The 7 Best Shrimp Taco Seasoning Recipes

If you love shrimp tacos, then you know that seasoning is everything.

The right blend of spices can take your tacos from bland to delicious in seconds.

But with so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start.

That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide to shrimp taco seasoning.

From classic blends to unique flavor combinations, these recipes will take your tacos to the next level.

The Importance of Seasoning Your Shrimp Tacos

If you’ve ever had a bland shrimp taco, then you know why seasoning is so important. Shrimp is a delicate protein that needs a little extra help to stand up to other bold flavors in your taco.

Here are some reasons why seasoning your shrimp tacos is so important:

1. Adds flavor: A good seasoning blend will add depth and complexity to your shrimp tacos, making them taste more interesting and satisfying.
2. Enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp: Shrimp has a subtle sweetness that can be brought out with the right blend of spices.
3. Balances other flavors in the taco: Shrimp tacos often include bold flavors like lime, cilantro, and avocado. A good seasoning blend will help balance these flavors and make your tacos taste more harmonious.
4. Creates a mood: Different seasoning blends can evoke different moods and feelings. For example, a spicy blend might make your tacos feel more exciting and adventurous, while a smoky blend might make them feel more comforting and cozy.
5. Makes your tacos stand out: With so many shrimp taco recipes out there, seasoning is one way to make your tacos stand out from the crowd.

Now that you know why seasoning is so important, let’s dive into some recipes.

Recipe 1: Classic Shrimp Taco Seasoning (My Favorite)

This classic blend is perfect for anyone who loves traditional Mexican flavors. It’s simple, but it packs a punch.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Season your shrimp generously with the blend.
3. Cook your shrimp according to your preferred method (grilled, sautéed, etc.).
4. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Serving ideas:

• Top with fresh cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime juice.
• Serve with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans.
• Make a shrimp taco salad by layering shrimp, lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado in a bowl.

Recipe 2: Spicy Seasoning

If you like your tacos with a little heat, then this spicy blend is for you. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a little kick in their food.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Season your shrimp generously with the blend.
3. Cook your shrimp according to your preferred method (grilled, sautéed, etc.).
4. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Serving ideas:

• Top with sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream.
• Serve with a side of Mexican street corn.
• Make a shrimp taco bowl with rice, black beans, and a fried egg on top.

Recipe 3: Smoky Seasoning

This smoky blend is perfect for anyone who loves the taste of grilled food. It’s great for adding depth and richness to your shrimp tacos.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Season your shrimp generously with the blend.
3. Cook your shrimp according to your preferred method (grilled, sautéed, etc.).
4. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Serving ideas:

• Top with diced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, and a squeeze of lime juice.
• Serve with a side of grilled vegetables (like zucchini and bell peppers).
• Make a shrimp taco bowl with rice, black beans, and a fried egg on top.

Recipe 4: Sweet and Spicy Seasoning

This blend is perfect for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and spicy flavors. It’s great for adding a little extra excitement to your tacos.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Season your shrimp generously with the blend.
3. Cook your shrimp according to your preferred method (grilled, sautéed, etc.).
4. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Serving ideas:

• Top with sliced mango, diced red onion, and a drizzle of honey.
• Serve with a side of sweet potato fries.
• Make a shrimp taco bowl with rice, black beans, and roasted sweet potatoes.

Recipe 5: Herb-Infused Seasoning Recipe

This blend is perfect for anyone who loves fresh herbs. It’s great for adding brightness and freshness to your shrimp tacos.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Season your shrimp generously with the blend.
3. Cook your shrimp according to your preferred method (grilled, sautéed, etc.).
4. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Serving ideas:

• Top with diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
• Serve with a side of cucumber salad.
• Make a shrimp taco bowl with rice, black beans, and a poached egg.

Recipe 6: Curry Seasoning

This blend is perfect for anyone who loves Indian flavors. It’s great for adding warmth and spice to your tacos.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Season your shrimp generously with the blend.
3. Cook your shrimp according to your preferred method (grilled, sautéed, etc.).
4. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Serving ideas:

• Top with diced mango, sliced red onion, and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
• Serve with a side of naan bread.
• Make a shrimp taco bowl with rice, black beans, and roasted cauliflower.

Recipe 7: Cajun Shrimp Taco Seasoning

This blend is perfect for anyone who loves bold, spicy flavors. It’s great for adding a little extra kick to your tacos.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Season your shrimp generously with the blend.
3. Cook your shrimp according to your preferred method (grilled, sautéed, etc.).
4. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Serving ideas:

• Top with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Serve with a side of jambalaya.
• Make a shrimp taco bowl with rice, black beans, and sautéed bell peppers and onions.

5 Tips For Seasoning Shrimp Tacos

1. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors. Shrimp is versatile, and it can handle a lot of different spices and seasonings.
2. Always season your shrimp generously. Shrimp is small, so it needs a lot of seasoning to pack a punch.
3. Consider marinating your shrimp before cooking. This will help infuse the flavors into the shrimp and make it even more delicious.
4. Use fresh, high-quality spices for the best flavor. Stale spices will make your tacos taste dull and unexciting.
5. Taste as you go. As you’re seasoning your shrimp, taste it periodically to make sure it’s coming out the way you want it to.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

If you’re planning to make shrimp tacos ahead of time, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Cook and season your shrimp ahead of time, but don’t assemble your tacos until right before serving. This will help keep the tortillas from getting soggy.
• Store your seasoned shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• If you have leftover shrimp tacos, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

FAQs

What seasonings are good for shrimp?

Some good seasonings for shrimp include chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and smoked paprika.

How to make tacos with shrimp?

To make shrimp tacos, start by seasoning your shrimp with your desired seasoning blend. Cook the shrimp according to your preferred method (grilled, sautéed, etc.). Warm your tortillas in the oven or on the stovetop. Assemble your tacos with the shrimp and your favorite toppings.

How to make Kylie Jenner shrimp tacos?

To make Kylie Jenner’s famous shrimp tacos, season your shrimp with a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Cook the shrimp in a pan with olive oil. Assemble your tacos with the shrimp, avocado, shredded lettuce, and a squeeze of lime juice.

What’s good with shrimp tacos?

Some good sides to serve with shrimp tacos include Mexican rice, refried beans, street corn, sweet potato fries, cucumber salad, jambalaya, and roasted vegetables.