Crock Pot Fire Roasted Shrimp Tacos Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate weeknight dinner that packs a punch of flavor without keeping you tied to the stove, Crock Pot Fire Roasted Shrimp Tacos will become your new obsession. Imagine plump shrimp simmered in smoky tomatoes, bright pops of lime, and all your favorite taco toppings — this recipe is a fiesta of tastes and textures wrapped up in every bite. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining friends, these tacos bring the lively spirit of Mexican cuisine Main Course.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is the secret behind these dynamite tacos — every ingredient plays a starring role, working together for bold taste, color, and irresistible texture. Grab these staples, and you’re halfway to dinner bliss!
- Shrimp: The protein-star of the show; be sure they’re raw, peeled, and deveined for the best texture.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: These bring a touch of smokiness and a vibrant tomato base for your sauce.
- Red onion: Adds both color and subtle, tangy sweetness to the mix.
- Jalapeño: Brings gentle heat; adjust the amount (or use seeds) if you like things spicier.
- Garlic: Essential for deep savory notes — don’t skip it!
- Smoked paprika: Lends a signature smoky depth that marries beautifully with the shrimp.
- Ground cumin: Offers subtle earthiness that makes the flavor profile unmistakably Mexican.
- Chili powder: For an extra layer of warmth and a hint of color.
- Salt & black pepper: Classic seasonings to balance and brighten every other flavor.
- Lime juice: A squeeze at the end wakes up all the ingredients with a burst of freshness.
- Cilantro: Adds freshness and herbal notes; if you’re not a fan, you can use parsley.
- Corn or flour tortillas: The perfect vehicle to wrap up all this deliciousness.
- Toppings: Shredded cabbage, avocado slices, sour cream or crema, and extra lime wedges for that taco finishing touch — build your own adventure!
How to Make Crock Pot Fire Roasted Shrimp Tacos
Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base
Begin by gathering your fire-roasted tomatoes, chopped red onion, jalapeño, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper directly into the base of your crock pot. Give everything a good stir so the spices and vegetables start infusing every bit of tomato with warmth and savory goodness. This mixture is where the magic happens — it’s both your sauce and your flavor foundation for Crock Pot Fire Roasted Shrimp Tacos.
Step 2: Let the Crock Pot Work Its Magic
Cover your crock pot and set it on low heat. Pat yourself on the back — no standing over a hot stove tonight! Let the ingredients simmer away for 2 to 3 hours. As the hours tick by, you’ll notice your kitchen filling with a tantalizing aroma. This slow melding of flavors is what gives your shrimp tacos that signature depth and complexity.
Step 3: Introduce the Shrimp
About 20 to 30 minutes before dinnertime, add the raw shrimp into the crock pot, stirring to coat them well in the flavorful sauce. Keep an eye on the clock here; shrimp cook quickly and you want them perfectly pink and just opaque. Overcooking turns them rubbery, so resist the urge to leave them in too long. This short, gentle cook guarantees delightfully tender shrimp in your Crock Pot Fire Roasted Shrimp Tacos.
Step 4: Brighten It All Up
Once the shrimp are cooked through, stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. This last-minute boost brings zing and vibrancy, waking up your taste buds and balancing all the rich, smoky notes from the slow cooking. That pop of citrus will make every bite sing.
Step 5: Assemble and Enjoy
Warm your tortillas, either wrapped in a damp towel in the microwave or on a hot skillet for a touch of toasty flavor. Spoon a generous serving of the fire roasted shrimp mixture into each tortilla, top with plenty of shredded cabbage, creamy avocado slices, dollops of sour cream or crema, and, of course, extra lime wedges for squeezing. Dive right in while everything’s warm and fresh.
How to Serve Crock Pot Fire Roasted Shrimp Tacos
Garnishes
The right garnish can take your Crock Pot Fire Roasted Shrimp Tacos over the top. A mound of crisp shredded cabbage adds crunch, avocado slices bring creamy richness, and a drizzle of cool sour cream or crema soothes every bite. For that final touch, be generous with fresh cilantro and squeeze plenty of lime for brightness. Let everyone customize their tacos to taste — taco night should feel like a celebration!
Side Dishes
Transform taco night into a true feast by pairing your shrimp tacos with easy side dishes. Classic options like Mexican rice, charro beans, or a vibrant corn salad are always welcome. Even a simple bowl of chips and fresh guacamole lets your main dish shine while adding to the festive vibe. Keep sides light and colorful to balance the hearty (yet healthy) star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting friends or a family gathering, turn Crock Pot Fire Roasted Shrimp Tacos into a build-your-own taco bar. Lay out all the garnishes, side dishes, and the warm tortillas, and let everyone assemble their perfect plate. For a weekend twist, serve shrimp filling over rice bowls, or tuck it inside lettuce wraps for an extra fresh take. However you serve them, these tacos are guaranteed to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover filling from your Crock Pot Fire Roasted Shrimp Tacos keeps surprisingly well. Let everything cool, then spoon the shrimp and sauce into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days for maximum freshness and safety.
Freezing
While the shrimp themselves don’t always love the freezer (they can turn a bit mushy when thawed), if you want to prepare ahead, freeze just the tomato and spice base. When you’re ready, thaw and reheat the base in your crock pot, add fresh shrimp during the last 30 minutes, and you’re back in business with very little effort!
Reheating
For the best texture, gently rewarm the shrimp filling on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. Microwave works in a pinch, but watch carefully so the shrimp don’t overcook. Always assemble tacos fresh using warm tortillas and bright garnishes to revive all the original flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp in Crock Pot Fire Roasted Shrimp Tacos?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before adding to the crock pot. Frozen shrimp work perfectly, letting you save a step or two on busy weeknights.
How can I make these tacos spicier?
If you’re a fan of extra heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper when you add the other seasonings. A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce at the table also make these Crock Pot Fire Roasted Shrimp Tacos totally customizable for spice-lovers!
What’s the best way to warm tortillas?
For extra flavor, heat tortillas quickly in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, or wrap a stack in a slightly damp towel and microwave in 20-second bursts until hot and pliable. Warm tortillas ensure your tacos don’t crack and keep the filling deliciously cozy.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, both options are delicious! Corn tortillas are gluten-free and add traditional flavor, while soft flour tortillas offer a milder taste and pillowy texture. Choose based on your preference or dietary needs.
How do I keep shrimp from overcooking?
Shrimp cook rapidly, so only add them in the last 20 to 30 minutes of crock pot time. As soon as they’re pink and opaque, turn off the heat and proceed with garnishes and assembly to keep them juicy and tender.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a slow-cooker devotee or just need something crowd-pleasing and effortless tonight, Crock Pot Fire Roasted Shrimp Tacos are about to earn a regular spot on your dinner rotation. Set the crock pot, gather your favorite fixings, and get ready for bite after smoky, zesty, shrimp-filled bite. You’ll be amazed how much flavor comes from such simple steps — I hope you love every taco as much as I do!
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Crock Pot Fire Roasted Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Crock Pot Fire Roasted Shrimp Tacos are a delicious and easy seafood dish with a Mexican twist. Juicy shrimp cooked in a flavorful fire-roasted tomato sauce, wrapped in warm tortillas, and topped with fresh toppings for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 1/2 lbs (680g) raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Sauce:
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1 jalapeño (seeded and minced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Additional:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- Toppings: shredded cabbage, avocado slices, sour cream or crema, extra lime wedges
Instructions
- In the crock pot: Combine fire-roasted tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix well. Cover and cook on low for 2–3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the shrimp: During the last 20–30 minutes of cooking, add the shrimp, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Cook just until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Finish: Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Warm the tortillas and fill each with a generous scoop of the shrimp mixture. Top with shredded cabbage, avocado, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp—add them only during the last half hour of cooking.
- You can use frozen shrimp; just thaw before adding.
- For extra heat, leave the jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
