South Carolina BBQ Shrimp Tacos

Introduction

Grilled over real wood fire on the Arteflame Grill, these South Carolina BBQ Shrimp Tacos bring out that smoky, tangy flavor that makes Southern shrimp shine. Featuring grilled shrimp perfectly seared at over 1,000°F on the center grate and finished on the flat cooktop, these tacos are layered with a creamy and zingy barbecue slaw, all wrapped inside warm tortillas. The combination of textures, sauces, and grilled goodness makes these tacos hard to beat.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• 1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage
• 1 cup thinly sliced green cabbage
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 1/3 cup mayo
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp BBQ dry rub (store-bought or homemade)
• Chopped parsley or cilantro (optional garnish)
• 2 fresh limes (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place napkins in the center of the Arteflame Grill.
3. Stack hardwood firewood on top of napkins.
4. Light the napkins and let the fire build up.
5. Wait about 20 minutes until the center grate reaches over 1,000°F and the flat cooktop is hot throughout.

Step 2: Prep the Shrimp

1. Place shrimp in a bowl and toss with melted butter, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
2. Let shrimp sit while grill heats up to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Make the BBQ Slaw

1. In a bowl, mix mayo, apple cider vinegar, mustard, honey, and BBQ dry rub until smooth.
2. Add red and green cabbage and shredded carrots.
3. Toss everything until well coated. Set aside.

Step 4: Grill the Shrimp

1. Place shrimp on the 1,000°F center grill grate to sear for 30 seconds per side.
2. Once nicely seared, move shrimp to the hotter inner zone of the flat cooktop to bring to full doneness.
3. Cook until internal temp reaches 130°F, then remove from grill (they’ll continue cooking to 145°F).

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

1. Place tortillas on the outer flat cooktop zone for 30–45 seconds per side until warm and slightly charred.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos

1. Place 3–4 shrimp on each tortilla.
2. Top with a generous spoonful of BBQ slaw.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro (optional).
4. Squeeze fresh lime over the top and serve warm.

Tips

• Sear shrimp quickly and move to finish on the cooktop to avoid overcooking.
• Always remove the shrimp when they are 15°F BELOW your final desired temperature.
• Taste the slaw before serving and adjust the honey or vinegar to balance sweetness and acidity.
• Use the flat cooktop zones—for warming tortillas and cooking veggies—by adjusting placement for more or less heat.
• Use butter for grilling instead of oil—it adds unbeatable flavor.

Variations

• Spicy Mango BBQ Shrimp Tacos: Add sliced fresh mango to the slaw and a splash of hot sauce for tropical heat.
• South Carolina Mustard BBQ Chicken Tacos: Swap shrimp for chicken tenders and use a mustard-based BBQ sauce in the slaw.
• Southern Blackened Fish Tacos: Use a firm white fish like grouper or snapper seasoned with blackening rub, then grill and assemble the same way.
• Vegetarian BBQ Jackfruit Tacos: Sub jackfruit chunks for shrimp and grill them in BBQ seasoning until crispy on the flat top, then proceed with slaw and toppings.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Shrimp Wraps: Skip the tortillas and use large bib lettuce or romaine leaves as your taco base.

Best pairings

• Sweet tea or a crisp lager
• Grilled elote (Mexican Street Corn)
• Grilled peach and arugula salad
• Pickled red onions for topping
• Watermelon with mint and lime

Conclusion

These South Carolina BBQ Shrimp Tacos are a knock-out hit for any outdoor cookout—made authentic on the Arteflame Grill. The real-wood flavor, paired with Southern-style slaw and perfectly grilled shrimp, creates the kind of taco that makes summer worth the wait. The Arteflame's unique cooking surface lets you sear and finish the shrimp and prepare everything else to perfection all at once—right on the grill.