Shrimp Nachos

Featured in Appetizing Starters.

Golden tortilla chips form the crisp base for plump shrimp, seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, then sautéed until tender. Generously layer beans and a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, melting them to oozy perfection in the oven. Once baked, scatter the hot shrimp over the cheesy chips and finish with bright, fresh toppings like sliced avocado, salsa verde, lime wedges, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately for a mouthwatering dish that delights at game night or family meals, balancing savory seafood flavors with crunchy, cheesy goodness.

Casey
Updated on Mon, 02 Jun 2025 21:09:16 GMT
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Shrimp Nachos instantly became my secret weapon for game day gatherings and family movie nights. Juicy shrimp bring a totally new level to classic nachos while the melty cheese and crunchy chips keep everyone coming back for just one more bite.

The first time I made these it was a last minute kitchen experiment for a birthday celebration and now it is the number one request when my friends come over.

Ingredients

  • Shrimp: medium to large size gives a juicy bite and cooks up quickly look for deveined and peeled shrimp for the easiest prep
  • Salt and pepper: for basic seasoning always taste and adjust
  • Chili powder and smoked paprika: offer the nachos a smoky spicy depth try to find a good quality smoked paprika since it makes a big difference here
  • Garlic powder and onion powder: create layers of savory flavor always check the freshness of your spices
  • Cumin: brings in an earthy warmth freshly ground cumin has a scent that cannot be beat
  • Olive oil: coats the shrimp for perfect cooking choose extra virgin for the most flavor or another neutral oil if you prefer
  • Tortilla chips: the sturdier the better go for restaurant style so they hold up under toppings
  • Monterey Jack cheese: melts beautifully for that ooey-gooey factor but cheddar or a spicy blend like pepper jack adds fun variety look for blocks you can grate yourself for the best melt
  • Pinto beans or black beans: both add creaminess and heartiness pick a low sodium option if possible
  • Avocado, salsa, lime wedges, cilantro, banana peppers, pepperoncinis, sour cream: these fresh toppings add zest and brightness choose ripe avocado and a lively salsa for max flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Get your oven up to three hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit and line a big baking sheet with foil or parchment to make clean up simple
Layer the Nachos:
Scatter half your chips on the sheet then sprinkle over half the beans and half the cheese Repeat with the remaining chips beans and cheese to build in plenty of flavor
Bake Until Melty:
Slide the nachos into the oven and bake for ten to fifteen minutes Just watch until the cheese gets perfectly melted and bubbling without burning
Prep the Shrimp:
While the nachos are baking go through the shrimp and double check they are deveined and all shells are removed Pat them super dry so they get a good sear
Season the Shrimp:
Mix shrimp with all your seasonings in a bowl Toss until everything is well coated for even flavor in every bite
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat your oil in a wide skillet on medium high Lay the shrimp in a single layer so they cook evenly Sear each side for two to four minutes until they turn pink and opaque Take care not to overcook or they become tough
Finish the Nachos:
Take nachos out of the oven pile the cooked shrimp on top and add your favorite fresh toppings Serve while hot and enjoy every cheesy bite
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Nothing beats the bright pop from fresh cilantro and lime over hot cheesy nachos My family always argues over who gets the most shrimp on their portion and sometimes we even double the amount for extra seafood goodness

Storage Tips

Nachos taste their very best fresh from the oven but they will keep in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days If you want that crispy texture again reheat them in an air fryer or on a baking sheet in the oven never the microwave since that makes chips soggy

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover pulled pork if you do not have shrimp on hand For a vegetarian version skip the shrimp entirely and bump up the beans or add sautéed mushrooms If you cannot find Monterey Jack cheese Colby Jack or even provolone melt nicely

Serving Suggestions

Serve these shrimp nachos as a main with a crisp side salad or make them the star snack for a big crowd Customizable toppings mean guests can build their own plates I love to offer a few dips like salsa verde and fiery chili oil on the side

Cultural and Historical Context

Nachos were invented by Ignacio Anaya in the nineteen forties near the Mexican border and have evolved far beyond the classic cheese and jalapeño combo Adding shrimp nods to coastal Tex Mex traditions where seafood finds its way onto every good party platter

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of shrimp works best for this dish?

Medium to large raw shrimp, tails removed and deveined, provide the best texture and flavor when cooked for nachos.

→ Can I substitute black beans for pinto beans?

Yes, black beans are a delicious alternative and pair wonderfully with shrimp and cheese on tortilla chips.

→ What cheese is recommended for melting?

Monterey Jack, cheddar, Pepper Jack, or Colby Jack all melt nicely to create a gooey topping for the nachos.

→ How can I keep the chips from getting soggy?

Layer cheese over the chips before adding beans to help protect them from moisture. Serve immediately after baking.

→ How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat leftover nachos in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness. Cover shrimp with foil to prevent overcooking.

→ What toppings pair well with shrimp nachos?

Try avocado, salsa verde, lime wedges, cilantro, banana peppers, pepperoncinis, and sour cream for fresh flavor.

Shrimp Nachos

Crispy tortilla chips, seasoned shrimp, melty cheese, and bold toppings come together for an irresistible appetizer.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Tasty Snacks

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Shrimp

01 16 ounces shrimp, raw, tails removed (medium to large preferred)
02 ½ teaspoon salt
03 ¼ teaspoon pepper
04 1 teaspoon chili powder
05 ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
06 ¼ teaspoon onion powder
07 ½ teaspoon cumin
08 ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
09 1 tablespoon olive oil or neutral oil

→ Nachos

10 12 to 16 ounces tortilla chips
11 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (cheddar, Pepper Jack, or Colby Jack optional)
12 14.5 ounces pinto beans, rinsed and drained (substitute with black beans if desired)

→ Optional Toppings

13 Avocado, sliced
14 Salsa (e.g., salsa verde)
15 Lime wedges
16 Fresh cilantro
17 Banana peppers, sliced
18 Pepperoncinis
19 Sour cream

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Spread half of the tortilla chips onto the prepared baking sheet. Top with half of the beans and cheese. Repeat layers. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Step 02

While nachos are baking, prepare the shrimp. Pick through the shrimp to remove any remaining shells and ensure they are deveined. Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel. Add raw shrimp to a medium bowl. Add all of the seasoning and toss until evenly coated. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 4 minutes on each side until opaque and cooked through.

Step 03

Remove nachos from the oven and top with the cooked shrimp. Add any desired toppings and serve immediately.

Notes

  1. Nachos are best enjoyed immediately after preparation but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an air fryer or oven until warmed through.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large baking sheet
  • Foil or parchment paper
  • Medium bowl
  • Large skillet
  • Paper towels

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese)
  • Shellfish (shrimp)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 530
  • Total Fat: 26 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 57 g
  • Protein: 20 g