– **Title**: Whole30 Blackened Shrimp Tacos
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon 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
– 1 lime, juiced
– 8 small lettuce leaves (for taco shells)
– 1 ripe avocado, sliced
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced radishes, or your choice of Whole30 compliant salsa
– **Instructions**:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the blackening spice mixture.
2. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, then sprinkle the spice mixture over the shrimp. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
4. While the shrimp cook, prepare the lettuce leaves by rinsing them and patting dry. These will serve as the taco shells.
5. Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and assemble the tacos. Place a few shrimp in each lettuce leaf, top with avocado slices, cilantro, and any additional toppings you prefer.
6. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
Enjoy your Whole30 Blackened Shrimp Tacos!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large shrimp for a satisfying bite. If shrimp isn’t available, try diced chicken breast or firm tofu. Just remember the cooking time differs with these options!
Spices: Paprika and cayenne pepper are key to the blackened flavor. If you prefer a milder taco, you can reduce the amount of cayenne or substitute it with smoked paprika for a smoky touch.
Mango: Fresh mango adds sweetness. If mango isn’t in season, you could use diced pineapple or peaches for a fruity twist.
Lettuce: I like using butter lettuce for its tender leaves, but romaine works well too. You can also use corn tortillas if you’re okay with stepping outside Whole30 guidelines!
How Do I Get the Perfect Blackening on My Shrimp?
Blackening shrimp gives it a delicious char and flavor. Here are some tips to help you achieve that perfect blackened finish:
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the shrimp. This helps create a nice sear.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and don’t overcrowd the pan. This keeps the cooking even and helps with browning.
- Cook for just 2-3 minutes on each side. Overcooking shrimp can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them!
How to Make 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 cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
For the Mango Salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 small jalapeño, sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For Serving:
- Lettuce leaves (such as romaine or butter lettuce)
- Lime wedges for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, so you can have these Whole30 blackened shrimp tacos ready in just about 20 minutes! Perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
In a large bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil and all the spices: paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, and cumin. Toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated in the spice mixture. Make sure they are nicely covered for that bold flavor!
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot. Once ready, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they are opaque and have a nice blackened look. Remove the skillet from heat once cooked.
3. Make the Mango Salsa:
While the shrimp are cooking, take another bowl and mix together the diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. This fresh salsa will add a wonderful sweetness and crunch to your tacos!
4. Assemble the Tacos:
To put together your tacos, take a lettuce leaf and spoon in some of the blackened shrimp. Top it off with a generous amount of the mango salsa. These lettuce wraps will be light and refreshing!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tacos with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top before digging in for the best flavor. Enjoy these vibrant, Whole30-friendly shrimp tacos!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before cooking. The best way to thaw them is to place them in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water for about 20-30 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with paper towels to help the blackening seasoning stick better!
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices Listed?
No worries! You can substitute the blackening spices with a pre-made Cajun or Creole seasoning if you have it on hand. Just use about 2 tablespoons, adjusting to taste. Alternatively, you can mix and match based on what you have—adding some chili powder or more garlic powder can still deliver delicious results!
Can I Prepare the Salsa Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the mango salsa in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. Just be sure to toss it again before serving, as the ingredients may settle. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftovers, separate the shrimp from the assembled tacos to keep the lettuce crisp. Place the shrimp and salsa in airtight containers in the fridge, and they’ll last about 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat and assemble fresh tacos as desired.
