Craving a flavor explosion that'll transport your taste buds straight to a sunny Mexican beach? Then look no further than these Spicy Chipotle Shrimp Tacos! We're talking succulent, perfectly seasoned shrimp swimming in a fiery chipotle sauce, all nestled in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. Forget bland, boring tacos – this recipe delivers a vibrant, unforgettable taste experience that's surprisingly easy to achieve. Get ready for a fiesta in your mouth!
This recipe balances smoky chipotle heat with the sweetness of juicy shrimp and the freshness of vibrant toppings. From perfectly prepping your shrimp to crafting the addictive chipotle sauce, we'll guide you through each step of the process to ensure taco perfection. Ready to dive into the delicious details? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl
- Large bowl
- Chef's knife
- Medium-sized bowl
- Pan
- Tongs
Ingredients
- Bacon: 8 ounces (8 slices)
- Lime: 1
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon + to taste
- Sour cream: 8 ounces
- Cabbage: 1/4 medium
- Cilantro: 2 cups, roughly chopped
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined
- Chipotle powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
- Avocado: to taste, sliced
- Tortillas: to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the toppings and sauces
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place bacon on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until crispy.
- Zest and juice one lime. Add lime zest and juice, minced garlic, salt, and sour cream to a bowl; stir.
- Remove bacon from oven and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Crumble.
- Thinly slice cabbage and add to a large bowl with cilantro and crumbled bacon.
- Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add to slaw and stir.
Step 2. Season and cook the shrimp
- In a bowl, combine shrimp, chipotle powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss with olive oil.
- Heat a pan over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
Step 3. Assemble the tacos
- Place tortillas on a plate. Add slaw, avocado slices, shrimp, and drizzle with lime crema.
Read more: Juicy Birria Quesa Tacos Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- For perfectly crispy bacon, use the oven method.
- Zest the lime before juicing for easier zest removal.
- Don't overcook the shrimp; they'll become rubbery.
- Guacamole can be used as an alternative to fresh avocado.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they get nicely browned and crispy.
2. What kind of tortillas are best?
Corn or flour tortillas both work great. Warm them slightly before filling for the best texture.
3. How can I adjust the spice level?
Start with less chipotle powder and add more to taste. You can also adjust the amount of chili powder or remove the seeds from the chipotle peppers for a milder flavor.
These Spicy Chipotle Shrimp Tacos are the perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and sweet, guaranteed to become a new favorite. From weeknight dinners to lively gatherings, this recipe is incredibly versatile and always a crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare for a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more!