These jerk shrimp tacos are a fun and tasty meal! The shrimp are spiced with a zesty jerk seasoning and wrapped up in soft tortillas. Add some fresh toppings for extra crunch!
I love how quick these tacos are to make. It’s like a mini fiesta in my kitchen! Plus, they’re perfect for any taco night—you’ll have everyone coming back for seconds! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are best for this dish because they hold their texture well while cooking. If shrimp is not available, grilled chicken or tofu can be a great alternative to keep the meal light and flavorful.
Jerk Seasoning: You can use store-bought jerk seasoning for convenience. If you prefer homemade, mix spices like allspice, thyme, cinnamon, and cayenne. If you’re sensitive to spice, try a milder seasoning blend instead.
Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional, but you can use flour tortillas if you like a softer texture. You can also try lettuce wraps for a gluten-free option!
Red Cabbage: It adds crunch and color! If you don’t have red cabbage, green cabbage or even shredded carrots would work well. They both provide a nice crunch!
Cheese: Cotija cheese adds a nice salty touch, but if it’s hard to find, feta works great too. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the milk.
How Do I Cook the Perfect Jerk Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp quickly and correctly ensures they stay juicy and tender. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by letting your shrimp marinate in jerk seasoning and olive oil for at least 10-15 minutes. This enhances the flavor!
- Heat your skillet to medium-high. It should be hot enough that the shrimp sizzle when you add them.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch for them to turn opaque and pink; these are good indicators they’re done.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the shrimp will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if you need to!
These simple steps will guarantee your shrimp comes out delicious every time! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Jerk Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup pico de gallo (diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice)
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese or feta
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Optional: sliced avocado or sour cream for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes marinating the shrimp and then another 15 minutes cooking and assembling your tacos. Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with the jerk seasoning and olive oil. Make sure each shrimp is well coated. Let them marinate for about 10-15 minutes to soak up all that delicious flavor.
2. Cooking the Shrimp:
Heat a 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 pink and opaque. This should give you perfectly cooked shrimp! Once done, remove them from the heat and set aside.
3. Preparing the Tortillas:
While your shrimp are cooking, warm the corn tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 30 seconds. You want them warm and flexible for easy wrapping!
4. Assembling the Tacos:
Let’s build your tacos! Start with a corn tortilla and add a layer of shredded red cabbage as the base. Next, pile on the delicious cooked jerk shrimp. Spoon some fresh pico de gallo over the top, then sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese and finish with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
5. Serving Your Tacos:
Serve your tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side, which you can squeeze over the top just before eating for an extra zing. If you like, add sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream to make them even richer and creamer!
Enjoy the perfect balance of spicy, smoky, fresh, and tangy flavors in these vibrant jerk shrimp tacos! Happy eating!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for These Tacos?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or by submerging them in a sealed bag in cold water for about 20-30 minutes.
Can I Make the Jerk Shrimp Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep them in the fridge in an airtight container. Cook them right before serving for the best flavor and texture! You can also store the cooked shrimp in the fridge for up to 2 days.
How Should I Store Leftover Tacos?
If you have any leftovers, store the components separately in airtight containers. The shrimp and toppings can last in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the tortillas are best fresh. Just reheat the shrimp and assemble the tacos when ready to eat!
What Can I Use Instead of Jerk Seasoning?
If you don’t have jerk seasoning, you can create a simple spice blend using paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and thyme for a similar flavor profile. Just adjust the spices to your personal heat preference!
