– **Title**: Whole30 Blackened Shrimp Tacos
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound 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 to taste)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 8 small lettuce leaves (such as romaine or butter lettuce)
– 1 avocado, sliced
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– Lime wedges for serving
– Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the blackening spice mix.
2. Add the shrimp to the bowl and drizzle with the olive oil. Toss the shrimp until they are evenly coated in the spice mix.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they are charred and opaque, then flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fully cooked.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and allow them to rest for a minute.
5. To assemble the tacos, take a lettuce leaf and add a few pieces of the blackened shrimp on top. Top with avocado slices and diced tomatoes.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.
7. Enjoy your Whole30 Blackened Shrimp Tacos!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp are ideal for this recipe. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you can also use frozen shrimp—just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
Olive oil: This is great for sautéing due to its flavor and health benefits. However, you can substitute with avocado oil for a higher smoke point or coconut oil for a slightly different taste.
Blackening seasoning: You can buy this mix or easily make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano. Customize based on your spice preference!
Romaine lettuce: This acts as your taco shell. If you’d like something a bit sturdier, try butter lettuce or even collard greens for a unique twist.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is key for sweetness and acidity. Canned pineapple works too, but rinse it well to reduce syrupy sweetness. You could also swap in mango for a different fruity flavor!
How Do I Cook Shrimp to Get a Perfect Char?
Cooking shrimp quickly at the right temperature is key to achieving a beautiful char. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat the skillet to medium-high before adding shrimp; this helps to sear the surface.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding, which allows for even cooking.
- Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn opaque and develop a nice char. Remove promptly to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough.
Keep an eye on them; shrimp cook fast, and you don’t want to miss that perfect moment! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Whole30 Blackened Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp blackening seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
For the Taco Assembly:
- 1 head of romaine lettuce (for taco shells)
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for heat)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, giving a total of around 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a fun weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by taking a bowl and adding the peeled and deveined shrimp. Pour in the olive oil and sprinkle the blackening seasoning over the shrimp. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything together until each shrimp is well coated in that tasty seasoning. This is what gives your tacos that delicious flavor!
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd them! Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them to be fully cooked and have a nice char. Once they look perfect, remove them from the heat and set them aside.
3. Prepare the Toppings:
In another bowl, mix together the diced fresh pineapple, chopped red onion, and diced bell pepper. These will be your fresh toppings for the tacos. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste and stir everything to combine. This mixture will add a sweet and crunchy element to your tacos!
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take individual leaves of romaine lettuce and use them as your taco shells. Fill each leaf with a generous amount of the blackened shrimp. Then, top your shrimp with the pineapple mixture. If you like it spicy, add some sliced jalapeños on top. Finally, sprinkle some fresh cilantro for that extra burst of flavor.
5. Serve:
Plate your tacos and serve lime wedges on the side so everyone can squeeze fresh lime juice on their tacos for a zesty finish. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Whole30 blackened shrimp tacos!
## FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat dry before seasoning to ensure they make a good char.
What If I Don’t Have Blackening Seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own with common spices. Combine 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, ½ tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust spice levels according to your preference!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover shrimp and toppings in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet to maintain their texture. If the toppings are soggy, you might want to prepare fresh salsa instead for best flavor!
Can I Make This Recipe with Other Proteins?
Yes! This recipe works great with other proteins like chicken or even fish. Just adjust cooking times according to the protein used—chicken will take longer to cook through, while fish will generally cook quicker than shrimp. Just ensure they reach the appropriate internal temperature!
