If you’re looking to spice things up for dinner, these chipotle shrimp tacos with avocado crema and mango salsa are just the ticket! This recipe combines the smokiness of chipotle with the sweetness of mango salsa, making every bite burst with flavor. Plus, the creamy avocado crema balances everything out perfectly. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or simply craving a delicious meal, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Method in Detail
1. Preparing the Shrimp
Start by defrosting and rinsing the shrimp. If your shrimp still has tails, remove them. For a nice presentation, butterfly the shrimp (cut down the back and remove the vein). Make sure to pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to eliminate any excess moisture. This step is essential to ensure that the shrimp sears properly and gets a nice char when cooking.
2. Seasoning the Shrimp
Next, prepare the seasoning mix for the shrimp. In a bowl, combine olive oil with the smoked paprika, regular paprika, cumin, chipotle powder, salt, and the crushed garlic cloves. Stir everything together until it forms a smooth, well-mixed paste. Then, toss the shrimp in this mixture, ensuring that each shrimp is evenly coated with the seasoning. Let the shrimp marinate in this flavorful mixture for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the shrimp to absorb all the spices, giving them a deep, smoky flavor.
3. Making the Mango Salsa
While the shrimp is marinating, it’s time to prepare the mango salsa. Start by peeling and chopping the ripe mango into small cubes. Slice the Fresno chile (if you prefer less heat, you can remove the seeds). Then, finely chop the red onion and cilantro. Add all these ingredients into a mixing bowl and squeeze the lime juice over the top. Add a pinch of salt and stir everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lime juice, depending on your preference. This fresh salsa will add a burst of sweetness and heat, perfectly complementing the shrimp.
4. Preparing the Avocado Crema
Now, move on to making the avocado crema. Begin by slicing the avocado in half and removing the pit. Scoop out the flesh and add it to a food processor. Add the crushed garlic cloves, cilantro, cumin, lime juice, and salt to the food processor and blend until smooth. After everything is well blended, add in the sour cream and pulse a few more times to combine. The sour cream will add richness and creaminess to the crema. Be cautious not to over-blend the mixture once the sour cream is added, as it could become too watery. The crema should be thick, smooth, and creamy.
5. Cooking the Shrimp
Once the shrimp has marinated and your mango salsa and avocado crema are ready, it’s time to cook the shrimp. Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Let them sear for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until they are pink, opaque, and slightly charred. You want to cook them quickly to preserve their tender texture and prevent them from becoming rubbery. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
6. Char the Tortillas
While the shrimp is cooking, you can also prepare the tortillas. Place them on the skillet for about 30 seconds on each side to get them nice and charred. This adds a subtle smoky flavor and some extra crunch to the tacos. If you prefer soft tortillas, feel free to skip this step.
7. Assembling the Tacos
Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble the tacos. Take a warm tortilla and layer on some of the freshly cooked chipotle shrimp. Add a generous spoonful of the tangy mango salsa on top, followed by a dollop of the creamy avocado crema. You can also garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
Necessary Tools
- Skillet or frying pan
- Food processor (for the avocado crema)
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs (for turning shrimp)
- Spoon (for mixing salsa and crema)
Chipotle Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema and Mango Salsa
Cuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes15
minutes25
minutesIngredients
For the Shrimp:
1 lb (16-20) Black Tiger Shrimp
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp chipotle powder
2 garlic cloves, crushed
Tortillas of your choice, for serving
For the Mango Salsa:
1 ripe mango
1 Fresno chile
1/4 red onion
1 tbsp cilantro
1 lime, juiced
1/4 tsp salt
For the Avocado Crema:
1 avocado
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp cilantro
1/4 tsp cumin
1 lime, juiced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup sour cream
Directions
- Start by defrosting and rinsing the shrimp. Make sure to remove the tail and butterfly the shrimp if needed. Pat them dry to remove any excess moisture.
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, paprika, cumin, chipotle powder, salt, and crushed garlic cloves. Toss the shrimp in this seasoning mix, making sure they’re well-coated. Let them marinate while you prepare the mango salsa and avocado crema.
- To make the mango salsa, chop the ripe mango, Fresno chile, cilantro, and red onion. Toss them all together in a bowl, then add lime juice and salt to taste.
- For the avocado crema, add avocado, garlic, cilantro, cumin, lime juice, and salt to a food processor. Blend until smooth, then mix in the sour cream. Be careful not to blend the sour cream too much, or it could turn watery.
- Heat your skillet over medium heat. Once hot, sear the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they’re cooked through and slightly charred.
- Char your tortillas on the skillet to give them a little extra crunch, then assemble your tacos by adding the shrimp, mango salsa, and avocado crema. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- When marinating the shrimp, make sure to allow them time to soak up the seasoning. If you marinate for too long, the shrimp could become too salty or overly spiced.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp! They cook very quickly just 1-2 minutes per side is all you need. Overcooking shrimp can make them rubbery.
- When blending the avocado crema, don’t over-blend the sour cream. If blended too much, it can become too runny.
- Be careful while handling the Fresno chile, as it can be pretty spicy! You might want to wear gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after handling it to avoid irritation.
Serving Suggestions
These tacos are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a light salad for a complete meal. For a little extra crunch, try topping with shredded cabbage or some fresh cilantro. If you like it spicy, drizzle a little extra chipotle sauce or hot sauce over the tacos.
Fun Fact
Did you know that shrimp are one of the most popular seafood choices worldwide? They’re packed with protein and low in fat, making them a great option for healthy meals. Plus, shrimp cook super fast, which makes them perfect for quick weeknight dinners like this one!
Conclusion
These chipotle shrimp tacos are a perfect blend of flavors that will leave everyone asking for more. The smoky chipotle shrimp, paired with the sweet mango salsa and creamy avocado crema, create a satisfying and fresh taco experience. Whether you’re looking for a fun weeknight dinner or something to impress your friends at your next taco night, these tacos are a must-try. Give them a go and treat yourself to a flavorful feast!
