Cheese And Shrimp Tacos: The Perfect Pairing

Shrimp tacos are a delicious meal, but what type of cheese should you use? There are several options, including Monterey Jack, mozzarella, feta, and cotija. For instance, one recipe for Tacos Gobernador, a type of cheesy shrimp taco, calls for Oaxaca cheese, Asadero, or queso Chihuahua, though it notes that Monterey Jack and mozzarella are also suitable. Another recipe for shrimp tacos suggests using cotija cheese, and a third recommends crumbled feta as a substitute for cotija. Finally, a recipe for cheesy shrimp tacos from Mexico includes shredded Mexican melting cheese, specifically Chihuahua or Jack cheese.

What type of cheese goes best with shrimp tacos?

There are several types of cheese that can be used in shrimp tacos, with the best option depending on the other ingredients and your personal preference. Here are some of the most popular choices:

Cotija Cheese

Cotija cheese is a common choice for shrimp tacos and other Mexican dishes. It is a Mexican cheese that is dry, salty, and crumbly, often used as a topping for southwestern-style recipes. Cotija cheese adds a nice salty contrast to the other ingredients in shrimp tacos, such as avocado, lime, and cabbage. If you can't find Cotija cheese, feta cheese can be a good substitute as it has a similar texture and saltiness.

Jack Cheese

Jack cheese, also known as Monterey Jack, is another popular option for shrimp tacos. It is a semi-hard cheese with a mild flavour that melts well, making it ideal for tacos. Jack cheese can be used on its own or in combination with other cheeses, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to add a creamy texture and a subtle tanginess to your shrimp tacos.

Chihuahua Cheese

Chihuahua cheese, also known as queso Chihuahua, is a Mexican melting cheese that is perfect for shrimp tacos. It has a full flavour and melts easily, making it a great choice for creating a gooey and delicious taco filling. If you can't find Chihuahua cheese, Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese can be used as substitutes.

Oaxaca Cheese

Oaxaca cheese, also known as queso Oaxaca, is a stringy, melting cheese that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It has a mild and slightly tangy flavour, similar to mozzarella, and melts beautifully, making it ideal for shrimp tacos. Oaxaca cheese can be used on its own or in combination with other cheeses, such as Chihuahua or Monterey Jack, to create a rich and creamy filling.

Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella cheese is a soft, stretchy, and mild-flavoured cheese that can also be used in shrimp tacos. While it is not traditionally Mexican, it melts extremely well and can add a creamy texture and a subtle flavour to your taco filling. Mozzarella can be used on its own or in combination with other cheeses, such as Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese, to enhance the creaminess of your shrimp tacos.

Other Options

In addition to the cheeses mentioned above, other options that can work well in shrimp tacos include feta cheese (as mentioned, this can be a good substitute for Cotija cheese), sour cream (which can be used in place of Mexican crema), and even cream cheese or cheddar cheese for a more indulgent and creamy taco filling.

How do you prepare the shrimp?

Preparing the shrimp is a crucial step in making delicious shrimp tacos. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Thawing and Peeling

If you're using frozen shrimp, it's important to thaw them properly. Place the shrimp in a bowl and run them under cool water until they're completely thawed. Alternatively, for faster thawing, place the shrimp in a sealed zip-top bag and submerge it in a bowl of cold water. This method ensures even thawing, which is essential for consistent cooking. Once thawed, peel the shrimp and remove their tails.

Seasoning

Seasoning the shrimp adds a burst of flavour to your tacos. You can use a variety of seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and chili powder. Simply toss the shrimp in a mixture of these spices. Additionally, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer your shrimp tacos spicy. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend.

Cooking

Heat some olive oil or avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink, stirring and flipping them occasionally. This should take around 5-6 minutes. Make sure not to overcook the shrimp, as it can lead to a rubbery texture. Once they're cooked, remove them from the heat.

Assembly

Now it's time to assemble your tacos! Warm your tortillas—either flour or corn, depending on your preference—in a skillet or oven. You can also char the tortillas on an open flame for a few seconds on each side if you want a smoky flavour. Place the cooked shrimp on the tortillas, adding any desired toppings such as sliced avocado, sour cream, salsa, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, red onions, or fresh cilantro. Finally, squeeze some lime juice over your tacos for a tangy finish.

Tips

• If you're in a rush, you can use pre-made taco seasoning instead of individual spices.
• To prevent overcrowding in the pan, cook the shrimp in batches if necessary.
• For a chargrilled flavour, grill the shrimp on a silicone grill mat over medium-high heat.
• If you prefer your shrimp with a more browned appearance, press them gently with a spatula while cooking.

What other ingredients are used?

There are a variety of ingredients that can be used to make shrimp tacos. Here are some ideas for what else you can include:

Vegetables

• Onions: White, yellow, or red onions can be sliced or diced and cooked until soft and translucent.
• Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes can be cut into small pieces or diced. You can also use canned diced tomatoes or tomato paste.
• Peppers: Poblano peppers, Anaheim peppers, bell peppers (green, red, or yellow), or jalapeños can be diced or cut into strips.
• Garlic: A few cloves of garlic, peeled and finely chopped or minced, can be added for flavour.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves can be chopped and added to the tacos or used as a garnish.
• Cabbage: Red or green cabbage can be shredded and used as a topping or in a slaw.
• Avocado: Smashed avocado can be spread on the tortilla or served as a side.
• Lettuce: Iceberg lettuce can be shredded and used as a topping.

Dairy

• Cheese: Shredded Mexican melting cheese, such as Chihuahua or Jack cheese, Oaxaca cheese, Asadero, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Cotija cheese can be used. You can also substitute feta cheese if you can't find Cotija.
• Crema or Sour Cream: Crema Mexicana or sour cream can be added to the tacos or used as a topping.
• Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise can be blended with other ingredients to make a creamy taco sauce.
• Greek Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt can be blended with mayonnaise and other ingredients for a lighter taco sauce.

Seasonings and Condiments

• Salt and Pepper: Used to season the shrimp and other ingredients.
• Chilli Powder: Adds a spicy kick to the tacos.
• Cumin: Ground cumin enhances the flavour of the tacos.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky flavour to the marinade.
• Garlic Powder: Used in the marinade and taco sauce for extra garlic flavour.
• Honey: A small amount of honey balances the flavours in the taco sauce. You can also use agave syrup or sugar.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice can be added to the taco sauce or used as a topping.
• Salsa: Your favourite salsa can be served on the side or added directly to the tacos.
• Hot Sauce: Adds spice and flavour to the tacos.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A small amount of Worcestershire sauce adds a savoury flavour to the tacos.

Other

• Oil: Olive oil, vegetable oil, or sunflower oil is used for cooking the vegetables and shrimp, and for crisping the tortillas.
• Butter: Adds a creamy touch and flavour to the tacos.
• Tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas are typically used for shrimp tacos.

What is a good sauce to go with shrimp tacos?

When it comes to shrimp tacos, there are a variety of sauces that can be used to enhance the flavour. Here are some options to consider:

Garlic Cilantro Lime Sauce

This sauce is a perfect blend of sour cream, fresh lime juice, garlic, herbs and olive oil. It adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavour to the shrimp tacos. The sauce can be made spicier by adjusting the amount of garlic or adding some cayenne pepper.

Mexican Hot Sauce

A Mexican hot sauce, such as Valentina or Tamazula, can add a spicy kick to your shrimp tacos. It can be used as a topping or mixed with other ingredients like tomatoes, chiles, cilantro, garlic and onion to make a salsa.

Creamy Shrimp Mixture

For a more indulgent option, a creamy mixture of shrimp, cheese, chilies, and cream makes a great sauce for tacos. This sauce is commonly used in Tacos Gobernador, a traditional Mexican dish. The creaminess of the sauce pairs well with the shrimp and adds a rich flavour to the tacos.

Shrimp Taco Sauce

A simple yet delicious sauce for shrimp tacos can be made by combining mayonnaise, sour cream, and sriracha sauce. This sauce has a creamy texture with a hint of spice. You can adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your taste preferences.

Avocado Sauce

Avocado-based sauces are also a great option for shrimp tacos. Avocado provides a creamy texture and a mild flavour that complements the shrimp. You can simply mash an avocado and season it with salt and pepper, or blend it with other ingredients like sour cream, lime juice, or herbs to create a more complex sauce.

How do you cook the shrimp tacos?

Ingredients:

• Shrimp: Medium-sized, peeled, and deveined.
• Olive oil: For cooking the shrimp.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and chili powder.
• Tortillas: Flour or corn tortillas, depending on your preference.
• Toppings: Avocado, sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, etc.

Method:

• Prepare the shrimp by thawing them under cool running water if they are frozen. Peel and remove the tails.
• Chop and prepare your desired toppings.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and spices, cooking until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. This should take around 5-6 minutes. Stir or flip the shrimp occasionally to ensure even cooking.
• Warm your tortillas. You can do this by wrapping them in foil and placing them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) or warming them individually in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
• Assemble your tacos. Place the cooked shrimp in the warmed tortillas and add your desired toppings.
• Serve immediately.

Tips:

• You can adjust the spice level by adding cayenne pepper for a spicier kick or reducing the amount of chili powder.
• If you're short on time, you can use pre-made taco seasoning instead of mixing your own spices.
• For extra flavour, you can warm your tortillas over an open flame or directly on a gas stove burner to add a little colour and char.
• Get creative with your toppings! Try different combinations such as mango salsa, cotija or Mexican cheese blend, red onions, jalapenos, or even a drizzle of lime juice.

Frequently asked questions