There’s something undeniably mouthwatering about the combination of grilled prawns and creamy avocado sauce – it takes me straight to a sun-soaked beach taco stand. The first time I took a bite of a fresh prawn taco, the explosion of flavor left me in awe. As I experimented in my kitchen, I stumbled upon this quick and easy recipe for Grilled Prawn Tacos that perfectly balances smoky chipotle seasoning and zesty lime.
This dish has it all: crispy tortillas, succulent prawns, and a vibrant avocado sauce that feels like a fiesta on your plate. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that your taste buds will thank you for! Whether you’re craving something different for taco night or seeking to impress guests with a dinner that’s both elegant and effortlessly prepared, these grilled prawn tacos are your answer. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will surely elevate your home cooking!
Why are Grilled Prawn Tacos a must-try?
Bold flavors combine seamlessly in every bite, making these tacos a true crowd-pleaser. Quick and easy to prepare, you’ll whip this meal up in no time. Versatile ingredients mean you can customize to fit your taste, while the creamy avocado sauce adds a rich, satisfying element. Health-conscious yet indulgent, this recipe is perfect for those looking to escape fast food. Impress your guests or elevate your weeknight dinners with this deliciously unique dish!
Grilled Prawn Taco Ingredients
• Perfect for a vibrant taco night!
For the Prawns
- Raw peeled prawns – 350-400 grams gives you that fresh ocean flavor.
- Chipotle seasoning – 1 tablespoon adds a delightful smoky kick to the dish.
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon helps the prawns marinate beautifully and enhances their tenderness.
For the Avocado Sauce
- Avocado – ½ brings creaminess that pairs perfectly with prawns.
- Dairy-free plain unsweetened yoghurt – ½ cup offers a light tang without added sugars.
- Jalapeno – ½ – 1 adds the level of spice you desire for a kick.
- Juice of 1 lime – Brightens the sauce and brings out the flavors.
- Salt – ½ teaspoon enhances all the ingredients beautifully.
- Water – ¼ cup (if needed) adjusts the sauce’s consistency.
For the Tacos
- Cabbage – ¼ small, shredded for a crunchy topping.
- White corn tortillas – 8 bring the classic taco experience.
- Avocado (sliced) – ½, for an beautifully creamy addition on top.
- Lime wedges – A refreshing garnish that adds a zesty finish.
These Grilled Prawn Tacos are sure to delight everyone at your table!
How to Make Grilled Prawn Tacos
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Marinate the Prawns: In a bowl, combine the raw peeled prawns with chipotle seasoning and olive oil. Allow them to marinate for at least 15 minutes for maximum flavor.
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Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the avocado, dairy-free yogurt, jalapeno, lime juice, salt, and water if needed. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, adjusting the water for your desired consistency.
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Cook the Prawns: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the marinated prawns. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, making sure not to overcook.
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Warm the Tortillas: In the same skillet, warm the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side, until they’re soft and pliable.
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Assemble the Tacos: Take each tortilla and fill it with cooked prawns. Top generously with shredded cabbage, slices of avocado, and a drizzle of the creamy avocado sauce. Serve with lime wedges for an extra zesty flair.
Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Grilled Prawn Tacos are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the prawns with chipotle seasoning and olive oil up to 24 hours in advance, which allows the flavors to penetrate beautifully. Additionally, the creamy avocado sauce can be blended ahead of time; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and prevent browning. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the marinated prawns (approximately 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque) and warm the tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side. This way, you can enjoy a delicious meal that feels just as vibrant and fresh as if you made it on the spot!
Expert Tips for Grilled Prawn Tacos
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Marination Matters: Allowing the prawns to marinate for at least 15 minutes enhances their flavor. Rushing this step can result in less tasty tacos.
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Watch the Heat: Cook your prawns over medium heat to ensure they are pink and opaque without becoming chewy. Overcooking is a common mistake.
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Perfectly Creamy Sauce: Adjust the water in your avocado sauce based on your preference for thickness. A smoother sauce can elevate the taco experience.
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Tortilla Technique: Warm the tortillas just until pliable. This is key to preventing them from ripping when you fill them.
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Topping Variations: Feel free to experiment with toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded carrots, or fresh cilantro for added texture and flavor.
How to Store and Freeze Grilled Prawn Tacos
Fridge: Store leftover grilled prawn tacos in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the prawn filling separate from the tortillas to maintain their crispiness.
Freezer: If you want to freeze the prawn filling, place it in a freezer-friendly container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the prawns in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, about 3-4 minutes. Serve with fresh tortillas to enjoy your grilled prawn tacos once more!
Assembly Tip: It’s best to assemble fresh tacos right before serving to keep all components at their best texture and flavor.
What to Serve with Grilled Prawn Tacos?
Pair these vibrant tacos with delightful sides and sips that elevate the entire meal experience!
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Crispy Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements the spicy prawns beautifully, providing a delightful contrast. Roasted and seasoned, they will be a favorite.
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Mexican Street Corn: A creamy, cheesy topping on grilled corn can bring a burst of flavor and texture that pairs wonderfully with the tacos. The sweetness of the corn contrasts with the savory prawns.
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Refreshing Mango Salsa: This fruity topping adds a fresh twist to your meal, balancing the spice of the jalapeno and adding a zesty flavor. Enjoy the crunch and juiciness!
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Zucchini Noodles: A light, refreshing option, these can soak up the avocado sauce while adding texture. They offer a fun crunch that complements your tacos!
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Cilantro Lime Rice: Fragrant and fluffy, this rice provides a wonderful base for the tacos while enhancing the zesty lime flavors present in your meal.
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Chilled Cucumber Salad: Crisp and cool, it offers a refreshing taste that can cleanse the palate beautifully after a spicy bite. Ideal for warm nights!
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Coconut Agua Fresca: Sweet and hydrating, this creamy drink with a coconut twist can perfectly offset the heat of the tacos, making every sip feel like a tropical escape.
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Chocolate Avocado Mousse: For dessert, indulge in this velvety treat that echoes your avocado sauce while adding a rich sweetness to finish the meal on a high note.
These pairings create a sensational dining experience, turning your Grilled Prawn Tacos into a full fiesta!
Grilled Prawn Taco Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you adapt this recipe to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs!
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Spicy Kick: Add more jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the avocado sauce for an extra kick that will tantalize your taste buds.
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Cilantro Lime: Stir in freshly chopped cilantro into the avocado sauce for a bright and herbaceous note that elevates the creaminess.
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Mango Salsa: Top your tacos with a quick mango salsa made from diced mango, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro for a sweet contrast.
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Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle shredded dairy-free cheese or crumbled feta on top of your tacos before serving for a creamy, salty dimension that enhances the flavor.
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Smoky Flavor: Grill your prawns directly on a barbecue for an authentic smoky flavor that will transport you to a beachside taco stand.
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Crunchy Texture: Add a handful of crushed tortilla chips on top of the tacos for a satisfying crunch and added texture.
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Health Boost: Replace corn tortillas with lettuce wraps for a lighter, low-carb alternative that allows the vibrant flavors to shine through.
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Herb Infusion: Blend herbs like dill or parsley into the avocado sauce to create a unique twist that adds freshness and depth to the dish.
Grilled Prawn Tacos Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best prawns for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing prawns, look for ones that are fresh and firm to the touch. The shells should be shiny and free of dark spots or any signs of freezer burn. If possible, buy prawns that are still raw and ideally caught that day to ensure the best flavor!
What is the best way to store leftover grilled prawn tacos?
Leftover grilled prawn tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain the tortillas’ texture, keep the prawn filling separate from the tortillas. You can also store the avocado sauce separately to prevent browning.
Can I freeze the prawn filling for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the prawn filling! Place it in a freezer-friendly container or a resealable bag for up to 1 month. For best results, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, ensuring they’re heated thoroughly.
My avocado sauce turned out too thick. What can I do?
Very! If your avocado sauce is too thick, simply add a little bit of water, one tablespoon at a time, while blending. This will help you achieve your desired consistency. Blend the mixture after each addition until you reach that creamy, smooth texture that’s perfect for drizzling over your tacos.
Are there any dietary considerations for these grilled prawn tacos?
Absolutely! These tacos are naturally gluten-free if you use corn tortillas, which is great for those with gluten sensitivities. If you have a shellfish allergy, unfortunately, you would want to avoid this dish altogether. For a vegan or vegetarian option, consider using grilled vegetables in place of prawns and substituting the yogurt with a plant-based alternative.
How long does it take to prep and cook these tacos?
While the exact prep and cook times are not specified, I typically find that this dish comes together in about 30 minutes. The marinating time for the prawns is about 15 minutes, with another 15 minutes to cook, warm tortillas, and assemble the tacos. Perfect for a weeknight meal!
Grilled Prawn Tacos with Creamy Avocado Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine the raw peeled prawns with chipotle seasoning and olive oil. Allow them to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- In a blender, combine the avocado, dairy-free yogurt, jalapeno, lime juice, salt, and water if needed. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the marinated prawns. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
- In the same skillet, warm the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side.
- Assemble each tortilla with cooked prawns, topped with shredded cabbage, sliced avocado, and avocado sauce. Serve with lime wedges.