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss shrimp in the spice mixture, allowing them to marinate for 10-15 minutes.
Make the Slaw: In a separate bowl, mix shredded cabbage, lime juice, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper, then toss everything together.
Grill the Shrimp: Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and pink.
Warm the Tortillas: Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or on the grill for 30 seconds per side.
Assemble the Tacos: Place grilled shrimp in each tortilla, top with slaw and slices of avocado. Add sour cream or crema if desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Enjoy with rice, beans, or grilled vegetables.