Print

Blackened Shrimp Tacos Recipe with Easy Pineapple Avocado Salsa

blackened shrimp tacos - featured image
Print Recipe

These blackened shrimp tacos feature a smoky, slightly spicy crust paired with a bright, sweet, and creamy pineapple avocado salsa. Ready in about 25 minutes, they are perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on heat preference)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (for cooking)
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely diced
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (adjust for heat)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt to taste
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Optional: crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese
  • Optional: a drizzle of sour cream or crema

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to make the blackened seasoning.
  2. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss shrimp in the spice mix until evenly coated.
  3. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook about 2 minutes per side until blackened and just cooked through. Cook in batches if needed.
  4. While shrimp cooks, combine pineapple, avocado, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Gently toss to combine without mashing avocado. Adjust salt or lime juice as needed.
  5. Warm tortillas on a dry skillet or over a gas flame for a few seconds per side until pliable and slightly charred. Keep wrapped in a clean towel to stay warm.
  6. Assemble tacos by placing shrimp on warm tortillas, topping with pineapple avocado salsa, and adding optional cheese or crema. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before seasoning for better searing. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good blackened crust. Adjust cayenne pepper for desired spice level. Warm tortillas just before serving and keep wrapped to retain moisture. Salsa can be made ahead but add avocado and lime juice last minute to prevent browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: blackened shrimp tacos, pineapple avocado salsa, shrimp tacos, easy shrimp recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meal, seafood tacos, spicy shrimp, tropical salsa

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/blackened-shrimp-tacos-recipe-with-easy-pineapple-avocado-salsa/