Shrimp Nachos

Shrimp Nachos are a great way to add a festive touch to gatherings or simply spice up dinner time. Seafood lovers will adore this recipe, which melds the crispness of tortilla chips with richly flavored, seasoned shrimp, all topped with melted cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for those busy days when you want to add a splash of fun to your meal routine.

Vibrantly seasoned shrimp, sautéed to tender perfection, take center stage in this dish. Layering them with the perfect balance of melted cheese and a sturdy base of crispy tortilla chips guarantees that every bite is as satisfying as the last. This recipe is more than just mixing ingredients and following simple techniques. It’s about creating a meal that’s as fun to prepare as it is to share and enjoy. 

Ingredients You Need to Make Shrimp Nachos

• Shrimp: Look for medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh shrimp should have a clean sea smell; avoid any with ammonia-like odors.
• Olive Oil: Choose extra-virgin olive oil for its flavor. It should smell and taste fresh and fruity.
• Cayenne Pepper: The freshness of spices is key. Cayenne should have a bright, potent aroma and a deep red color.
• Cilantro: Look for a bunch with vibrant green leaves and no signs of wilting. Fresh cilantro should smell bright and citrusy.
• Tortilla Chips: Look for thick and sturdy chips that can hold up the toppings without breaking.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Freshly shred your cheese from a block for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties that often contain anti-caking agents.
• Jalapeño: Whether fresh or pickled, look for bright green jalapeños. Fresh ones should be firm with a smooth skin.
• Pico de Gallo: If not making from scratch, choose a fresh, refrigerated option without preservatives for the best taste and texture.
• Guacamole or Avocado: Avocados should yield slightly to pressure when ripe but not be mushy. For guacamole, look for freshness and minimal additives or make your own Salsa Guacamole.
• Lime Wedges: Choose limes that are firm and heavy for their size, a good sign of juiciness.
• Sour Cream: Ideally full-fat sour cream for its creamy texture and tangy flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Its coarse texture is ideal for seasoning shrimp evenly.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Grind peppercorns yourself for the freshest flavor.

Recipe Options

• Vary Your Cheese: Beyond Monterey Jack, consider using cheddar for a sharper flavor or a blend of both for complexity.
• Add Black Beans: For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle rinsed and drained black beans over the chips before adding other toppings.
• Experiment with Spices: If cayenne pepper isn’t your thing, experiment with smoked paprika or chili powder for a different kind of heat.
• Choose Your Jalapeños: Depending on your heat preference, use fresh jalapeños for a sharper bite or pickled jalapeños for a milder, tangy flavor.
• Mix in Corn: Add a sweet, crunchy texture by including a layer of corn kernels (cooked or freshly cut from the cob) with the shrimp.

How to Make Shrimp Nachos

Whisk cilantro, salt, pepper, cayenne, and a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium bowl, then toss bite-size chunks of peeled and deveined shrimp in the mixture to coat. In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the shrimp in the remaining olive oil until they’re just cooked through, then set aside.

On a baking sheet, arrange tortilla chips in an overlapping layer and bake in an oven preheated to 375˚F until they begin to crisp. Layer the chips with half the cheese, the cooked shrimp, and then the rest of the cheese, and bake again until the cheese melts. Serve the nachos hot, garnished with jalapeño slices, lime wedges, and extra cilantro, accompanied by pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream on the side.