If you are craving something bursting with flavor yet quick to whip up, this Sweet and Smoky BBQ Shrimp Tacos Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine tender shrimp enveloped in a sweet and smoky BBQ glaze, perfectly seasoned and paired with fresh, zesty toppings nestled in warm flour tortillas. It’s a fiesta of textures and tastes that feels like a celebration every time you bite into one. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a weekend gathering, these tacos bring incredible satisfaction without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each adding a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color that will make your Sweet and Smoky BBQ Shrimp Tacos pop. From spices to fresh veggies, every component plays a crucial role in creating the vibrant balance this recipe is loved for.
- Medium uncooked shrimp (3/4 lb.): The star protein, providing tender bites that soak up the marinade beautifully.
- Flour tortillas (8-12 medium): Soft and warm, these are the perfect vehicle to hold all those tasty fillings.
- McCormick Southwest Seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a zesty depth with a hint of spice.
- Tex Mex seasoning (1/2 tablespoon): Brings classic southwestern warmth and a bit of smokiness.
- Lemon pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a fresh citrus kick that brightens the shrimp.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a rich, savory base to the seasoning blend.
- Worcestershire sauce (5 dashes): Adds umami complexity and a slight tang.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the shrimp cook evenly and keeps them juicy.
- BBQ sauce (2 tablespoons): Sweet Baby Ray’s or your favorite brand for that signature sweet and smoky punch.
- Fresh lime (1, cut into quarters): Adds brightness and can be squeezed for extra zing.
- Cherry tomatoes (quartered): Provide juicy bursts of freshness and color.
- Half onion (diced): Offers crunch and sharpness to balance the sweetness.
- Sour cream: Creamy contrast to the smoky shrimp and spices.
- Salsa (Tequila Lime recommended): Gives a tangy, slightly spicy complement.
How to Make Sweet and Smoky BBQ Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by thawing the shrimp under cool running water if they are frozen, then peel and devein them. This prep ensures you’re working with fresh, clean shrimp that will absorb all the seasonings perfectly. Trust me, a good shrimp prep makes a huge difference in the final taste and texture.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Preheat your oven to 350°F to gently warm the tortillas. Wrapping them in foil and placing them in the oven makes them soft and pliable—no cracking or tearing when you start filling them. Warm tortillas set the perfect foundation for your taco masterpiece.
Step 3: Chop the Fresh Toppings
Dice the onion and quarter the cherry tomatoes. These fresh veggies add bright, crisp contrasts that keep the dish lively and refreshing. Having these ready ahead of time makes assembling the tacos so much smoother.
Step 4: Season and Cook the Shrimp
In a frying pan, pour the olive oil and add the shrimp along with the Southwest seasoning, Tex Mex seasoning, lemon pepper, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. I love adding all the ingredients before turning on the heat to give everything a chance to mingle right from the start. Spread the shrimp out evenly so each one gets coated and cooks uniformly without crowding.
Step 5: Sauté to Perfection
Cook the shrimp over medium-high heat for about five minutes. As they cook, the sauce will reduce and caramelize just slightly, clinging beautifully to each shrimp. This quick cooking preserves their tender texture while infusing every bite with that irresistible sweet and smoky flavor.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
Now comes the fun part! Load your warmed tortillas with the luscious BBQ shrimp, then top with dollops of sour cream, spoonfuls of salsa, and sprinkle the diced onion and cherry tomatoes. Don’t forget to squeeze a little fresh lime juice over everything for a zesty finish that brings all the flavors together.
How to Serve Sweet and Smoky BBQ Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, or thinly sliced jalapeños can elevate your tacos even further. These touches add freshness, creaminess, or heat, allowing you to customize the flavors exactly to your liking.
Side Dishes
Consider serving your Sweet and Smoky BBQ Shrimp Tacos Recipe alongside Mexican street corn, a crisp cabbage slaw, or even a side of black beans for a complete and satisfying meal. These sides complement the smoky shrimp beautifully without overpowering the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the tacos on a vibrant platter with colorful napkins and small bowls of extra salsa, sour cream, and lime wedges. You can also turn this into a taco bar setup, letting everyone pile their own tacos high with favorite toppings—perfect for gatherings and casual dinners alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any shrimp or toppings left, store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The shrimp stays flavorful for up to two days, but keeping the tortillas separate helps prevent sogginess.
Freezing
While fresh shrimp tacos are best enjoyed immediately, you can freeze the cooked shrimp in a sealed container for up to one month. Just thaw in the refrigerator when ready and reheat gently to preserve texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes just until heated through. Rewarm tortillas wrapped in foil in the oven or microwave. Assemble tacos fresh to keep everything tasting bright and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Sweet and Smoky BBQ Shrimp Tacos Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them under cool running water before cooking. Proper thawing ensures they cook evenly and absorb the seasonings like fresh shrimp.
What type of BBQ sauce works best here?
Sweet Baby Ray’s is a great choice because of its perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness, but feel free to pick any BBQ sauce you love. Just avoid ones that are overly spicy if you want to keep that sweet and smoky profile.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out flour tortillas for corn or any gluten-free tortilla alternative. The shrimp and toppings are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy swap.
How spicy are these shrimp tacos?
They’re mildly spiced due to the Southwest and Tex Mex seasonings, balanced by the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. If you prefer more heat, you can add sliced jalapeños or a spicier salsa.
What are some good alternative toppings?
Try avocado slices, shredded lettuce, pickled onions, or a drizzle of chipotle mayo to mix things up. These add extra creaminess, crunch, or smoky heat, complementing the shrimp perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There is simply something magical about this Sweet and Smoky BBQ Shrimp Tacos Recipe that makes it a go-to whenever you want a meal that’s vibrant, flavorful, and fuss-free. The balance of spices, the quick cooking time, and the fresh toppings come together in such harmony that every bite feels like a culinary hug. Give it a try and I promise these tacos will quickly become one of your favorite meals to share with family and friends!
Print
Sweet and Smoky BBQ Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Sweet and Smoky BBQ Shrimp Tacos featuring perfectly seasoned shrimp cooked in a flavorful BBQ sauce and served with fresh toppings like sour cream, salsa, onions, and tomatoes on warm flour tortillas. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 (3/4 lb.) bag medium uncooked shrimp
- 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Southwest Seasoning
- 1/2 tablespoon Tex Mex seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 5 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)
Tortillas and Toppings
- 8–12 medium flour tortillas
- 1 fresh lime, cut into quarters
- Cherry tomatoes, quartered or smaller
- Half onion, diced
- Sour cream
- Salsa (Newman’s Own Tequila Lime recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, remove them from the bag and place in a colander. Run cool water over the shrimp until they thaw completely. Peel and devein the shrimp for cooking.
- Warm the Tortillas: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Wrap the flour tortillas in foil and place them in the oven to warm while you prepare the shrimp.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the half onion into small diced pieces. Quarter the cherry tomatoes or cut into smaller pieces as desired for taco toppings.
- Combine Ingredients in Pan: Pour the olive oil into a frying pan. Add the shrimp along with Southwest seasoning, Tex Mex seasoning, lemon pepper, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Before turning on the heat, mix all ingredients to coat the shrimp evenly and spread them out so none overlap.
- Cook the Shrimp: Turn the heat to medium-high and cook the shrimp for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the shrimp are fully cooked and the sauce has reduced slightly for a thick, flavorful coating.
- Assemble the Tacos: Remove the warmed tortillas from the oven. Top each tortilla with the cooked shrimp, then add sour cream, salsa, diced onions, and cherry tomatoes. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for added brightness, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning amounts to suit your taste and spice tolerance.
- Use fresh shrimp when possible for best flavor and texture.
- Warming tortillas in the oven wrapped in foil ensures they stay soft and pliable.
- The sauce reduces quickly so keep an eye on the shrimp to avoid overcooking.
