Shrimp Nachos
Shrimp nachos are a delicious and exciting twist on a classic favorite. Combining crispy tortilla chips topped with succulent shrimp, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, this dish is perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or simply to satisfy those late-night cravings.
Why Make This Recipe
Making shrimp nachos is not only easy but also an indulgent way to enjoy a mix of flavors and textures. The shrimp add a delightful seafood twist that’s often missing from traditional nachos. Plus, they are great for sharing, making them a fantastic addition to any party or snack spread. With a variety of ingredients that you can easily adjust to your taste, shrimp nachos are sure to impress your family and friends.
How to Make Shrimp Nachos
Creating shrimp nachos is a straightforward process that anyone can master. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a crispy, cheesy delight that’s bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound raw shrimp
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper (freshly cracked if you have it)
- 1 medium tomato
- 1/4 small red onion
- 1 medium jalapeño pepper
- 1/4 cup cilantro (fresh)
- 1 bag corn tortilla chips
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (grated)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel and devein the shrimp. Use kitchen scissors to cut the shrimp into thirds directly into a bowl. Add the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper, and stir to coat. Let them marinate for 10 minutes.
- Dice the tomato and red onion, slice the jalapeño into rings, and roughly chop the cilantro. Set these ingredients aside.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook until they’re pinky-peach in color and almost cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Spread half of the bag of tortilla chips evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Top the chips with half of each—cooked shrimp, diced tomato, red onion, jalapeño pepper, chopped cilantro, and grated cheese. Pour the remaining tortilla chips onto the baking sheet and spread them into a second layer. Scatter the remaining half of the ingredients evenly over the second layer of chips.
- Bake the nachos in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and cool for 2 to 3 minutes before serving hot with your favorite condiments.
Pro Tips for Success Shrimp Nachos
- Choose Wild-Caught Shrimp: Opting for wild-caught rather than farm-raised shrimp can enhance the flavor and texture of your nachos.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep a close eye while cooking the shrimp, as overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture. Remove them from the heat once they turn pink.
- Layer Wisely: For the best flavor distribution, make sure to layer the toppings evenly across the nachos.
- Add Extra Flavor: Consider adding a splash of lime juice over the nachos right before serving. It gives a refreshing twist that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Be Creative with Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, mixing in Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese can add a nice kick.
- Serve Immediately: Nachos are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the cheese is gooey and the tortilla chips are crispy.
Flavor Variations Shrimp Nachos
- Spicy Shrimp Nachos: Add more heat by incorporating diced serrano or habanero peppers into the mix.
- BBQ Shrimp Nachos: Mix BBQ sauce into the shrimp marinade for a smoky, sweet flavor profile.
- Creamy Avocado: Top your finished nachos with slices of avocado or a dollop of guacamole for added creaminess.
- Mediterranean Twist: Use feta cheese, olives, and diced cucumbers for a Mediterranean take on shrimp nachos.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace shrimp with black beans or chickpeas if you want to make a version suitable for vegetarians.
Serving Suggestions Shrimp Nachos
Serve your shrimp nachos with a variety of condiments to elevate the experience. Fresh guacamole, sour cream, or a zesty salsa verde beautifully complement the dish. A side of homemade pico de gallo or a fresh cilantro-lime dressing goes perfectly with the shrimp. For added crunch, include a small bowl of sliced jalapeños or pickled onions for guests to sprinkle on top.
Storage and Freezing Instructions Shrimp Nachos
While nachos are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. However, please note that chips can become soggy after reheating. If you’re looking to freeze the nachos, consider freezing only the cooked shrimp separately from the crispy chips and toppings, then assemble fresh when you’re ready to bake again.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQ About Shrimp Nachos
Can I use cooked shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use cooked shrimp in this recipe. Just warm them up in the skillet before layering them on the nachos, ensuring they are flavored well with your spices.
What can I substitute for tortilla chips?
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use baked tortilla chips, pita chips, or even slices of baked zucchini for a unique twist.
How spicy are shrimp nachos?
The spiciness of shrimp nachos depends on the type of chili powder and jalapeños you use. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less. For a milder version, use less chili powder or substitute it with sweet paprika.
Can I make shrimp nachos ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare shrimp nachos as close to serving time as possible for optimal freshness. However, you can prep your ingredients in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake.
What drinks pair well with shrimp nachos?
Refreshing drinks like a zesty margarita, light beer, or even a citrusy iced tea complement the flavors of shrimp nachos beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp nachos are a fun and delightful take on a classic dish, offering a burst of flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. With the combination of crispy chips, succulent shrimp, and vibrant toppings, this recipe is sure to become a crowd favorite. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or simply want to treat yourself, shrimp nachos provide a satisfying and delicious experience. So gather your ingredients, whip up this tasty treat, and enjoy every cheesy, shrimp-filled bite!
Print
Shrimp Nachos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
A delicious twist on classic nachos topped with succulent shrimp, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, perfect for gatherings or late-night cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 medium tomato
- 1/4 small red onion
- 1 medium jalapeño pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 bag corn tortilla chips
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peeled and devein the shrimp, then cut into thirds and marinate with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper for 10 minutes.
- Dice tomato and red onion, slice jalapeño, and chop cilantro; set aside.
- In a skillet, cook marinated shrimp over medium heat until pinky-peach, about 3-4 minutes.
- Spread half of tortilla chips on the baking sheet, layering with half of the shrimp, tomato, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and cheese; repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Notes
Choose wild-caught shrimp for better flavor. Serve immediately for the best experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
