These chipotle lime shrimp tacos are packed with flavor! The shrimp are spicy and zesty, making them a delicious choice for a quick meal.
And let’s talk about the strawberry salsa—it adds a sweet twist that’ll make your taste buds dance! I love loading up my tacos with this delicious salsa for that perfect balance.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp are best for this recipe, but if they’re hard to find, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking. I often pick shrimp with tails off to make eating easier.
Chipotle Powder: This brings a smoky heat to the dish. If you don’t have it, you can use smoked paprika for a similar flavor, or even cayenne for more heat. I usually prefer a milder option.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are ideal, but if you can’t find them, consider using raspberries or even diced peaches for a different twist on the salsa.
Tortillas: Whole wheat or corn tortillas are great, but flour tortillas work too if you prefer them. You can even swap them for lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!
How Do I Ensure the Shrimp Are Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky since they cook quickly. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding shrimp; this helps to sear them nicely.
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook, or they’ll become rubbery.
- If unsure, you can cut one open to check if it’s cooked through. It should be opaque all the way inside.
With these tips in hand, you’ll create delicious tacos that stand out with fresh flavors. Enjoy cooking!
Chipotle Lime Shrimp Tacos with Strawberry Salsa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chipotle powder
- Zest and juice of 2 limes
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Strawberry Salsa:
- 1 cup strawberries, diced
- 1 mango, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- Whole wheat or corn tortillas
- Black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- Sliced avocado (optional)
- Lime wedges for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of preparation time for marinating and preparing the salsa, plus an additional 10 minutes for cooking. Overall, you’ll need around 30-35 minutes to enjoy these tasty tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, chipotle powder, lime zest, lime juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the shrimp are well coated. Let the shrimp marinate for about 15-20 minutes to soak up those wonderful flavors!
2. Prepare the Strawberry Salsa:
While the shrimp are marinating, it’s time to whip up your fresh strawberry salsa! In a medium bowl, mix together the diced strawberries, mango, finely chopped red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, and set it aside to let the flavors mingle.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Make sure not to overcook them!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While your shrimp are cooking, warm the tortillas. You can do this in a separate pan over low heat or microwave them for a few seconds until they are soft and pliable.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now comes the fun part—assembling your tacos! In each tortilla, place a few pieces of shrimp, add a spoonful of black beans if you like, and top it off with your fresh strawberry salsa. You can also add some sliced avocado for extra creaminess if desired.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your tacos immediately while they are warm, with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your Chipotle Lime Shrimp Tacos with Strawberry Salsa!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thoroughly thaw the shrimp before marinating. Place the frozen shrimp in the fridge overnight or for a quicker method, submerge them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry to ensure they absorb the marinade properly.
What Can I Substitute for Chipotle Powder?
If you don’t have chipotle powder on hand, you can use smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor, though it will be milder. If you want extra heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper with the smoked paprika to better replicate the spiciness of chipotle.
How to Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftovers, it’s best to keep the shrimp, salsa, and tortillas separate. Place the shrimp and salsa in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Warm the shrimp in a skillet and assemble the tacos fresh before serving for the best taste!
Can I Make the Strawberry Salsa Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the strawberry salsa a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge to maintain freshness. If you need to prepare it a day early, consider adding a bit of lime juice just before serving to keep the strawberries vibrant and fresh!
