Charred Jalapeño and Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Zesty grilled shrimp marinated with charred jalapeños and fresh lime, nestled in warm tortillas with crisp cabbage slaw. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, whole jalapeño peppers, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 whole jalapeño peppers
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Char 2 whole jalapeño peppers directly on the grill, turning occasionally for 4-5 minutes until blackened and blistered. Remove and chop finely, discarding seeds if less heat is desired.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and the chopped charred jalapeños. Toss well and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 3: While shrimp marinates, mix 2 cups shredded cabbage with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro in a small bowl, setting aside for topping.
- Step 4: Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred. Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for about 20 seconds per side.
- Step 5: Assemble tacos by placing grilled shrimp on each tortilla, topping with cilantro cabbage slaw, and serving immediately with lime wedges if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charred Jalapeño and Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Charred Jalapeño and Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep whole jalapeño peppers from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Jalapeño and Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Charred Jalapeño and Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Charred Jalapeño and Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos?
Mexican tacos & burritos like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
