Crispy Steak and Shrimp Tacos are a bold and flavorful combination of juicy steak, succulent shrimp, and crisp tortillas. Topped with fresh vegetables and a zesty sauce, these tacos are perfect for grilling season, Taco Tuesday, or a fun weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Surf and Turf Twist – Combines the best of steak and shrimp for a delicious contrast in flavors and textures.
Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it great for busy nights.
Customizable – Adjust the toppings and spice levels to suit your taste.
Crispy Texture – Lightly toasted tortillas add the perfect crunch.

Ingredients

For the Tacos:

1 lb (450g) flank steak or skirt steak
½ lb (225g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
8 small flour or corn tortillas

For the Toppings:

1 cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
½ cup diced tomatoes
½ cup diced red onion
¼ cup chopped cilantro
1 avocado, sliced
Lime wedges

For the Sauce:

½ cup (120g) sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
1 clove garlic, minced

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Season and Cook the Steak and Shrimp

Season the Meat and Seafood – In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Rub the steak and shrimp with olive oil, then coat evenly with the seasoning mix.
Cook the Steak – Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your preferred doneness. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
Cook the Shrimp – In the same skillet or grill, cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.

Prepare the Sauce

Mix the Sauce – In a small bowl, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, hot sauce (if using), and minced garlic. Stir until smooth and well blended.

Crisp the Tortillas

Toast the Tortillas – Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Lightly toast each tortilla for 1-2 minutes per side, until slightly crispy.

Assemble the Tacos

Fill the Tortillas – Divide the sliced steak and shrimp evenly among the toasted tortillas.
Add the Toppings – Top each taco with shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and avocado slices.
Drizzle with Sauce – Spoon or drizzle the prepared sauce over the tacos. Serve with lime wedges for an extra zesty kick.

Servings and Timing

Yield – Serves 4 (2 tacos per person)
Preparation Time – 10 minutes
Cooking Time – 15 minutes

Variations

Spicy Version – Add diced jalapeños or use a spicier hot sauce.
Cheesy Tacos – Sprinkle cotija cheese or queso fresco on top.
Extra Crunch – Add sliced radishes or crispy tortilla strips.
Low-Carb Option – Serve in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration – Store cooked steak, shrimp, and toppings separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheating – Warm the steak and shrimp in a skillet over medium heat before assembling fresh tacos.
Freezing – The cooked steak and shrimp can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What’s the best steak for tacos?

Flank steak or skirt steak works best because they are flavorful and cook quickly.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.

How do I prevent my shrimp from getting rubbery?

Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Can I cook these on an outdoor grill?

Absolutely! Grilling adds an extra smoky flavor to both the steak and shrimp.

What can I serve with these tacos?

Try a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or grilled corn for a full meal.

Can I marinate the steak beforehand?

Yes! Marinate the steak in olive oil, lime juice, and the spice mix for up to 2 hours for extra flavor.

How can I make the sauce dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free yogurt or a cashew-based sour cream alternative.

Do these tacos work with chicken instead of steak?

Yes! Substitute the steak with grilled or shredded chicken for an alternative protein.

What’s the best way to make crispy tortillas?

Toast them in a dry skillet for a few minutes per side, or lightly brush them with oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Can I make this meal ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the steak and shrimp ahead of time, store separately, and assemble fresh tacos when ready to eat.

Conclusion

These Crispy Steak and Shrimp Tacos are a flavor-packed, surf-and-turf twist on traditional tacos. With tender steak, juicy shrimp, and fresh toppings wrapped in a crispy tortilla, they are a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Try them for your next taco night and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

Crispy Steak and Shrimp Tacos

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Author: Olivia
Yield: Serves 4 (2 tacos per person) 1x

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Description

These Crispy Steak and Shrimp Tacos combine juicy, spice-rubbed steak, succulent shrimp, and crispy tortillas for the ultimate taco experience! Loaded with fresh toppings and a zesty lime sauce, these tacos are perfect for a weeknight dinner or grilling season. Quick, flavorful, and absolutely delicious!

Instructions

Season the Steak and Shrimp:
- In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the steak and shrimp with olive oil, then generously coat with the spice mix.
Cook the Steak:
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired doneness.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
Cook the Shrimp:
- In the same skillet or grill, cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, hot sauce (if using), and minced garlic.
Crisp the Tortillas:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Lightly toast the tortillas for 1-2 minutes per side, until slightly crispy.
Assemble the Tacos:
- Fill each tortilla with sliced steak, shrimp, shredded cabbage, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and avocado slices.
- Drizzle with the zesty sauce and serve with lime wedges

Notes

Use pre-cooked shrimp to save time—just warm them up before assembling.
Add a sprinkle of cotija cheese or queso fresco for extra flavor.
Store leftovers separately and assemble tacos fresh for the best texture.

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