Grilled Shrimp Tacos

5 from 2 votes
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These Grilled Shrimp Tacos are topped with a delicious homemade grilled pineapple salsa for the perfect sweet and salty combination!

two grilled shrimp tacos on a black serving board, surrounded with pineapple salsa, cilantro, and lime wedges
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Grilled Shrimp Tacos

When the temperature heats up, we love a fresh tasting shrimp taco straight from the grill! These succulent seafood tacos are topped with the most delicious grilled pineapple salsa for a simple, amazing meal perfect for cookouts, weeknights, and parties.

This recipe is quick, doesn’t require a ton of ingredients, and can easily be prepped ahead of time and served buffet style! It’s also very allergen friendly–It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and soy-free so more people can enjoy! (P.S. Worried someone might have a shellfish allergy? This amazing jalapeno lime chicken would be fantastic with the pineapple salsa, too!)

Ingredients for Shrimp Tacos Recipe

ingredients needed for grilled shrimp tacos, separated out into small ramekins on a white background

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need for this easy summer recipe. Find exact measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

  • Shrimp – I used raw large-sized shrimp (usually 30-40 per pound). Feel free to use smaller or larger, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Do not use pre-cooked shrimp; the grill will quickly overcook and dry them out.
  • Avocado oil – This mild-flavored oil keeps the shrimp moist and helps the seasonings stick. Replace with olive oil, coconut oil, vegetable oil, whatever you prefer for cooking.
  • Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper
  • Pineapple Salsa – I used my Grilled Pineapple Salsa recipe. It’s quick, super flavorful, and amazing with shrimp!
  • Corn tortillas – Feel free to replace with flour tortillas, zucchini tortillas, or whatever you prefer.
  • Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro and parsley, lime wedges, lime zest, cotija cheese, or hot sauce

How to make Grilled Shrimp Tacos

You are going to LOVE how easy these tacos are! Grab a mixing bowl and heat up the grill for this quick and easy dinner recipe.

Season the shrimp

raw large shrimp on a white plate with seasonings

First, get your grill going — You want to medium-high heat (aim for about 450 degrees). While that’s heating up, place your raw shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Pour over the oil and seasonings, then toss to coat.

Cook shrimp

shrimp grilling on a hot grill grate

Once your grill is hot enough, place your shrimp on the grill and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side. The shrimp will change color as it cooks, so wait until they are pink and opaque throughout. Remove from the grill.

No grill? No worries! You can use this air fryer method or cook your shrimp in a skillet or grill pan on the stove.

Warm tortillas

This part is optional, but you usually get the best texture and flavor from corn tortillas when they are warm. Place them on the grill (edges can touch but don’t overlap them) for about 30 seconds on each side. Alternatively, you could do this in a dry, hot pan on the stove or under a broiler (about 6″ away so they don’t burn too fast). Wrap warmed tortillas in aluminum foil until you’re ready to start assembling and serving.

Assemble tacos

Finally, take your warm tortilla and top with succulent grilled shrimp and the smoky grilled pineapple salsa. For added flavor and color, you can sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley) and provide some lime wedges. The acidity in lime juice works great with both the shrimp and the sweet salsa!

What to serve with grilled shrimp tacos

We love these sweet-and-savory tacos with tortilla chips, this Avocado Bacon Dip, some salsa, and a Spicy Watermelon Margarita. Our favorite Mexican Street Corn is another perfect side for tacos, and these seasoned black beans add more hearty flavor. Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice or these easy Fajita Vegetables are a healthy way to bulk up the meal with more good veggies!

More cookout sides & appetizers:

overhead shot of grilled shrimp tacos with a margarita, surrounded by lime wedges and cilantro

Tips for the best Shrimp Tacos

  • Avoid overcooking shrimp – If you want a smoky, grilled flavor, you should use raw shrimp. The direct heat of the grill is very hot, so adding cooked shrimp to the grill will quickly dry it out. You can use raw, frozen shrimp as long as you thaw it first. If you’re doubling this and worried about moving all the shrimp quickly, try threading the seasoned shrimp onto skewers so you can quickly flip the shrimp without touching each one individually. You could use a grill basket if you prefer.
  • Warm your tortillas – Warm corn tortillas are more pliable and the texture holds up better to the juice you’ll get from the salsa. Dry heat works best for corn tortillas, so place them right on the grill grates or warm them under the broiler. If using flour tortillas, steam a stack of them in the microwave with a damp paper towel.
  • Try some alternatives – If you’re not a fan of pineapple, consider topping the tacos with this mango salsa instead. Love cabbage? Swap the salsa for this easy slaw recipe with fresh lime juice. For those who prefer more spice, replace the seasonings with this amazing blackening blend!

More Grilling Recipes

  • Tacos Al Pastor – The spice in the pork marinade in this recipe contrasts perfectly with the sweet grilled pineapple on these tacos! Perfect blend of flavors & so easy.
  • Grilled Shrimp Marinade – This lemony garlic shrimp is incredibly flavorful! It instantly upgrades any salad, wrap, pasta, or veggie you serve with it.
  • Shrimp Kabobs – This is the perfect summer dinner because it works perfectly with any fresh produce coming from your garden!
  • Grilled Chicken Tacos – This quick recipe also has a delectable avocado crema you’re going to want on every taco ever!
  • Flank Steak with Chimichurri – The savory, smoky flavor from this beef recipe is perfectly paired with the herby, acidic chimichurri sauce! It’s a cookout classic.
5 from 2 votes

Grilled Shrimp Tacos

By: Olivia
Servings: 4 servings (2 tacos each)
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
45 degree shot closeup view of juicy grilled shrimp and grilled pineapple salsa on corn tortillas
These Grilled Shrimp Tacos are topped with a delicious homemade grilled pineapple salsa for the perfect sweet and salty combination!

Ingredients 

  • 8 corn tortillas, + extra if you like to double up for stability
  • 1 pound shrimp, large, raw, peeled, deveined
  • 1 teaspoon avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 batch Grilled Pineapple Salsa, You'll use about 1 cup (half of batch) if you add 2 tablespoons per taco.

Instructions 

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 450°F degrees. Place shrimp in a large bowl. Toss with the oil and seasonings and set aside.
  • Place shrimp on grill and cook for 1-2 minutes per side or until they are pink and opaque throughout. Remove from grill and remove tails if necessary.
  • Warm your tortillas either in the microwave or on the grill and wrap in aluminum foil until ready to serve!
  • Assemble tacos with the shrimp and grilled pineapple salsa! 

Notes

Nutrition values include about 2 tablespoons of pineapple salsa and one tortilla per taco

Nutrition

Serving: 2 tacosCalories: 271kcalCarbohydrates: 28.9gProtein: 26.5gFat: 5.7gCholesterol: 182.6mgSodium: 561.5mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6.5g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Mexican
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