Best Cheeses For Shrimp Tacos: A Savory Guide

Shrimp tacos are a delicious and easy meal to make, and there are many ways to prepare them. The type of cheese you use will depend on the other ingredients you choose, as well as your personal preference.

Some popular cheeses to use in shrimp tacos are cotija, feta, queso fresco, and parmesan. Cotija cheese is a Mexican cheese that is white, dry, and crumbly, with a salty flavour. It is often used to top southwestern-style recipes and can be substituted with feta. Queso fresco or parmesan can also be used as alternatives.

For a meltier cheese, you could try Oaxaca, Chihuahua, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack. These cheeses are recommended for Tacos Gobernador, a taco dish that originated in Sinaloa, Mexico. This recipe includes a shrimp mixture with chilies, cream, and other ingredients, all folded into a tortilla with melted cheese.

What are the best cheeses for shrimp tacos?

When it comes to choosing the best cheese for shrimp tacos, there are several options that can enhance the flavour of this Mexican dish. The type of cheese you select can complement the other ingredients and elevate your shrimp tacos. Here are some of the best cheeses to consider:

Cotija Cheese

Cotija cheese is a popular choice for shrimp tacos and is widely used in Mexican cuisine. It is a salty, mild, and crumbly cheese that pairs well with shrimp. Cotija cheese adds a tangy and savoury note to the tacos. It has a dry and crumbly texture, similar to feta cheese, which can provide a nice contrast to the other ingredients in your tacos.

Mexican Melting Cheese

For a truly indulgent and authentic experience, you can opt for Mexican melting cheeses such as Chihuahua or Jack cheese. These cheeses have a full-bodied flavour and melt beautifully, making them ideal for creating a rich and creamy texture in your shrimp tacos.

Oaxaca Cheese

Oaxaca cheese, also known as Asadero, is another excellent choice for shrimp tacos. It has a mild and slightly tangy flavour, and it melts smoothly. This semi-soft cheese will add a creamy element to your tacos without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Mozzarella and Monterey Jack

If you're looking for more widely available options, mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese are great alternatives. These cheeses are easily accessible and will still provide that desirable meltability and creamy texture for your shrimp tacos.

Queso Fresco or Grated Parmesan

In case you're unable to find Cotija cheese, you can substitute it with queso fresco or grated Parmesan cheese. These cheeses will add a similar salty and savoury note to your shrimp tacos.

When preparing shrimp tacos, it's important to consider the balance of flavours and textures. The cheese you select should complement the shrimp and other ingredients, such as cabbage, avocado, lime, and spices. Experiment with different cheeses and find the combination that suits your taste preferences!

What are some other toppings for shrimp tacos?

While cheese is a popular topping for shrimp tacos, there are many other toppings that can be used to enhance the flavour and texture of this dish. Here are some ideas for toppings that will complement the juicy shrimp and the other flavours in your taco:

• Avocado or Guacamole: The creamy texture and mild flavour of avocado or guacamole can help balance the spice and tanginess of other toppings and sauces.
• Cabbage: Red or green cabbage adds a crunchy texture and a vibrant colour to your shrimp tacos. You can use shredded or finely shredded cabbage, or even a coleslaw blend.
• Onions: Red onions, in particular, can add a punch of flavour to your shrimp tacos. You can dice or finely dice them, or try quick-pickled red onions for a unique twist.
• Lime: A squeeze of lime juice can brighten up the flavours in your shrimp taco. You can also serve lime wedges on the side, allowing people to add a spritz of citrus to their tacos if desired.
• Salsa: A salsa made from tomatoes, chillies, cilantro, garlic, onion, and lime juice can be a delicious topping for your shrimp tacos, adding freshness and a bit of spice.
• Crema or Sauce: A creamy sauce or crema can help bring all the flavours of your shrimp taco together. You can make a garlic-lime crema, a cilantro-lime crema, or a garlic cilantro lime sauce to drizzle over your tacos.
• Other Vegetables: Diced tomatoes, shredded carrots, or chopped bell peppers can add a burst of colour and flavour to your shrimp tacos.
• Herbs: In addition to cilantro, you can use parsley or other fresh herbs to add a burst of flavour to your shrimp tacos.
• Spices: Chilli powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper are just a few of the spices you can use to enhance the flavour of your shrimp tacos.

How do you make a shrimp taco sauce?

There are many ways to make a shrimp taco sauce, and it seems that the most common ingredients are sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and cilantro. Here are some methods to make a shrimp taco sauce:

Method 1:

For a simple sauce, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and cilantro in a bowl. You can also add in some garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and chill the sauce until you are ready to use it. This sauce pairs well with shrimp that has been seasoned with Mexican spices and pan-seared.

Method 2:

For a spicy kick, you can make a sriracha shrimp taco sauce. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and sriracha sauce, adding water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. This sauce goes well with shrimp coated in cornstarch and fried until crispy.

Method 3:

For a creamy cilantro sauce, blend mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, cilantro, and seasonings. This sauce complements shrimp that has been marinated in olive oil and spices such as chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.

Method 4:

For a Baja sauce, stir together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, cilantro, seafood seasoning, and ground ancho chile pepper. Refrigerate the sauce for at least an hour before serving. This sauce is delicious on grilled or blackened shrimp tacos.

Method 5:

For a garlic-lime crema, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and cilantro. Add garlic powder and hot sauce to taste, using more hot sauce if you prefer spicy shrimp tacos. This sauce goes well with shrimp seasoned with cumin, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.

As for cheese, Cotija, a Mexican cheese, is the traditional choice for shrimp tacos. It has a salty flavour and crumbly texture. Feta cheese can be used as a substitute if Cotija is unavailable.

How do you cook shrimp for tacos?

Ingredients:

• Shrimp (peeled, medium-sized, and thawed if frozen)
• Olive oil (or vegetable/cooking oil of your choice)
• Seasonings and spices (such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, chipotle chili powder, coriander, salt, and pepper)
• Tortillas (corn or flour)
• Toppings (e.g. avocado, sour cream, salsa, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, red onions, cilantro, cheese, etc.)

Method:

• If using frozen shrimp, start by running them under cool water until they are thawed. Then, peel them and remove the tails.
• Prepare your desired toppings while the shrimp are thawing.
• In a skillet, heat some olive oil (or your chosen cooking oil) over medium-high heat.
• Add the shrimp to the skillet along with your chosen seasonings and spices. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, flipping or stirring occasionally. This should take around 5-6 minutes.
• Assemble your tacos! Place the cooked shrimp in your tortillas and add your desired toppings.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious shrimp tacos!

Tips:

• If you prefer spicier shrimp, add some cayenne pepper or double up on the chili powder.
• You can use pre-made taco seasoning instead of individual spices if you're short on time.
• Warm your tortillas before assembling the tacos for a more enjoyable eating experience. You can do this by wrapping them in foil and placing them in a warm oven, or microwaving them for a few seconds.

What sides go well with shrimp tacos?

There are many side dishes that can complement shrimp tacos and elevate your taco night. Here are some ideas to make your meal more flavourful and complete:

Classic Sides

Classic choices like guacamole or zesty pico de gallo are always crowd-pleasers. You could also serve them with some crispy vegetables, such as red cabbage, or skillet charred corn. If you're looking for a healthier option, a salad with a zesty southwest dressing is a great way to add some freshness to your meal.

Unique Sides

If you want to switch things up, try some of these unique sides:

• Spanish Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that's easy to make and full of flavour.
• Patatas Bravas (Spanish Fried Potatoes): The perfect side dish with a zesty tomato sauce.
• Chicken Tortilla Soup: A hearty and spicy soup that's a great option for cooler months.
• Chili Lime Sweet Potatoes: A healthy and delicious option with a balance of sweet and smoky flavours.

Store-Bought Options

If you're short on time, there are plenty of great store-bought options:

• Guacamole
• Pico de Gallo
• Sour Cream (or Greek Yogurt)
• Spicy Mayo or Sriracha Mayo
• Cotija Cheese or Queso Fresco
• Canned Refried Beans
• Bagged Slaw Mix
• Pickled Jalapenos
• Hot Sauce

Frequently asked questions