Elevate your weeknight meal with these vibrant Blackstone griddle shrimp tacos that bring a restaurant-style sear right to your backyard. By utilizing the even, high-heat surface of a griddle, you can achieve perfectly charred, juicy shrimp and warm, pliable tortillas in mere minutes. This simple preparation is designed to get a fresh, flavorful meal on the table in under fifteen minutes, making it the ideal solution for busy evenings when you crave something special.
List of ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for cooking
- 12 street-size corn tortillas
- 8 oz tartar sauce
- 2 to 4 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 cup slaw or shredded lettuce
- Lime wedges for serving
step-by-step instructions
- Step: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Step: Season shrimp with Old Bay seasoning, kosher salt, and pepper.
- Step: Preheat the Blackstone griddle for 5 minutes on medium-high heat.
- Step: Add oil and spread evenly across the cooking surface.
- Step: Place shrimp and corn tortillas in a single layer on the griddle.
- Step: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Step: Mix tartar sauce with sriracha to create a spicy sauce.
- Step: Assemble tacos by layering slaw or lettuce, grilled shrimp, and spicy tartar sauce.
- Step: Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over top.
Refining Your Griddle Technique
Ensuring Proper Surface Heat
The success of this dish relies heavily on the temperature of the griddle surface. If the griddle is not hot enough, the shrimp will release their juices and boil in the liquid instead of searing. Always check for a light shimmer on the oil before adding your ingredients to confirm the surface is ready for a quick, high-heat cook.
Managing Ingredient Placement
Crowding the griddle surface is a common mistake that leads to uneven cooking. By spacing out the shrimp, you allow the moisture to evaporate quickly, which is the secret to getting those beautiful char marks. If you are feeding a large group, it is better to cook in smaller, successive batches rather than trying to load the entire pound of shrimp at once.
Selecting the Right Oil
Using a neutral vegetable oil with a high smoke point prevents the shrimp from taking on a bitter, burnt taste during the high-heat searing process. Avoid using oils like extra virgin olive oil, which can break down and smoke too early. Vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oils are much more reliable options for consistent results on a outdoor griddle.
Customization and Flavor Variations
Exploring Different Sauces
While the spicy tartar sauce provides a classic pairing, you can easily pivot based on your mood. A chipotle-infused mayonnaise adds a smokier depth, while a cilantro-lime crema can offer a cooling effect that complements the heat of the seasoning. You can also mix in minced garlic or fresh herbs like cilantro into the base sauce to add complexity to each bite.
Adding Tropical Accents
Shrimp pairs exceptionally well with fruit-based toppings that provide a sweet contrast to the savory, spiced crust. Try adding finely diced mango or pineapple to the slaw mix for a refreshing bite. These additions not only improve the flavor profile but also add a vibrant pop of color to the final presentation.
Alternative Topping Choices
Beyond the standard slaw or lettuce, you might consider using pickled vegetables for an extra layer of tang. Quick-pickled red onions or radishes can cut through the richness of the seafood and sauce beautifully. If you prefer a salty finish, a sprinkle of crumbled cotija or queso fresco cheese can elevate the textures and flavors even further.
Storage and Preparation Strategy
Managing Leftover Shrimp
If you find yourself with extra shrimp, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no longer than two days. It is important to keep the shrimp separate from the slaw and tortillas until the moment of serving to prevent the tacos from becoming soggy. When you are ready for round two, store the sauce in a separate container to maintain its consistency for up to five days.
Reheating for Maximum Texture
To avoid rubbery shrimp, avoid the microwave when reheating your leftovers. Instead, return the shrimp to a preheated griddle for just one to two minutes until they are warmed through. This quick heat-up preserves the integrity of the crust and keeps the inside juicy, ensuring the second serving is just as satisfying as the first.
Preparing Components in Advance
You can save significant time during busy nights by prepping your ingredients earlier in the day. The spicy tartar sauce tastes even better after resting for a few hours, as the sriracha flavor deepens and melds with the creamy base. Keep your slaw washed and shredded, and have your shrimp cleaned and seasoned, so that when dinner time arrives, you only need to focus on the brief cooking time.
Common Questions Addressed
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, flour tortillas are a suitable substitute for corn if you prefer a softer, fluffier taco experience. Keep a closer watch on them while they are on the griddle, as flour tortillas brown and crisp faster than corn tortillas. Adjust your timing slightly to ensure they remain pliable enough to fold without cracking.
How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Shrimp cook very quickly and turn a bright pink-orange color when finished. You are looking for a slight curl into a loose C-shape, which indicates they are succulent and not yet overcooked. Once they form a tight O-shape, they are typically past the point of ideal tenderness.
Is there a way to make these without a griddle?
While the Blackstone griddle provides a unique, smoky char and consistent heat, you can achieve a similar result using a large cast-iron skillet on your stove. Ensure the skillet is thoroughly preheated over medium-high heat and use enough oil to coat the bottom. Follow the same assembly instructions to get the best possible flavor on a standard indoor burner.
How can I manage the spice level for children?
If you are serving guests with lower spice tolerances, reduce the sriracha in the sauce or serve it on the side. You can offer plain tartar sauce or a mild lime-infused sour cream as an alternative for those who prefer to keep the meal mild. This allows every guest to customize their own taco heat to their personal comfort level.
What is the best way to keep tortillas warm?
If you are cooking for a crowd, keep your tortillas warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel or placing them in a covered tortilla warmer after they come off the griddle. This traps the steam, ensuring they stay soft and flexible for everyone at the table. Do not leave them exposed to the air for too long, as they will quickly dry out and lose their ability to fold.
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Easy Blackstone Griddle Shrimp Tacos
- Total Time: PT15M
- Yield: 12 street size tacos 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Transform your ordinary Taco Tuesday into a sizzling seaside fiesta with these mouthwatering Blackstone Griddle Shrimp Tacos. This recipe combines the smoky char of griddle cooking with succulent, perfectly seasoned shrimp that delivers restaurant-quality results right in your backyard.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for cooking
- 12 street-size corn tortillas
- 8 oz tartar sauce
- 2 to 4 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 cup slaw or shredded lettuce
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Step: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Step: Season shrimp with Old Bay seasoning, kosher salt, and pepper.
- Step: Preheat the Blackstone griddle for 5 minutes on medium-high heat.
- Step: Add oil and spread evenly across the cooking surface.
- Step: Place shrimp and corn tortillas in a single layer on the griddle.
- Step: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Step: Mix tartar sauce with sriracha to create a spicy sauce.
- Step: Assemble tacos by layering slaw or lettuce, grilled shrimp, and spicy tartar sauce.
- Step: Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over top.
Notes
While these tacos are best enjoyed fresh off the griddle, you can prepare components ahead of time: Cooked shrimp stays fresh in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Store the spicy tartar sauce separately for up to 5 days. Warm tortillas just before serving for best results. Reheat shrimp on the griddle for 1-2 minutes to maintain texture. Keep prepared slaw separate and add just before serving.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT5M
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Griddling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 185 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg