This smoky, southwest twist on shrimp tacos will make even the pickiest eaters dance in their chairs! This is a perfect weekday dinner that takes only minimal preparation and cooking. Bon Apetit from our family to yours!
FOR THE SHRIMP:
1 pound large or jumbo shrimp peeled, deveined, and tails removed (fresh or frozen and thawed)
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil divided
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground chipotle chili
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
6 to 8 corn or flour tortillas
Garnishes: avocados cilantro, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime wedges
FOR THE SLAW & DRESSING:
1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic peeled
1/2 small jalapeno seeds and membranes removed
1/4 cup tightly packed fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Zest and juice of 1 large or 2 very small limes about 2 teaspoons zest and 3 tablespoons juice
2 cups shredded cabbage or slaw mix
Rinse and pat the shrimp dry, then transfer to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with the chili powder, chipotle chili, cumin, and salt. Toss to coat evenly. Let rest while you prepare the shrimp taco sauce and slaw.
Prepare the sauce and slaw: In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, process the Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, salt, lime zest, and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Place the cabbage in a mixing bowl and toss with about 1/2 cup of the sauce. Add more sauce if you desire a creamier slaw, then reserve the rest of the sauce for serving.
Cook the shrimp: In a large nonstick skillet over medium high, heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Add the shrimp and sauté just until the shrimp is cooked through and no longer translucent in the center, about 4 minutes. Do not overcook! Transfer the shrimp immediately to a plate. Alternately, you can grill them for the same amount of time over an open wood-fired grill for additional flavor.
Warm the tortillas (optional) and assemble the tacos: If you like, warm the tortillas in the microwave (put them in a stack and cover them with a lightly damp towel) or a 250 degree F oven while the shrimp cook. To serve, fill the tortillas with your desired number of shrimp, then top generously with the slaw, extra sauce, a squeeze of lime juice, and any other desired toppings. Enjoy immediately.
Notes:
The shrimp tastes best the day it is made but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since shrimp tends to dry out when reheated, I prefer to use the leftovers on top of salads. Slaw can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and any extra sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
