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Chipotle Shrimp Tacos

Smoky chipotle-marinated shrimp tacos with fresh toppings, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with serious flavor
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chipotle Shrimp
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
  • 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from the can
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lime, juiced
For Assembly
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • lime wedges for serving
  • Mexican crema or sour cream

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice to create the marinade.
  2. Add the cleaned shrimp to the marinade, tossing until every piece is coated. Let them sit for 5 minutes while you prep your toppings.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes without moving them, until bottoms turn golden and slightly charred.
  4. Flip shrimp and cook another 2-3 minutes until pink, opaque, and firm to the touch (internal temperature should reach 145°F).
  5. While shrimp finish cooking, warm tortillas directly over gas flame for 30 seconds per side, or in a dry skillet until pliable and lightly spotted.
  6. Place 4-5 shrimp in each warm tortilla. Top with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, Mexican crema, and an extra squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

Don't marinate shrimp longer than 30 minutes as lime acid can affect texture. Pat shrimp dry before marinating for better caramelization. Cooked shrimp keep in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store taco components separately to prevent soggy tortillas. Can substitute chipotle powder plus smoked paprika if can't find chipotle peppers. Greek yogurt with lime works as substitute for Mexican crema.