Name: Sheet Pan Blackened Shrimp Nachos
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 pound large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined); 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp coriander; dash of cayenne pepper; 1 tsp salt, adjust to taste; 12 ounce bag of tortilla chips (, 10-12 is fine); 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or Mozzarella); 1 cup guacamole; 1 pint cherry tomatoes (, cut in half); 1/2 cup cilantro leaves; 1 lime (, cut into wedges)

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Sheet-pan Blackened Shrimp Nachos are a classic crowd-pleaser! Whether you're hosting a game night or simply craving a delicious snack, these are the best shrimp nachos to impress in just 15 minutes!

blackened shrimp nachos on a sheet pan with cilantro lime guacamole and cherry tomatoes

I got inspiration to make them from one of the best seafood nachos I had at Sky View Observatory restaurant in Seattle years ago. It was a massive bowl of nachos, packed with seafood. I've been hooked on seafood nachos ever since, and quite frankly, will be uploading more of my seafood nacho recipes soon because I'm hooked for good, so be sure to subscribe to get the next recipes!

I paired these amazing nachos with air fried beets for a healthy side, but I'm all about a quick hosting recipe, like this rosemary parmesan bread that I whipped up for girl's night!

Sheet pan dishes are huge in my house. I started making them for quick dinners using chicken and veggies, and over the years I've diversified my food choices, but kept the same concept of "easy going meals". Now, seafood is a go-to, like these sheet pan mussels that are another great crowd-pleasing dish!

Table of Contents

WHY MAKE THESE SHEET-PAN SHRIMP NACHOS

YOU JUST NEED ONE SHEET PAN. These are easily whipped up all on ONE sheet pan.

THEY TAKE 15 MINUTES TO MAKE! The shrimp is cooked at the same time as melting the cheese on the tortilla chips.
SO FRESH! They are so light and refreshing, making them perfect for a snack, light dinner, or appetizer.
CROWD-PLEASING SNACK! Got friends coming, but you'd rather not put on a big production for dinner? Whip these up in 15 minute minutes and pair them with a juicy refreshing blueberry gin and tonic. So, go ahead and invite your friends now!

BLACKENED SHRIMP

Blackened shrimp is a cooking technique that involves coating the shrimp in a flavorful spice rub and then searing it in a hot skillet or oven. The spices create a dark, crusty exterior while keeping the shrimp tender and juicy on the inside.

The combination of spices take these shrimp nachos over the top! The spices I used are, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, a little bit of coriander, and salt. The shrimp turns out smoky and slightly spicy and adds a great burst of flavor to the overall dish.

NACHO TOPPINGS

I went for fresh and light toppings to contrast to the blackened shrimp. Here is what I used, but feel free to substitute anything that you aren't a fan of.

GUACAMOLE. This is a classic choice when you're working with nachos, or seafood.
CHERRY TOMATOES. Are a fresh pop of flavor, and color.
CILANTRO. Classic, you can't go wrong with a good handful of cilantro leaves here!
LIME. Squeeze half a lime over the top, plus cut the other half into wedges for serving.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of seafood for this recipe?

Absolutely! Although I use shrimp this recipe, you can easily substitute it with another seafood option, like diced fish, scallops, or even crab. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to make sure the seafood is cooked through.

How spicy are these blackened shrimp nachos?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to your preference. The cayenne pepper in the spice rub provides a mild level of heat. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the cayenne pepper or increase as you'd like.

Can I make these nachos vegetarian?

Yes! If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the shrimp and instead use black beans or grilled vegetables as a protein substitute. The spice rub can be used to season the beans or vegetables for added flavor.

Can I make these nachos ahead of time?

Nachos are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can prepare the blackened shrimp and the spice rub ahead of time. Store the seasoned shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to make them. Assemble the nachos and bake them just before serving to ensure maximum crispiness.

Can I customize the toppings for these nachos?

Yes! Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences. My other topping suggestions are, diced onions, black olives, salsa, pickled jalapenos, or any other toppings of your choosing. Get creative and make these nachos your own! I'd love to hear how they turned out, so be sure to leave a comment below.

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