Spice marinated shrimp, a crunchy slaw and a sweet and creamy mango crema to top it all off - these jerk spiced shrimp tacos are so good (& easy too!).
This post may contain affiliate links, where we earn from qualifying purchases. See more details in the policy page.
There are some recipes that I think about and make within a day or two. Others it can be weeks or more, for various reasons. Those ones that take longer I always worry they won't be worth the wait.
I didn't need to worry with these jerk spiced shrimp tacos: we instantly loved them.And can't wait to have them again!
You might have noticed we have been getting into tacos a bit recently. I think it's that we all love the combination of flavors, the fact they are easy to make a bit spicier for us (eg with tomatillo salsa verde or mango habanero sauce) and they're generally easy to make.
The kids both love my slow cooker pork carnitas tacos and we have those pretty often now. My sweet potato tacos are still one of my favorites too, although these are giving some fierce competition.
When I saw this month's Fish Friday Foodies's theme was fish or seafood sandwiches, I first remembered the soft shell crab sandwich I made last year. But then my mind quickly drifted to tacos.
I decided to mix things up a bit and came up with these jerk spiced shrimp tacos that use the flavors from another summer favorite, Jamaican jerk chicken. And they worked perfectly.
How to make jerk spiced shrimp tacos
Once you've put together the marinade mixture, add the shrimp and leave them to take on the lime and spices. The carrot and red cabbage slaw is super easy to mix up, as is the mango crema. They both compliment the shrimp so well, you really don't want to skip either of them. Then the shrimp take just a couple minutes to cook, put it together and enjoy.
If you can't get enough shrimp recipes, then why not also try this tasty Peruvian shrimp chowder, chupe de camarones, with lots of veggies and a flavorful broth base, some shrimp burritos or Greek shrimp saganaki, where the shrimp are cooked with a slightly spicy tomato sauce.
The combination of flavors in the shrimp, along with the crunchy, gently citrus slaw and the sweet, creamy mango crema all go so well together. And these jerk spiced shrimp tacos are easy to make, too. In other words, you have so may reasons to make them.
Like tacos? Try these!
- Tacos al pastor
- Lobster tacos
- Salmon tacos
- Plus get more seafood recipes in the archives.
Jerk spiced shrimp tacos
Ingredients
For shrimp
- 1 teaspoon garlic pureed, approx 1 lg clove
- 1 teaspoon pureed ginger
- 1 tablespoon grated onion
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon honey
- ½ lime juice and zest
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or half scotch bonnet pepper for hot version)
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 dash salt
- ½ lb raw shrimp 225g prawns (deveigned, shelled weight)
For slaw
- ½ cup carrot 1 med carrot, coarsely grated
- ½ cup red cabbage 2oz/55g, shredded
- ¼ cup cilantro coriander, leaves from approx 5-6 stems
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
For crema
- 2 tablespoon pureed mango
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
To serve
- 4 tortillas corn or wheat taco size, soft
Instructions
- Mix together all of the marinade ingredients (garlic, ginger, onion, allspice, thyme, soy sauce, honey, lime, cayenne pepper, cinnamon and salt) in a small container or zip-top freezer bag. Add the shrimp and toss so they are coated. Refrigerate to marinade for approx 2hrs.
- Shortly before ready to cook, mix together the slaw ingredients (grated carrot, shredded cabbage, cilantro and lime) and set aside. Mash/puree the mango crema ingredients (mango, sour cream and lime) and set aside as well.
- Warm either a grill or grill pan to cook the shrimp. Shake any excess marinade off the shrimp then grill just a minute or two either side until they are opaque and cooked through.
- Put together your tacos - a spoonful of slaw, topped with some shrimp and a drizzle of mango crema. Enjoy!
Nutrition
See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store.
Remember to pin for later!
Marie Gizelle says
Wow, looks so yummy, I could easily eat 3 of those tacos! Shrimps on anything will always be yummy for me. 😀 Hello, it's me shrimplover shrimphead 😀 ahahahah, thanks for sharing!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, I know what you mean, it's definitely pretty impossible to stop at one!
Michelle says
I love jerk spice. I bet it's amazing on the shrimp. I love that you made your own seasoning blend. Thanks for sharing it! I can see this on all sorts of seafood
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, I do like jerk flavors as well. Yes I can imagine them with other fish as well. And they go really well with the mango crema too.
Marisa Franca says
Whenever we eat out I usually get some form of seafood. I love seafood and shrimp in particular -- the tacos look amazing and what I'd order out. How nice that I could make them at home. A great inspiration.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Marisa, I am a big seafood fan as well. These are pretty easy but yes, they do feel like something you might get out. Always nice to be able to make at home instead (or as well!)
Jan says
My hubby loves shrimp tacos! thanks for giving us some fresh inspiration at Celebrate 365 Blog Party! Love having you over!
Jan
Caroline's Cooking says
You're welcome Jan, and thanks!
sneha datar says
Gosh! Wish I could have one those tacos..yum!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Sneha, do give them a try!
Sid says
I love shrimp taco's and with jerk seasoning, and the mango crema? Gotta try this.
Caroline's Cooking says
I agree, you really do 😉 Thanks Sid.
Tracey says
Ooo, I need to try these tacos. I love jerk seasoning on chicken so it has to be great on chicken!
Thanks for the idea,
Tracey @ MyBajaKitchen
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Tracey, hope you enjoy!
Colleen says
You had me at mango crema...yum, yum, yum!
Caroline's Cooking says
It's so good Colleen, really adds something and goes so well with everything else.
Karen says
Caroline, these are so gorgeous, and the ingredients! These sound sooooo good!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Karen, they are indeed delicious!
P~ says
Yes, please! Caroline, these look wonderful! P~
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, they were an instant hit here!
Wendy Klik says
I cannot wait to try this mango crema Caroline...perfect for so many tropical dishes.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Wendy, indeed it would be great on many other things too, I'm sure!