Shrimp Nachos Bold Layers (Printable Version)

Zesty shrimp and melty cheese top crispy tortilla chips with beans and fresh garnishes.

# Everything You’ll Need:

→ Shrimp

01 - 1 lb medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil
03 - 1 tsp chili powder
04 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
05 - ½ tsp ground cumin
06 - ½ tsp garlic powder
07 - ½ tsp onion powder
08 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Nachos

09 - 1 bag sturdy tortilla chips
10 - 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
11 - 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Pepper Jack cheese
12 - 1 can (15 oz) pinto or black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Toppings

13 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced or diced
14 - Salsa verde or red salsa, as desired
15 - Sour cream or Mexican crema, as desired
16 - Fresh cilantro, chopped, as desired
17 - Lime wedges, for serving
18 - Pickled banana peppers or pepperoncinis, optional

# Steps to Cook:

01 - Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
02 - Spread half the tortilla chips evenly over the baking sheet. Sprinkle with half the beans and half the shredded cheeses. Repeat layers with remaining chips, beans, and cheese.
03 - Bake the assembled nachos for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbling.
04 - While nachos bake, pat shrimp dry. Toss with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
05 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
06 - Remove nachos from oven. Top with hot shrimp and desired toppings such as avocado, salsa, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, and pickled peppers. Serve immediately.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Dry shrimp thoroughly before cooking to achieve a good sear and avoid steaming.
02 - Grate cheese fresh from the block for optimal melting and flavor.
03 - Layer cheese before beans to keep chips crisp and prevent sogginess.
04 - Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture.