Grilled Shrimp Corn Tacos

Name: Grilled Shrimp Corn Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4.0
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 ears of corn, kernels removed; 8 small corn tortillas; 1 avocado, diced; 1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded; Fresh cilantro, for garnish; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 lime, juiced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper, to taste

Highlighted under: Light & Fresh

Bright and refreshing, these grilled shrimp corn tacos are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. They’re packed with sweet corn, smoky shrimp, and a tangy lime drizzle that makes every bite feel special. The colors are so vibrant, it’s like a little party on your plate. My friends couldn’t get enough of these, asking when I'd make them again. Honestly, if you love seafood and corn, you’re going to want to keep this recipe close.

Created by

The Simplecooktips Team

Last updated on 2026-05-21T23:46:19.333Z

One time, I didn’t properly marinate the shrimp, and they turned out bland. Trust me, marinating is key here; it makes all the difference. Picking up some nice spices and letting the shrimp soak in that flavor really improves everything.

Another mishap occurred when I accidentally overcooked the shrimp on the grill, leaving them tough and rubbery. After that, I learned to keep a close eye and remove them as soon as they turn pink. A few minutes is all you need for that juicy, tender texture!

What Makes This Stand Out

The lime drizzle adds a bright kick
Shrimp cooks up fast on the grill
You can easily swap toppings based on what you have

Choosing Your Ingredients

When picking out shrimp, I always look for those labeled 'wild-caught' for the best taste, but if you can only find farmed shrimp, that works too. Just make sure they're fresh and firm. For the corn, I find that fresh ears really make a difference, giving that sweet crunch. Frozen corn is a decent backup, but if you can spring for the fresh stuff, you’ll notice the taste.

Don’t be shy about experimenting with your toppings. I’ve swapped out red cabbage for shredded carrots and even jicama, and it always turns out great. Avocado can be hard to choose at the store, too. I usually aim for ones that give just slightly when I press them. If you have some lime crema or sour cream, that can be a nice dressing instead of the lime drizzle.

A Quick Note on Grilled Shrimp Corn Tacos

These tacos are really about the grilling. I love using a grill pan for that charred flavor, but any grill will do. When grilling the corn, keep an eye on it. It's a bit of a dance – turn them every few minutes until you see those beautiful grill marks. If you accidentally let them sit too long, they can get a bit tough, so just keep it moving around.

Marinating the shrimp is super quick, but try not to leave them in too long. I once got busy with other prep and left them for 30 minutes, and they turned a bit mushy on the grill. Not ideal! Also, when you put those shrimp on the grill, don’t overcrowd them. You want a bit of space between each one for even cooking. Trust me, that little extra care makes a difference in texture.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

For the tacos

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 ears of corn, kernels removed
8 small corn tortillas
1 avocado, diced
1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

For the marinade

2 tbsp olive oil
1 lime, juiced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Let’s get cooking!

Prepare the shrimp

In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prep the rest of the ingredients.

Grill the corn

If you want to add a nice char, place the corn ears on the grill over medium heat. Grill for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until they have some nice grill marks. Once they’re done, let them cool and then cut the kernels off the cob.

Cook the shrimp

Once the shrimp has marinated, heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them; that’s where my earlier mistakes often creep in!

Assemble the tacos

Warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side. Then, pile on the grilled shrimp, corn, diced avocado, and shredded cabbage. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, if you like.

Pro Tips

If you don’t have a grill, a stovetop skillet works too, just use some oil to prevent sticking.
Char the tortillas a little for extra flavor—trust me, it’s worth it.
Feel free to add any other toppings you love, such as salsa or chipotle crema.

Scaling Grilled Shrimp Corn Tacos for a Crowd

If you’re planning to serve this to a bigger group, it’s pretty easy to multiply the ingredients. Just be careful with the marinating time; I sometimes find that the flavors can get too strong if you leave the shrimp sitting too long in a larger batch of marinade. You might also consider grilling the shrimp in batches to ensure they all get that gorgeous color without steaming each other.

For the corn, grilling extra ears means you'll have more sweetness to enjoy, and they can sit for a little while off the heat before cutting the kernels off. I like to set up a taco bar where everyone can choose their toppings, too. That way, the assembly is part of the fun and everyone can customize their meals to their taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely, just make sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight or under cold water.

→ What if I can’t find corn tortillas?

You can use flour tortillas, but they won’t have the same flavor. They’re still tasty though.

→ How can I make these tacos spicier?

Add some diced jalapeños to the shrimp marinade or drizzle a spicy salsa on top before serving.

→ What sides go well with these tacos?

A simple side salad or chips and guacamole make great companions. Honestly, you could eat these solo and be satisfied.

→ Can I prepare the shrimp ahead of time?

You can marinate them a few hours in advance but try to cook them fresh for the best texture.