Introduction

Oh, the irresistible pull of a perfectly loaded plate of nachos! I don’t know about you, but for me, nachos are more than just a snack; they’re a memory. They’re movie nights curled up on the couch, game days with friends, and that little bit of pure, unadulterated comfort food. And today, we’re taking those classic cravings to a whole new level with these incredible Shrimp Nachos. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly simple to whip up, making it your new favorite for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: From start to finish, these babies are ready in a flash, perfect for when hunger strikes.
Easy: Seriously, the steps are so straightforward, you’ll be amazed at how gourmet these taste with minimal effort.
Giftable: Okay, maybe not giftable in the traditional sense, but they are definitely a crowd-pleaser that everyone will thank you for!
Crowd-pleasing: Whether you’re hosting a party or just feeding the family, these shrimp nachos are guaranteed to disappear in minutes.

Ingredients

Gather ’round, kitchen wizards! Here’s what you’ll need to create this nacho masterpiece. Don’t be intimidated by the spice blend; it’s what gives our shrimp that extra kick!

16 ounces raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium to large): Fresh is always best, but thawed frozen shrimp work wonderfully too.
½ teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all those amazing flavors.
¼ teaspoon pepper: Freshly ground pepper always adds a little something extra!
1 teaspoon chili powder: This is the heart of our seasoning.
¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Because garlic makes everything better.
¼ teaspoon onion powder: For a subtle savory depth.
½ teaspoon cumin: This earthy spice is a nacho essential!
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a lovely smoky note and a beautiful color.
1 tablespoon olive oil or neutral oil: For getting our shrimp perfectly cooked.
12 to 16 ounces tortilla chips: Your trusty base! Choose your favorite kind – they all work.
8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or Colby Jack, shredded: A good melt is key! I love a mix of Monterey Jack and Cheddar for ultimate cheesiness.
14.5 ounces pinto beans, rinsed and drained: These add a hearty, satisfying element. Refried beans work too if you’re feeling adventurous!

How to Make It

Alright, apron on? Let’s get cooking! It’s so simple, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again.

Spice Up Your Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss those beautiful shrimp with the salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Give them a good coating – they’re going to be so happy!
Sear Those Shrimps: Heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them, or they can get a bit rubbery. Once cooked, pop them out of the skillet and set them aside for a moment.
Preheat Your Oven: Now, let’s get that oven nice and toasty. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C).
Build Your Nacho Base: Grab a baking sheet (a rimmed one is best to catch any rogue chips or melty cheese!). Spread your tortilla chips evenly across the baking sheet. We want to make sure every chip gets some love!
Add the Beans: Scatter the rinsed and drained pinto beans over the tortilla chips. They’ll add a lovely texture and make these nachos a bit more substantial.
Cheese, Please! Sprinkle that glorious shredded cheese evenly over the beans. Get it into all the nooks and crannies!
Melt Away: Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for that beautiful moment when the cheese is completely melted and wonderfully bubbly.
The Grand Finale: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Now, artfully arrange your perfectly cooked shrimp over the melted cheese. And there you have it – Shrimp Nachos, ready to be devoured!

Substitutions & Additions

While this recipe is fantastic as is, we all love to personalize, right? Here are some ideas to make these nachos uniquely yours:

Shrimp: If shrimp isn’t your thing, seasoned cooked chicken or even seasoned black beans would be delicious additions.
Beans: Black beans, kidney beans, or even seasoned corn kernels can be swapped in for the pinto beans.
Cheese: Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses! A little bit of sharp cheddar with some pepper jack gives a great flavor profile.
Additions:
- Veggies: Add a layer of sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled), diced red onion, or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro before baking.
- Sauce: A drizzle of your favorite salsa, sour cream, or a creamy avocado crema after baking takes these to the next level.
- Spice: For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp seasoning or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks up my sleeve to ensure your Shrimp Nachos are always a winner:

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the shrimp, make sure they’re in a single layer. Overcrowding will steam them instead of searing them, and we want that lovely crispy edge!
Even Layering: Take a moment to spread the chips, beans, and cheese evenly. This ensures every bite has a bit of everything, avoiding those sad, bare spots.
Watch the Cheese: Ovens can vary! Keep an eye on the nachos while they’re baking so the cheese melts perfectly without burning.
Prep Ahead: You can season the shrimp and rinse/drain the beans a few hours in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. This makes assembly even quicker when it’s time to eat!

How to Store It

These Shrimp Nachos are best enjoyed fresh and warm right out of the oven. However, if you happen to have any (which is unlikely!), here’s how to store them:

Leftover nachos are tricky because the chips can get soggy. If you must store them, let them cool completely. Then, store the nacho components separately (cooked shrimp, cheese/bean mixture) in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, spread the chip/bean/cheese mixture on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) until heated through and bubbly, then top with the warmed shrimp.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes! Make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before seasoning and cooking.
Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the shrimp seasoning and rinse the beans ahead of time. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture.
What kind of chips are best? Any sturdy tortilla chip will work! Restaurant-style chips or thicker kettle-style chips hold up well.

Easy Shrimp Nachos

These irresistible Shrimp Nachos are a flavor explosion that's surprisingly simple to whip up, making them your new favorite for any occasion!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

Medium bowl
Skillet
Baking Sheet rimmed is best

Ingredients

Shrimp Seasoning

16 ounces raw shrimp peeled and deveined (medium to large)
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon pepper Freshly ground
1 teaspoon chili powder
0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
0.25 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon cumin
0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil or neutral oil

Nachos

12 to 16 ounces tortilla chips Your favorite kind
8 ounces shredded cheese Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or Colby Jack
14.5 ounces pinto beans rinsed and drained

Instructions

In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Ensure they are well coated.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread tortilla chips evenly across a rimmed baking sheet.
Scatter the rinsed and drained pinto beans over the tortilla chips.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the beans.
Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and artfully arrange the cooked shrimp over the melted cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp seasoning or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. If shrimp isn't your thing, seasoned cooked chicken or seasoned black beans would be delicious additions. Black beans, kidney beans, or seasoned corn kernels can be swapped in for the pinto beans. Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses! A little bit of sharp cheddar with some pepper jack gives a great flavor profile. Add sliced jalapeños, diced red onion, or chopped cilantro before baking. A drizzle of salsa, sour cream, or avocado crema after baking takes these to the next level.