Description
Spicy chipotle shrimp tacos bring Mexican street flavors to your kitchen with zesty grilled seafood and fresh toppings. Crisp corn tortillas cradle smoky chipotle-marinated shrimp, offering you a quick, delectable meal that dances with bold southwestern spirit.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (454 grams)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Taco Components and Toppings:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Chipotle Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Craft a zesty chipotle sauce by blending mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, and a touch of salt until smooth and creamy. Set aside for later use.
- In a mixing bowl, coat shrimp thoroughly with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Allow to marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes, ensuring even seasoning coverage.
- Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature. Carefully place marinated shrimp on the hot surface, grilling 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
- Warm tortillas quickly on the grill for 30 seconds each side, or microwave for 15 seconds until pliable and soft.
- Layer each tortilla with crisp lettuce as a base, then arrange perfectly grilled shrimp on top. Add vibrant diced tomatoes, creamy avocado slices, and fresh green bell pepper for texture and color.
- Generously drizzle the prepared chipotle sauce over the assembled tacos, ensuring each bite will have a tangy, spicy flavor profile.
- Garnish with fresh lime wedges on the side, allowing diners to squeeze additional citrus juice as desired. Serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and fresh.
Notes
- Choose smaller shrimp for easier grilling and more consistent cooking throughout the taco.
- Marinate shrimp briefly to prevent the acid from breaking down the delicate protein structure, which can make them tough.
- Swap regular mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for lighter, healthier alternatives that maintain creamy texture.
- Adjust chipotle pepper quantity based on personal heat tolerance, starting with less and gradually increasing for perfect spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg