Cheese Choice For Shrimp Tacos: A Guide

Shrimp tacos are a delicious and healthy meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. The shrimp is seasoned with Mexican spices and pan-seared, then layered in warmed corn tortillas and topped with a variety of toppings. A popular choice of cheese for shrimp tacos is Cotija, a Mexican cheese with a salty flavour that pairs well with shrimp. Other toppings may include avocado, cabbage, cilantro, and hot sauce.

What are the best shrimp taco toppings?

There are many toppings that can be added to shrimp tacos to elevate the dish. The toppings can be chosen based on the desired taste and texture. Here are some of the best toppings to consider:

Cheese

Cotija cheese is a popular choice for shrimp tacos. It is a Mexican cheese that is salty and mild in flavour, and it pairs well with shrimp. Cotija cheese is crumbly and can be sprinkled on top of the tacos. If cotija cheese is not available, feta cheese, queso fresco, grated Parmesan, or Monterey Jack cheese can be used as substitutes.

Vegetables

Crisp red or purple cabbage adds colour, crunch, and nutrition to shrimp tacos. It provides a healthy option and a nice texture contrast to the other ingredients. Other vegetables that can be added include avocado, red or green onion, thinly sliced radishes, and cilantro. These vegetables provide freshness, flavour, and additional texture to the tacos.

Sauces and Seasonings

A variety of sauces and seasonings can be used to enhance the flavour of shrimp tacos. A tangy cilantro sauce or garlic-lime crema can be drizzled over the tacos or used as a dip. Spicy options include adding hot sauce or sriracha to the tacos or using a spicy shrimp marinade. For a milder taste, lime juice can be added for a citrusy zing.

Other Toppings

Other toppings that can be added to shrimp tacos include pico de gallo, sour cream, pickled red onions, and mango peach salsa. These toppings add different flavours and textures to the tacos, making them more interesting and appetizing.

What is the best sauce for shrimp tacos?

While there is no single best sauce for shrimp tacos, there are several options that are commonly used and well-liked. Here are some ideas for sauces and toppings to elevate your shrimp tacos:

Creamy Lime Sauce

A creamy lime sauce can serve as the perfect base for your shrimp tacos. This sauce is typically made with sour cream, fresh lime juice, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. Blitz all the ingredients together, and you have a delicious sauce ready! You can also add shredded cabbage to this sauce to create a slaw that will add a nice crunch to your tacos.

Spicy Shrimp Taco Sauce

For those who like their food with a kick, a spicy shrimp taco sauce is a great option. This sauce typically includes mayonnaise, sour cream, and sriracha sauce, with the option to add water to thin it out. This sauce is an excellent choice if you want to add a creamy texture and a spicy kick to your shrimp tacos.

Garlic-Lime Crema

If you're looking for a sauce with a touch of spice, a garlic-lime crema might be the perfect choice. This sauce is made with sour cream, lime juice, garlic, hot sauce, and a touch of spice from sriracha or another hot sauce of your choice. It's a simple yet mouthwatering addition to your shrimp tacos.

Cilantro Lime Sauce

For a fresh and tangy option, consider a cilantro lime sauce. This sauce combines sour cream or Greek yogurt with lime juice, garlic, and cilantro. You can also add some green onions and water to thin out the sauce if needed. This sauce will add a burst of flavor to your shrimp tacos and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Tangy Cilantro Sauce

Another option for a tangy and flavorful sauce is a blend of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, and cilantro. This sauce also includes seasonings like chili powder, garlic powder, and salt to enhance the flavors. It's a perfect choice if you want a sauce that's both tangy and slightly sweet.

Avocado

While not exactly a sauce, avocado is a popular addition to shrimp tacos. Smashed avocado can be used as a base for your tacos, adding a creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats. It pairs exceptionally well with spicy shrimp and other toppings like slaw and cheese.

Cotija Cheese

Cotija cheese is a Mexican cheese that is commonly used in shrimp tacos. It has a salty flavor and a dry, crumbly texture. This cheese adds a nice savory element to the tacos and is often used in place of feta or Parmesan cheese.

Red Cabbage

Finely shredded red cabbage adds a beautiful pop of color to your shrimp tacos while also providing a crunchy texture and additional nutrition. It's a great way to include some antioxidants and vitamins in your meal.

Additional Toppings

Feel free to get creative and experiment with additional toppings. Some popular choices include pico de gallo, avocado or guacamole, sour cream, pickled red onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. You can also add diced tomatoes, grilled vegetables, or fruit salsa for extra flavor and texture.

Remember, the key to a great sauce is balancing the flavors and adjusting the ingredients to your taste. You can always experiment and add your twist to these sauces to make them even more delicious!

What are good sides to shrimp tacos?

There are many side dishes that go well with shrimp tacos. Here are some ideas:

Mexican-inspired sides

Mexican rice, Mexican corn, Mexican street corn pasta salad, and roasted asparagus are all great choices to accompany shrimp tacos. You could also serve tortilla chips with guacamole or salsa on the side.

Salads

A tomato avocado salad, a crunchy Asian salad, a ramen noodle salad, a Mexican chopped salad, and a cucumber tomato salad are all tasty and refreshing options.

Dips and salsas

Guacamole, pico de gallo, mango salsa, and corn and black bean salsa are all delicious dips and salsas that can be served with tortilla chips.

Other sides

Some other sides that would go well with shrimp tacos include Mexican cucumber, tomato salad, cilantro lime rice, refried beans, and charro beans.

How are grilled shrimp tacos made?

Grilled shrimp tacos are a delicious and healthy meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. They are perfect for a dinner party or a weeknight meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make grilled shrimp tacos:

Ingredients:

• Shrimp (medium-sized or large, peeled, deveined, and tails removed)
• Olive oil
• Lime juice
• Taco seasoning (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper)
• Corn or flour tortillas
• Cotija cheese (or feta cheese, queso fresco, or grated Parmesan)
• Cabbage (green or purple, shredded)
• Onion (yellow or red, thinly sliced)
• Cilantro (chopped)
• Optional toppings: hot sauce, diced tomatoes, avocado, grilled vegetables, fruit salsa, sour cream, etc.

Instructions:

• Season the shrimp: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, and taco seasoning. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
• Make the slaw: In another bowl, combine cabbage, onion, and cilantro. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt to taste.
• Cook the shrimp: Heat a large skillet over high heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp and cook until it turns pink and is fully cooked, approximately 2 minutes per side.
• Warm the tortillas: In a separate pan, warm the tortillas one at a time for about a minute on each side over high heat. Keep the warm tortillas covered with a towel until ready to serve.
• Assemble the tacos: Place 3-4 shrimp on each tortilla. Top with the slaw, hot sauce, and a sprinkle of cheese. Serve with a lime wedge on the side.

Tips and Variations:

• You can grill the shrimp on a preheated grill for 2-3 minutes per side or use a grill pan on the stovetop.
• For a healthier option, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Corn tortillas are lower in calories, gluten-free, and lower in fat.
• If you're short on time, buy shrimp that is already peeled and deveined.
• For extra flavour, lightly char the tortillas over a gas burner or grill them for a charred essence.
• Get creative with your toppings! Try diced tomatoes, avocado, grilled vegetables, fruit salsa, sour cream, or hot sauce.

What is the best seasoning for shrimp tacos?

The best seasoning for shrimp tacos depends on your personal preference, but there are several popular options to consider.

One option is to use a blend of seasonings such as chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This combination will give your shrimp tacos a warm, savoury flavour with a hint of spice. You can also add olive oil to this mixture to create a simple marinade for your shrimp.

Another option is to use traditional taco seasoning, which will give your shrimp tacos an expected taco flavour with a twist. You can make your own blend or use store-bought taco seasoning. This typically includes spices such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.

If you're looking for a spicier option, you can add cayenne pepper to your seasoning blend. You can also try using chipotle chili powder, paprika, coriander, or a pre-made spice blend like Goya Adobo seasoning or Sazon seasoning.

For a citrus twist, you can add lime juice to your shrimp tacos. This pairs well with seafood and can be added directly to your seasoning blend or used as a squeeze of fresh lime juice on top of your tacos.

When it comes to toppings, you can add salty cheeses like cotija, feta, or Parmesan. You can also include fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, sliced avocado, sour cream, salsa, shredded cabbage, and diced tomatoes.

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and toppings to create your perfect shrimp taco!

Frequently asked questions