Shrimp tacos have become an increasingly popular menu item at restaurants across the country. Their fresh flavors and easy preparation make them an ideal choice for a light meal or appetizer. But not all shrimp tacos are created equal. Finding great shrimp tacos depends on the quality of the shrimp, the flavor of the taco sauce and the creativity of the chef. This article explores some of the best places to get outstanding shrimp tacos.
What Makes a Great Shrimp Taco?
A great shrimp taco starts with the right ingredients. You want fresh, plump shrimp that is perfectly seasoned and cooked. Shrimp can be prepared grilled, blackened, sautéed, or fried. The possibilities are endless! Top-notch restaurants source high quality shrimp and handle it with care to maximize texture and flavor
The taco sauce is also critical. A flavorful taco sauce brings everything together and makes the taco pop. Tacos accompanied by creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauces are usually winners. The sauce should complement the shrimp without overpowering it.
Finally, textures and toppings make a difference. Crunchy cabbage, creamy avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, and more can take your taco to the next level. Pay attention to how a restaurant constructs their tacos for clues on the quality you can expect.
Highly Rated Restaurants for Shrimp Tacos
Looking at reviews on restaurant rating sites can uncover some of the most popular spots for shrimp tacos People who have actually tasted the tacos provide details on what made the experience memorable Here are some highly rated restaurants for shrimp tacos in various parts of the country,
Parrando’s Tex-Mex Grill in Ashburn, VA
This Tex-Mex restaurant in the Virginia suburbs gets rave reviews for its shrimp tacos. Customers say the shrimp is always fresh and flavorful, while the taco sauce has the perfect blend of spices. The crunchy cabbage and avocado topping adds texture and creaminess. Their tacos are hearty enough to be a meal yet easy to pick up and eat.
Blue Sushi Sake Grill in Kansas City, MO
Blue Sushi offers a unique take on shrimp tacos, wrapping tempura fried shrimp in wonton shells instead of traditional corn tortillas. Reviewers say the sweet and spicy sauce pairs perfectly with the fried shrimp. The wonton shells hold up well and provide a crispy base. Customers love the creative fusion of Japanese and Mexican flavors.
Shore Shack in Huntington Beach, CA
This casual spot near the beach serves California-style shrimp tacos loaded with plump shrimp, cabbage, pico de gallo, and their signature tangy-sweet sauce. Patrons say Shore Shack’s tacos are fresh, flavorful, and huge. The shrimp is cooked perfectly and full of spice. Everything comes together in a delicious beach-inspired taco.
Torchy’s Tacos in Austin, TX
The Tempura Shrimp Taco is a customer favorite at this Austin taco joint. Their hand-battered tempura shrimp is crunchy on the outside while keeping the shrimp tender inside. The briny shrimp pairs well with the Asian slaw and creamy wasabi sauce on each taco. Torchy’s offers a unique take on shrimp tacos by fusing Japanese and Mexican flavors.
Regional Chains Known for Shrimp Tacos
Some restaurant chains have become famous regionally for their mouthwatering shrimp tacos. Stopping by one of these local favorites is a good bet for an outstanding taco experience.
Rubio’s Coastal Grill in California
This San Diego based chain offers fish and shrimp tacos with a Baja California flair. Rubio’s is renowned for its sizzling shrimp tacos packed with curry-and-lime marinated shrimp, cabbage, salsa, and white sauce. The shrimp is tender and bursting with flavor.
Pick Up Stix in California
This Asian fusion chain offers up a sweet chili shrimp taco using lightly fried popcorn shrimp. Customers love the combination of crunchy shrimp, sweet chili sauce, and shredded cabbage wrapped in a soft tortilla. It’s a tasty fusion of Asian and Mexican flavors.
Verts Mediterranean Grill in Texas
Head to Verts for Mediterranean-inspired shrimp tacos. Their tacos contain chili-lime shrimp, feta cheese, tomato, cucumber, red onion, spinach, and black olives wrapped in a warm pita. Reviewers say the flavors and textures harmonize beautifully.
Finding the Best Shrimp Tacos Near You
The restaurants mentioned above are just a sampling of the many excellent places to find shrimp tacos across the country. Food blogs, restaurant review sites, and local recommendations can uncover hidden gems with mouthwatering shrimp tacos in your area.
Factors like preparation methods, taco toppings, and sauce flavors can vary widely. Part of the fun is exploring different renditions to discover your personal favorites. The key is finding fresh, well-prepared shrimp tacos made with high quality ingredients.
Some of my favorite spots for shrimp tacos near me are a local taqueria that cooks the shrimp perfectly with just the right amount of spice, a casual restaurant that stuffs their tacos full of shrimp and tops it with a creamy, tangy sauce, and a chef-driven eatery that elevates their shrimp tacos with adventurous global flavors.
The next time you are craving shrimp tacos, seek out restaurants noted for their flavorful sauces, fresh ingredients, and creative preparations. Trying shrimp tacos from diverse cuisines can open up new culinary experiences. With all the options out there, finding your go-to place for shrimp tacos is a delicious adventure.
