Craving a weeknight dinner that’s both easy and delicious? Try chipotle BBQ shrimp tacos, a quick homemade favorite made with smoky chipotle peppers and tender shrimp, save for later and make it your new family favorite tonight

Chipotle BBQ Shrimp Tacos

Introduction

Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender shrimp, smothered in a rich, smoky chipotle BBQ sauce, all wrapped up in a crispy taco shell. Sounds like a culinary dream, right? The best part is, this dish is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends. With the combination of spicy chipotle peppers, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, and succulent shrimp, these tacos are a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Plus, you can customize them to your liking with your favorite toppings, from diced onions and cilantro to sliced avocado and sour cream.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of chipotle peppers, BBQ sauce, and shrimp creates a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Plus, all the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets, making it a convenient option for a weeknight dinner.
Ease of preparation: This recipe requires minimal prep time and effort, making it perfect for busy home cooks. Simply marinate the shrimp, cook them in a skillet, and assemble the tacos with your favorite toppings.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its bold flavors and beautiful presentation. The chipotle peppers add a deep, smoky flavor that elevates the dish to the next level.

Key Ingredients

The star of the show is, of course, the shrimp. You’ll want to use large, succulent shrimp that can hold up to the bold flavors of the chipotle BBQ sauce. For the sauce itself, you’ll need chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. The chipotle peppers add a smoky heat, while the BBQ sauce provides a sweet and tangy element. You’ll also need some olive oil, garlic, and cilantro to add depth and freshness to the dish. For the tacos, you can use store-bought or homemade taco shells, and top them with your favorite ingredients, such as diced onions, sliced avocado, and sour cream.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by prepping the ingredients. Peel and de-vein the shrimp, and chop the cilantro and garlic. In a blender or food processor, combine the chipotle peppers, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Blend until smooth, then set the sauce aside.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re pink and cooked through.
Step 3: Add the chipotle BBQ sauce to the skillet and stir to coat the shrimp. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened.
Step 4: Warm the taco shells according to the package instructions. Assemble the tacos by placing a few shrimp in each shell, then topping with your favorite ingredients, such as diced onions, sliced avocado, and sour cream.

Handy Tips

If you like a little heat in your food, you can add more chipotle peppers to the sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use just one pepper or substitute in some milder peppers, such as Anaheim or Poblano.
To add some crunch to the dish, you can top the tacos with some chopped radishes or diced jicama.
If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked shrimp or even substitute in some cooked chicken or steak.

Heat Control

When cooking the shrimp, it’s essential to not overcook them. They should be pink and cooked through, but still tender and juicy. If you’re using a thermometer, the internal temperature should be at least 145°F. To avoid overcooking, cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re just cooked through, then remove them from the heat.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the taco shells and any toppings you choose to add, such as diced onions or chopped radishes. To add some extra crunch, you can also top the tacos with some toasted pepitas or chopped nuts.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

To make the dish more efficient, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time, such as chopping the cilantro and garlic, and cooking the shrimp.
To add some extra flavor to the dish, you can marinate the shrimp in some lime juice and olive oil before cooking them.
To make the tacos more visually appealing, you can garnish them with some fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, or diced tomatoes.

Storage Tips

Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet with some olive oil until warmed through.
Leftover taco shells can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To freeze the dish, you can cook the shrimp and sauce, then let them cool completely. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or freezer bag, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat when ready to serve.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give this dish as a gift, you can package it in a variety of ways. One idea is to cook the shrimp and sauce, then transfer them to a decorative jar or container. Add some tortillas, cheese, and toppings on the side, and you have a complete taco kit. You can also add some extra touches, such as a bag of chips or a side of salsa, to make the gift more special.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Different spices: To add some extra heat to the dish, you can add some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the sauce. For a milder flavor, you can substitute in some milder peppers, such as Anaheim or Poblano.
🌟 Creative toppings: Some other topping ideas include diced mango, sliced grilled pineapple, or chopped cilantro. You can also add some crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese for extra flavor.
🌟 Ingredient swaps: If you don’t have shrimp, you can substitute in some other protein, such as chicken, steak, or tofu. You can also use different types of tortillas, such as corn or whole wheat, for a varied flavor and texture.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the shrimp are overcooked, they can become tough and rubbery. To avoid this, cook them for 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re just cooked through, then remove them from the heat.
Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have chipotle peppers, you can substitute in some other spicy peppers, such as jalapenos or serrano peppers. If you don’t have BBQ sauce, you can use some other sweet and tangy sauce, such as teriyaki or hoisin sauce.
Over/undercooking signs: If the shrimp are undercooked, they will be translucent and soft. If they’re overcooked, they will be opaque and firm. To check for doneness, you can also use a thermometer, which should read at least 145°F.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and sauce for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat when ready to serve.
Is it gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free tortillas and BBQ sauce.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Chipotle BBQ Shrimp Tacos are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With the combination of spicy chipotle peppers, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, and succulent shrimp, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this dish is easy to make and requires minimal effort. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of these amazing tacos!

Spicy Chipotle BBQ Shrimp Taco Recipes