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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp is ideal for these tacos since they hold up well to cooking and have great texture. If shrimp is not available, you can try chicken or firm white fish. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the protein you choose.
Spices: The blend of paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder adds depth. If you don’t have paprika, smoked paprika can give a nice twist, or you could use taco seasoning instead. For a milder spice, skip the cayenne or reduce the amount.
Lettuce: Lettuce leaves are perfect for wrapping. I prefer using romaine for its sturdiness. You can also use cabbage or collard greens if you want something a bit more hearty.
Mango: Fresh mango brings sweetness to the dish. If it’s out of season, try pineapple or peach as a substitute for a different flavor profile that still pairs well.
How Do I Get the Perfect Blackened Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp to get that perfect blackened finish requires some attention. The key is to not overcrowd the skillet, which allows the shrimp to cook evenly and develop that nice char.
- Heat the skillet to medium-high before adding the shrimp. This ensures a good sear.
- Cook in batches if needed, allowing enough space for each shrimp.
- Watch the cooking time closely—2-3 minutes on each side is usually perfect, and remove them once they turn opaque and slightly charred.
Letting them marinate first really helps to enhance the flavors, so don’t skip that step! Enjoy the process, and have fun assembling those colorful tacos!
Whole30 Blackened Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For The Tacos:
- 1-2 cups lettuce leaves (for wrapping)
- 1 cup diced mango (fresh)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and 10-15 minutes for cooking. You’ll be marinating the shrimp for about 15-30 minutes, giving it a delightful flavor. Total time is around 35-55 minutes, making it great for a quick and tasty meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This will be the delicious marinade that adds lots of flavor to the shrimp!
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl with the marinade. Toss the shrimp until they are all nicely coated. Let them sit and soak in the flavors for at least 15-30 minutes. This makes them extra tasty!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the marinated shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are thoroughly cooked and have a lovely charred appearance. Then, take them off the heat.
4. Make the Mango Salsa:
While the shrimp are cooking, prepare the mango salsa. In a separate bowl, combine the diced mango, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño if you’re using it. Gently mix everything together. This fresh salsa will add a burst of flavor to your tacos!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Take a lettuce leaf and lay it flat. Fill it with several pieces of the blackened shrimp. Top it off with a generous scoop of your mango salsa. Feel free to add any other toppings you like!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tacos with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze the lime juice over the tacos before eating for a refreshing tang. Enjoy your delicious Whole30 Blackened Shrimp Tacos!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thoroughly thaw the frozen shrimp before marinating. You can do this by placing the shrimp in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with paper towels to help the marinade stick!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer less heat, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. You can always serve sliced jalapeños on the side for those who enjoy a little extra kick without making the whole dish spicy.
What Are Some Alternatives to Lettuce Wraps?
If you’re not a fan of lettuce wraps, you can use other Whole30-approved options like grilled bell peppers or radicchio leaves. You could also enjoy the blackened shrimp over a bed of fresh greens with the mango salsa on top for a delicious salad!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover shrimp and mango salsa in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat the shrimp, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Be sure to serve the salsa fresh for the best flavor!
