Imagine biting into a taco so explosively delicious that it transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico – without leaving your kitchen! These Easy Al Pastor Shrimp Tacos are about to become your new obsession, combining the bold, tangy flavors of traditional al pastor with succulent, perfectly charred shrimp. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that's guaranteed to impress your family and friends, and seriously upgrade your taco game forever.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup al pastor marinade
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1/2 cup pineapple, diced
- Cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp by patting them dry with paper towels to ensure proper marinade absorption and even cooking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with al pastor marinade, gently tossing to coat each piece completely. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Ensure the cooking surface is hot before adding the shrimp.
- Cook the marinated shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and develop a slight char. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
- While shrimp are cooking, warm the corn tortillas on a separate skillet or directly over a gas flame for 30 seconds on each side.
- Remove shrimp from heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes to retain moisture.
- Assemble tacos by placing cooked shrimp on warm tortillas, then top with diced onions and fresh pineapple chunks.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
- Optionally, add your favorite salsa or hot sauce for extra flavor and heat.
Tips
- Dry Your Shrimp: Always pat shrimp completely dry before marinating to ensure the al pastor sauce clings perfectly and creates a beautiful char.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook shrimp in batches if necessary to guarantee that beautiful caramelization and prevent steaming.
- Tortilla Pro-Tip: Warm tortillas directly over a gas flame or on a hot skillet for that authentic, slightly smoky flavor and soft texture.
- Freshness Matters: Use fresh pineapple and cilantro for maximum flavor impact – they're the secret weapons of these incredible tacos.
- Marination Magic: Let shrimp marinate for at least 10 minutes, but don't go over 15 to prevent the acid from "cooking" the delicate seafood.
- Serving Hack: Have lime wedges and extra salsa on the side to let everyone customize their taco experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 349kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 26g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 220mg
