Looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner option? Look no further than these mouthwatering Chipotle Shrimp Tacos! Packed with tender shrimp seasoned to perfection with a blend of chipotle, garlic, cumin, and chili powder, and complemented by creamy chipotle sauce and zesty Mexican coleslaw, these tacos are sure to become a family favorite. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a satisfying meal in no time!
Ingredients:
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Chipotle Sauce:
- ⅓ cup mayo or sour cream
- ½ chipotle in adobo pepper, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon chipotle in adobo sauce
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Mexican Coleslaw:
- 2 cups coleslaw mix
- 2 tablespoons mayo
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 teaspoons cilantro, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
Directions:
- Begin by preparing the shrimp. In a bowl, toss the peeled, deveined shrimp with olive oil and the blend of chipotle powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, and chili powder until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
- While the shrimp are cooking, prepare the Mexican coleslaw. In a bowl, mix together the mayo (or sour cream), lime juice, finely chopped cilantro, and salt to create the dressing. Add the coleslaw mix to the bowl and toss until well coated. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Next, make the chipotle sauce. In a separate bowl, combine the mayo (or sour cream) with the finely chopped chipotle pepper, chipotle adobo sauce, and lime juice. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Warm the tortillas either in a skillet or microwave until they are soft and pliable.
- To assemble the tacos, place a generous amount of Mexican coleslaw on each tortilla, followed by a few cooked shrimp and slices of avocado.
- Drizzle the chipotle sauce over the tacos just before serving.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 3g
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these Chipotle Shrimp Tacos immediately after assembling to enjoy them at their best.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.
- Pair with your favorite Mexican sides such as rice and beans or tortilla chips and salsa for a complete meal.
- Storage Instructions:
- If you have leftovers, store the components separately for the best results.
- Place the cooked shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Store the chipotle sauce and Mexican coleslaw dressing in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Store the tortillas in a resealable plastic bag or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- When reheating, warm the shrimp and tortillas separately to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option:
- Swap out the shrimp for grilled or sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms. Season the vegetables with the same chipotle spice blend for a flavorful vegetarian alternative.
- Protein Substitutions:
- Replace the shrimp with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a different protein option. Marinate the chicken or tofu in the chipotle spice blend before cooking for a similar flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option:
- Use gluten-free corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make the tacos suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Variation:
- Substitute dairy-free alternatives such as vegan mayo or coconut yogurt for the chipotle sauce and Mexican coleslaw dressing to make the tacos dairy-free while still retaining creamy texture and flavor.
- Spice Level Adjustment:
- Adjust the amount of chipotle powder and chipotle in adobo sauce to suit your preference for spice. Increase or decrease the quantities according to your taste buds.
- Additions and Toppings:
- Customize your tacos with additional toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- Grilled Variation:
- Instead of cooking the shrimp in a skillet, grill them on an outdoor grill or grill pan for a smoky flavor. Grill the tortillas briefly for a charred touch before assembling the tacos.
- Asian Fusion Twist:
- Infuse Asian flavors by using a soy sauce, ginger, and garlic marinade for the shrimp. Swap the chipotle sauce for a spicy Sriracha mayo and the Mexican coleslaw for a tangy Asian slaw made with rice vinegar and sesame oil.
FAQs:
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for convenience. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before using, or place them in a bowl of cold water for quicker thawing.
- Can I use pre-made chipotle sauce instead of making it from scratch?
- Absolutely! Feel free to use store-bought chipotle sauce if you prefer. Just adjust the amount according to your taste.
- Is there a substitute for chipotle in adobo sauce?
- If you don’t have chipotle in adobo sauce on hand, you can use chipotle powder or canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Alternatively, you can substitute with smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor.
- How can I make these tacos spicier?
- To increase the spice level, add extra chipotle powder or chopped chipotle peppers to both the shrimp seasoning and the chipotle sauce. You can also include sliced jalapeños or hot sauce as toppings.
- Can I make these tacos ahead of time for a party?
- While it’s best to assemble the tacos just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy, you can prepare the components in advance. Store the shrimp, chipotle sauce, and coleslaw separately in the refrigerator and assemble the tacos when ready to serve.
- Are flour tortillas better than corn tortillas for these tacos?
- It’s a matter of personal preference. Corn tortillas provide a traditional flavor and slightly chewy texture, while flour tortillas offer a softer and more pliable wrap. Choose whichever you prefer or try both to see which you like best.
These Chipotle Shrimp Tacos are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With the perfect balance of spicy shrimp, creamy chipotle sauce, and zesty coleslaw, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a casual gathering, these tacos are a winner every time. Try them out today and experience a fiesta of flavors in every bite!
