Before diving into the vibrant world of spicy shrimp tacos with avocado salsa sour cream cilantro sauce, let’s first consider what pairs magnificently with these flavor-packed bites. Drinks and sides play a huge role in enhancing a meal, don’t you think?
1. Light Ales and Ciders
A crisp lager or a fruity cider works nicely here. These drinks can cut through the heat of the shrimp while refreshing your palate.
2. Agua Fresca
Think outside the box with a homemade agua fresca. Try blending watermelon, mint, and a splash of lime juice for a refreshing companion.
3. Fresh Guacamole
On the side, a bowl of guacamole with crunchy tortilla chips can provide a creamy contrast to the tacos, bringing a delightful texture.
Welcome to the culinary adventure of cooking spicy shrimp tacos with avocado salsa sour cream cilantro sauce! This dish is a fiesta on a plate. Each bite bursts with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors that can brighten up a dreary day. Picture yourself enjoying a sunny afternoon, perhaps at a backyard gathering, with these tacos in hand. Shrimp, seasoned to perfection, dance alongside cool, creamy avocado salsa. Just writing about it makes my mouth water!
I have always loved tacos. Whether it’s the classic beef or the vegetarian versions, tacos have a way of making any meal feel special. But shrimp tacos? They’ve captured my heart. I remember a trip to the coast when I had my first taste of spicy shrimp tacos. The combination of spices and creamy toppings left me yearning for more. That moment inspired me to recreate that experience right in my kitchen.
This recipe is exactly what you need for your next get-together or even a simple weeknight dinner. Let’s dig deeper and see why this spicy shrimp taco recipe stands out.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh produce and seafood enhances flavor. The vibrant colors of tomatoes and avocados not only make the dish attractive but also ensure you’re eating nutrient-rich food. Fresh ingredients pack a nutritional punch, boosting your health while satisfying your cravings.
2. Flavor Balance
The combination of spicy shrimp with cool avocado salsa creates an excellent balance. Spices kick up the heat, and the creamy texture from the avocado balances out the flavors. You get a party in your mouth with each delicious bite.
3. Easy and Quick Preparation
Busy weeknights call for quick meals without sacrificing taste. This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, allowing you to savor a restaurant-quality dish without the restaurant wait.
4. Versatile Customization
This recipe is a canvas. You can add extra toppings or swap out ingredients based on your dietary preferences or available produce. Feeling adventurous? Try adding mango or pineapple for a tropical twist.
How Does It Taste?
Let’s not beat around the bush. These spicy shrimp tacos are amazing! Imagine biting into a warm tortilla wrapped around plump, seasoned shrimp, followed by a zesty splash of lime from the avocado salsa. The cilantro adds a fresh note, while the sour cream cools any heat you may encounter. It’s a delightful medley that keeps you coming back for more!
What Sets This Recipe Apart?
There are countless shrimp taco recipes out there, but this one shines through its unique sauce blends. The avocado salsa and cilantro cream add layers of flavor that many recipes forget about.
Avocado Salsa
This isn’t your average topping. The creaminess of the ripe avocados paired with sharp lime juice and a punch of jalapeño creates a fiesta of textures and tastes.
Cilantro Cream Sauce
It’s simply what dreams are made of. A blend of sour cream and cilantro with a touch of smoked paprika elevates this dish. It’s perfect for drizzling over tacos or using as a dip for those crunchy tortilla chips.
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The Ingredients
This recipe requires simple ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Shrimp: 50 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined.
- Tortillas: 16 small Mission Light Corn Tortillas.
- Olive Oil: 7 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for sautéing those shrimp.
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon sea salt, 3 garlic cloves minced, optional onion powder (1 teaspoon), chili powder (1 teaspoon), and ground cumin (1 teaspoon).
- Lime Juice: Juice of half a lime to add freshness.
- Avocado Salsa: 3 ripe tomatoes, 3 ripe avocados, 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 jalapeño pepper, 1 cup cilantro leaves, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and a finely chopped shallot.
- Cilantro Cream Sauce: 5 tablespoons freshly minced cilantro, 1 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice.
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
In a bowl, combine the peeled shrimp with olive oil, salt, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and lime juice. This creates a lovely marinade that enhances each shrimp’s flavor.
Step 2: Heat the Grill or Pan
Preheat your grill or a skillet on medium-high heat. If you’re using a skillet, add a little olive oil to avoid sticking.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Once hot, add the marinated shrimp. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until they turn opaque and are cooked through. Remove them from the heat and let them rest while you prepare the toppings.
Step 4: Make the Avocado Salsa
In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped tomatoes, diced avocados, lime juice, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, black pepper, and shallot. Gently fold to combine everything. Don’t mash those avocados—keep them chunky!
Step 5: Prepare the Cilantro Cream Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, minced cilantro, smoked paprika, and lime juice. This is your secret weapon for drizzling over the tacos.
Step 6: Assemble Tacos
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over the grill for a few seconds on each side. Then, layer the shrimp first, followed by the avocado salsa, and finish with a drizzle of cilantro cream sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy the flavors!
Notes
Here are a few helpful tips to make your taco journey smoother:
- Freshness Matters: Always use fresh shrimp for the best taste. Frozen shrimp work in a pinch, but be sure to thaw them properly.
- Variations Ahead: Swap shrimp for grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a different take on this recipe.
- Tortilla Fun: Make sure to warm the tortillas. Cold tortillas can easily break and ruin the taco experience.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the salsa and sauces ahead of time. This reduces the workload on the day you’re serving.
- Garnish Delight: Consider garnishing with lime wedges or extra cilantro for additional flair.
Nutrition Information
Your health matters, too! A single serving of spicy shrimp tacos (without toppings) contains approximately:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
How Do You Store This Dish?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store the shrimp and sauces in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within 2-3 days, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Sides for Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Adding sides can elevate your meal. Here are three excellent suggestions:
1. Cilantro Lime Rice
This dish brings a delicious herbaceous quality that complements the tacos perfectly. The tartness of lime pairs beautifully with the fresh cilantro, making each bite refreshing.
2. Mexican Street Corn
Elote, or Mexican street corn, offers a creamy, cheesy delight that’s hard to resist. Rolled in mayo, lime, cheese, and chili powder, it serves as a delectable side that compliments the shrimp tacos.
3. Black Bean Salad
A chilled black bean salad filled with diced bell peppers, corn, and a zesty dressing provides a healthy contrast. Packed with fiber and protein, it rounds out your meal nicely.
Simplifying Ingredient Substitutions
Not all of us have every ingredient on hand when inspiration strikes! Here are alternatives you can use:
1. Shrimp Alternatives
If shrimp isn’t available, grilled chicken or firm tofu serves as excellent protein substitutes, keeping everything flavorful.
2. Tortilla Switch-Up
If corn tortillas are out of reach, flour tortillas or lettuce wraps can do the trick, allowing for a wider range of dining options.
3. Sour Cream Alternatives
Greek yogurt works wonders as a substitute for sour cream. It offers a similar taste with added protein and less fat.
4. Fresh Herb Variants
If you’re not a cilantro fan, try fresh parsley or mint. Both can add a fresh touch to your dishes without overpowering the flavors.
Spicy Shrimp Tacos With Avocado Salsa Sour Cream Cilantro Sauce
Equipment
- Bowl
- Skillet
Ingredients
- Shrimp: 50 medium shrimp peeled and deveined.
- Tortillas: 16 small Mission Light Corn Tortillas.
- Olive Oil: 7 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for sautéing those shrimp.
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon sea salt 3 garlic cloves minced, optional onion powder (1 teaspoon), chili powder (1 teaspoon), and ground cumin (1 teaspoon).
- Lime Juice: Juice of half a lime to add freshness.
- Avocado Salsa: 3 ripe tomatoes 3 ripe avocados, 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 jalapeño pepper, 1 cup cilantro leaves, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and a finely chopped shallot.
- Cilantro Cream Sauce: 5 tablespoons freshly minced cilantro 1 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice.
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
- In a bowl, combine the peeled shrimp with olive oil, salt, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and lime juice. This creates a lovely marinade that enhances each shrimp’s flavor.
Step 2: Heat the Grill or Pan
- Preheat your grill or a skillet on medium-high heat. If you’re using a skillet, add a little olive oil to avoid sticking.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- Once hot, add the marinated shrimp. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until they turn opaque and are cooked through. Remove them from the heat and let them rest while you prepare the toppings.
Step 4: Make the Avocado Salsa
- In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped tomatoes, diced avocados, lime juice, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, black pepper, and shallot. Gently fold to combine everything. Don’t mash those avocados—keep them chunky!
Step 5: Prepare the Cilantro Cream Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, minced cilantro, smoked paprika, and lime juice. This is your secret weapon for drizzling over the tacos.
Step 6: Assemble Tacos
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over the grill for a few seconds on each side. Then, layer the shrimp first, followed by the avocado salsa, and finish with a drizzle of cilantro cream sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy the flavors!
Notes
- Freshness Matters: Always use fresh shrimp for the best taste. Frozen shrimp work in a pinch, but be sure to thaw them properly.
- Variations Ahead: Swap shrimp for grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a different take on this recipe.
- Tortilla Fun: Make sure to warm the tortillas. Cold tortillas can easily break and ruin the taco experience.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the salsa and sauces ahead of time. This reduces the workload on the day you’re serving.
- Garnish Delight: Consider garnishing with lime wedges or extra cilantro for additional flair.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these tacos spicy?
Absolutely! You can amp up the heat by adding more jalapeños to the avocado salsa or by using spicy chili powder during marination.
2. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works just fine; just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking.
3. Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?
Definitely! Chop your vegetables and prepare the sauces ahead of time. This makes the final assembly quick and stress-free.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For leftovers, place the shrimp in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. This keeps them juicy, preventing overcooking.
Conclusion
Spicy shrimp tacos with avocado salsa sour cream cilantro sauce hold a special place on my dining table and hopefully on yours, too. They offer delightful flavors, a range of textures, and the promise of summer in every bite. Whether for a family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is bound to be a conversation starter.
Cooking is about bringing people together and enjoying delicious food. So, gather your loved ones, fire up your grill or stove, and create these tacos tonight! The taste is worth it. Happy cooking!
