Shrimp and Steak Tacos

If you’re craving a dish that brings together the smoky richness of steak with the zesty freshness of shrimp, look no further than Shrimp and Steak Tacos. These surf-and-turf tacos are a flavor-packed experience that’s perfect for your next taco night, backyard cookout, or weekend indulgence.

With a combination of juicy grilled steak, perfectly seasoned shrimp, melty cheese, and fresh toppings, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and refreshing. It’s no wonder these tacos are showing up on trendy restaurant menus and Instagram feeds everywhere.

Before diving into the recipe, check out this expert grilling guide on skirt steak from Serious Eats to make sure your steak is perfectly cooked every time.

And if you’re curious about the nutritional value of shrimp, Healthline breaks it down here, showing why it’s a healthy, protein-rich addition to your taco lineup.

🌟 Why You’ll Love Shrimp and Steak Tacos

These tacos are:

Bursting with flavor from fresh, bold seasonings
Simple to prepare in under 30 minutes

Ideal for grilling, pan-searing, or cast iron cooking
Perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend parties

🥩🦐 Ingredients You’ll Need For Shrimp and Steak Tacos

Main Proteins:

1–2 lbs skirt steak or flank steak

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

Seasonings:

Olive oil or canola oil
Chipotle garlic rub for steak

Lime zest, smoked paprika, and jalapeño powder for shrimp

Taco Essentials:

Corn or flour tortillas
Shredded Jack or Cheddar cheese

Red onion, chopped
Fresh cilantro

Avocado Salsa:

1 ripe avocado

1 serrano pepper
Cilantro, onion, lime juice
White vinegar and water

🔥 Choosing the Right Proteins

Skirt steak is a classic choice thanks to its deep beefy flavor and tender texture when cooked quickly at high heat. If you prefer a leaner cut, flank steak is a great alternative.

For the shrimp, go for medium to large wild-caught varieties. They cook quickly and hold up well to searing without becoming rubbery. Always pat your shrimp dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect sear.

🧂 Marinades That Make a Difference

For the steak:

2 tbsp olive oil

2.5 tbsp chipotle garlic rub
Juice of 1 lime
1 minced garlic clove

For the shrimp:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp jalapeño powder

Zest of 1 lime
Salt to taste

Let the steak marinate for at least 1 hour, and the shrimp for 15–30 minutes.

🔥 Cooking Methods: Grill or Pan

Grilling Instructions:

Preheat your grill to high heat (400°F)
Sear steak for 4 minutes per side until medium rare (125°F internal temp)
Cook shrimp in a cast iron pan on the grill for 2–3 minutes until pink and curled into a “C” shape

Stovetop Alternative:

Heat a skillet or griddle over high heat
Use the same timing and technique as grilling
Ensure good ventilation for indoor cooking

🌮 Preparing Tortillas for Taco Perfection

Warm your tortillas in one of the following ways:

Microwave: Wrap in a damp paper towel for 15 seconds
Grill or skillet: Heat each side for 20–30 seconds

Cheese-crust method: Add shredded cheese to a skillet, top with tortilla, then flip for a crispy taco shell

🥑 Make the Avocado Salsa

Blend the following:

1 ripe avocado

1 chopped serrano pepper
2 tbsp chopped white onion
2 tbsp cilantro

2 tbsp white vinegar
¼ cup water

Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust spice level to taste.

🌯 How to Assemble Your Tacos

Build your tacos like this:

Place warm tortilla on a plate
Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese

Layer 2–3 shrimp and a few strips of grilled steak
Top with avocado salsa, chopped onions, and fresh cilantro
Fold or roll and enjoy immediately

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pairing the right sides and beverages with your shrimp and steak tacos can elevate the meal from tasty to truly unforgettable. These bold, flavor-packed tacos deserve accompaniments that complement their smoky, savory, and slightly spicy profile.

🌽 Classic Mexican Sides

Elote (Mexican street corn): Grilled corn slathered in mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the tacos.
Cilantro-lime rice: Light, zesty, and aromatic—this rice dish balances the richness of the steak and shrimp.

Refried or black beans: A hearty option that adds fiber and warmth to your plate.

🥗 Fresh and Light Sides

Mango or pineapple salsa: Bright and fruity, this adds a sweet heat that plays well with shrimp.
Avocado or cucumber salad: Cool, creamy, and refreshing—perfect for cutting through grilled flavors.

Cabbage slaw: Crunchy and tangy with a vinegar base, this side adds texture and balance.

🍹 Drinks That Work Well

Margaritas (classic, jalapeño, or mango): The acidity and sweetness complement grilled proteins beautifully.
Mexican beers (like Modelo or Pacifico): Crisp, cold, and a traditional match for tacos.

Agua fresca: A non-alcoholic option like watermelon or tamarind agua fresca keeps things light and hydrating.

🍮 Finish Strong with Dessert

If you want to cap the meal sweetly, pair your tacos with something tropical like a strawberry piña colada smoothie or a cool scoop of mango sorbet.

With the right pairings, your shrimp and steak tacos become more than a dish—they’re an experience.

♻️ Storage & Reheating Tips Of Shrimp and Steak Tacos

To Store:

Keep components separate in airtight containers
Refrigerate up to 3–5 days

To Reheat:

Steak: Oven or stovetop for 5–7 minutes

Shrimp: Quick pan-sear or microwave with a damp paper towel
Tortillas: Reheat in skillet for best texture

🧪 Nutritional Breakdown (Approx. per taco)

Calories: 530

Protein: 56g
Fat: 32g
Carbohydrates: 7g

Sodium: 536mg
Fiber: 4g

To make them healthier:

Use low-fat cheese
Skip the tortilla for a lettuce wrap
Try a Greek yogurt-based crema instead of sour cream

🔁 Popular Variations

One of the best things about shrimp and steak tacos is how versatile they are. Whether you’re trying to accommodate dietary needs, exploring new flavor profiles, or just spicing things up, there are endless ways to customize this surf-and-turf favorite.

🌶️ Cajun-Style Tacos

Swap your usual seasoning for a bold Cajun spice blend. Blackened shrimp and seared steak bring heat and smokiness, especially when topped with creamy remoulade or a spicy slaw.

🍍 Tropical Fusion Tacos

Add chunks of grilled pineapple or mango salsa for a sweet and savory twist. Pair it with a coconut crema or drizzle of honey-lime vinaigrette to create a tropical flavor bomb.

🧄 Asian-Inspired Tacos

Marinate steak in soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, and season shrimp with ginger and chili paste. Top with crunchy slaw, pickled onions, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a Korean or Thai twist.

🥬 Low-Carb or Keto Tacos

Ditch the tortilla and use large butter lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas. Keep toppings simple—avocado, cheese, and a sugar-free salsa—to stay within macros while still enjoying bold flavor.

🧀 Cheese-Crust Tacos

Make a taco shell out of melted cheese. Simply pan-fry shredded cheese until crispy and use as the base. It adds an extra layer of crunch and indulgence.

🍗 Breakfast Remix

Add scrambled eggs and switch the proteins for chorizo and shrimp or steak and avocado. It’s a brunch-worthy twist you’ll crave anytime.

No matter which version you try, these taco variations keep things exciting while staying true to the delicious essence of shrimp and steak tacos.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid For The Best Shrimp and Steak Tacos

Even a simple recipe like shrimp and steak tacos can go sideways without attention to detail. Here are the most common mistakes people make—and how to avoid them for taco night success.

1. Overcooking the Proteins

Shrimp cook fast—typically in just 2–3 minutes. Overcooking turns them rubbery and dry. Steak should also be cooked quickly at high heat to medium-rare (125°F–130°F). Always let the steak rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

2. Skipping the Marinade

Don’t underestimate the power of a good marinade. Marinating both steak and shrimp adds flavor depth and tenderizes the meat. Rushing this step results in bland, tough protein.

3. Using Cold or Stiff Tortillas

Cold tortillas crack and fall apart when folded. Warm them up in a skillet or wrap them in a damp towel in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. For crispy tacos, sear them with cheese in a pan or on the grill.

4. Overloading the Tacos

While it’s tempting to stuff your tacos with ingredients, too much filling makes them hard to eat and messy. Stick to a balanced layer of steak, shrimp, cheese, and toppings.

5. Ignoring Texture Balance

Tacos should have a contrast of textures—crispy shells, tender steak, juicy shrimp, and creamy salsa. Don’t go all soft or all crunchy. Combine thoughtfully.

6. Not Tasting as You Go

Season, taste, and adjust. Whether it’s salsa heat, saltiness, or lime juice brightness—don’t assume it’s perfect. Taste at each step to fine-tune the final result.

Avoid these pitfalls, and your shrimp and steak tacos will be restaurant-quality every time.

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp and Steak Tacos

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just thaw and dry completely before seasoning.

What’s the best steak cut for tacos?

Skirt steak is ideal for its tenderness and flavor.

Can I make these tacos without a grill?

Absolutely. A hot skillet or griddle works just fine.

How spicy are these tacos?

It depends on your seasoning—adjust serrano pepper and chili powders to your liking.

What cheese melts best for tacos?

Jack cheese or cheddar provide ideal melt and flavor.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Shrimp and steak tacos offer a perfect fusion of land and sea—bringing together the bold, beefy richness of grilled steak with the juicy, tender bite of shrimp. Whether you’re preparing for a casual family dinner or hosting a vibrant taco night with friends, this dish delivers on flavor, texture, and visual appeal. With endless ways to customize—from spicy avocado salsa to crispy cheese-seared tortillas—you can make each taco your own.

The key to a memorable taco lies in the details: marinating your proteins, perfectly warming your tortillas, and using fresh toppings that enhance but don’t overwhelm. Pair them with a tropical smoothie or a side of Mexican corn bites for a full meal experience.

Beyond the deliciousness, shrimp and steak tacos also reflect the evolving landscape of modern comfort food—where global influences, simple techniques, and bold ingredients come together in a single bite.

So next time you’re wondering what to cook, ditch the takeout menu and fire up your grill. These tacos will not only satisfy your cravings but also become a staple recipe you’ll come back to again and again. 🌮🔥

Ready to turn up your taco game? Start with this recipe—and let your taste buds lead the way.