Shrimp Tacos with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo

A vibrant and flavorful dish, these shrimp tacos are a modern take on the beloved street food found across Mexico, known locally as 'tacos de camarón.' The combination of succulent, seasoned shrimp, caramelized vegetables, creamy guacamole, and fresh pico de gallo creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Tacos are a staple of Mexican cuisine, deeply rooted in tradition and enjoyed in various forms throughout the country. This recipe brings together the essence of coastal Mexican flavors, highlighting fresh seafood and zesty accompaniments. Whether served at a casual gathering or a festive celebration, these tacos are sure to impress with their bold taste and colorful presentation.

Image for Shrimp Tacos with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo

Ingredients (Makes 4 servings)

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) large raw shrimp, deveined, no tail
2 tbsp (14 g) taco seasoning
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 small tortillas

Guacamole

1 ripe avocado
Handful of fresh cilantro, finely chopped
¼ red onion, finely chopped
½ lime, juiced
1 tbsp (15 g) jalapeño, deseeded, finely diced
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt, to taste

Pico de Gallo

1 tomato, diced finely
¼ red onion, diced finely
Handful of cilantro, chopped finely
2 tbsp (30 g) jalapeño, diced finely
½ lime, juiced
Salt, to taste

For Serving/Garnishing

Shredded lettuce
Sour cream
Lime wedges

Nutrition Information (per 100g)

Calories: 120
Fat: 5
Protein: 10
Carbohydrates: 8
Fiber: 2

Directions

Seasoning the Shrimp

1. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with taco seasoning until evenly coated. Set aside.

Cooking the Vegetables

2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and chopped garlic.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then sauté for 10-15 minutes until caramelized and tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Preparing the Guacamole

4. Using a mortar and pestle, crush together the jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, and salt.
5. Add the finely chopped red onion and cilantro, mixing well.
6. Mash in the avocado until smooth but slightly chunky. Adjust seasoning with more salt or lime juice if needed.

Preparing the Pico de Gallo

7. In a bowl, combine the diced tomato, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
8. Season with salt and lime juice, stirring to combine.

Cooking the Shrimp

9. In the same pan used for the vegetables, add a small amount of oil and heat over medium-high.
10. Cook the shrimp for 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.

Assembling the Tacos

11. Char the tortillas lightly over an open flame or in a dry pan.
12. Spread a thin layer of sour cream on each tortilla.
13. Top with the sautéed onion and bell pepper mixture, followed by the cooked shrimp.
14. Garnish with pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, and a dollop of guacamole.

Serving

15. Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness.

Cookix's Secrets

Alternative Cooking Method

Grill the shrimp instead of pan-frying for a smoky flavor.

Alternative Proteins

Replace shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for different dietary preferences.

Bold Flavor Enhancement

Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the taco seasoning for depth.

Guacamole Storage

To prevent browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole.

Healthier Variation

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.

Seasonal Tweaks

Swap bell peppers for roasted corn in summer for a sweeter touch.

Shrimp Preparation

For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in lime juice and taco seasoning for 15 minutes before cooking.

Tortilla Handling

Warm tortillas over an open flame for a smoky charred effect.

Ask Cookix, your sous-chef