– **Title**: Whole30 Blackened Shrimp Tacos
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
– 1/2 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 small lettuce leaves (such as romaine or butter lettuce) for taco shells
– 1 avocado, sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– Lime wedges for serving
– **Instructions**:
1. In a bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the blackening spice mixture.
2. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and toss them with the olive oil and the blackening spice mixture until well coated.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
4. While the shrimp are cooking, prepare the taco toppings by slicing the avocado and halving the cherry tomatoes.
5. To assemble the tacos, place a few blackened shrimp in a lettuce leaf, then top with avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
6. Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top before eating.
Enjoy your Whole30 friendly blackened shrimp tacos!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for these tacos as they cook quickly and hold up well. If shrimp aren’t available, consider using diced chicken breast or firm fish like mahi-mahi as great alternatives.
Smoked Paprika: This ingredient adds a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use regular paprika with a bit of cumin for depth or even chili powder for a different kick.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives a sweet contrast to the spicy shrimp. If fresh isn’t handy, canned pineapple (in its juice) works too, just drain well. Mango is a nice change as well!
Lettuce: Romaine is great for taco shells, but any sturdy leafy green like butter lettuce or even chard can work too. Just make sure it’s strong enough to hold the fillings!
How Do You Get Perfectly Blackened Shrimp?
Getting that perfect blackened crust on shrimp can be tricky. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot skillet — preheat for a few minutes. This ensures you get a nice sear.
- Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated in the seasoning and pat them dry slightly. This helps them sear instead of steam.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary, leaving space for them to blacken.
- Cook 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re opaque, with a beautifully charred surface. Avoid flipping them too early!
How to Make Whole30 Blackened Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Blackened Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
For the Taco Shells:
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, leaves separated
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and perfect for a busy weeknight, allowing you to enjoy flavorful tacos without too much fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Blackening Seasoning:
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until you have a nice, even mixture. This is your blackening seasoning!
2. Season the Shrimp:
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl with the seasoning. Toss the shrimp until they are well-coated and all the seasoning is evenly distributed. This will give your shrimp a fantastic flavor!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and have a nice blackened crust. Remove the shrimp from the skillet when they are cooked through.
4. Prepare the Toppings:
While the shrimp are cooking, chop the fresh pineapple, red onion, and bell pepper. Mix these diced toppings together in a separate bowl. This fresh mix will add a wonderful contrast to the spicy shrimp!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
To make your tacos, take a piece of romaine lettuce and lay it flat. Add a few pieces of the blackened shrimp on one side. Top them with your pineapple mixture, and if you like a little extra heat, add some sliced jalapeños. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
These tacos are best served immediately! Enjoy your Whole30 Blackened Shrimp Tacos fresh and hot with all those vibrant flavors.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp before seasoning. You can thaw frozen shrimp by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry to help the seasoning adhere better.
What Can I Use Instead of Romaine Lettuce for Taco Shells?
If you don’t have romaine lettuce, you can use other leafy greens like butter lettuce, iceberg lettuce, or even collard greens. Just make sure the leaves are big enough to hold your taco fillings without tearing!
How Should I Store Leftover Shrimp Tacos?
It’s best to store the components separately. Place any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the pineapple mixture and lettuce leaves in separate containers as well. Assemble the tacos fresh when you’re ready to eat!
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes, you can easily customize the spice level of the seasoning! If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it entirely. You can also add a bit of lime juice or a dollop of avocado for extra flavor without the heat!
