Ingredients
Scale
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 fresh jalapeños, sliced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or Oaxaca cheese for a more authentic flavor)
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (for garnish)
For the Tacos:
- 6 small soft corn tortillas (or flour tortillas if preferred)
- Optional toppings: Salsa, sour cream, avocado, or guacamole
Ingredient Highlights
- Shrimp: Shrimp adds a delicate sweetness and tender texture to the tacos, making it the perfect protein for this dish.
- Cheese: The mozzarella or Oaxaca cheese melts beautifully, binding the other ingredients together for a creamy, satisfying bite.
- Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños add a touch of heat, which can be adjusted based on your personal preference.
- Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a bright, zesty kick to the dish, cutting through the richness of the shrimp and cheese.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Filling
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and jalapeños. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. Add the cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to combine the spices and coat the vegetables evenly.
- Mix in the Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir in the lime juice. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the shrimp mixture and stir until the cheese begins to melt and everything is well combined. This will create a creamy, cheesy filling.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
- Heat the Tortillas: Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until they are soft and pliable. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and heat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
- Assemble the Tacos: Once the tortillas are ready, spoon a generous amount of the shrimp and cheese filling onto the center of each tortilla.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with Cilantro: Top each taco with freshly chopped cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.
- Add Optional Toppings: Add your favorite taco toppings such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or sliced avocado to enhance the flavor and texture of the tacos.
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 25g