Smoky Shrimp Tacos with Mango + Avocado

Skip the ground beef and try taco night with sweet, wild caught shrimp! Whether it's a sunny, hot summer day or you need a tropical, bright meal to break up the winter doldrums, sautéed shrimp as the star to your taco fiesta is always a crowd pleaser. With an exotic flair, I've opted for fresh mango, cubed avocado, and a smoky garnish of chipotle-lime crema to compliment the sweet, fresh shrimp in these soft tortilla tacos. Serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 lbs raw 16/20 shrimp (domestic/wild caught if possible!), peeled and deveined

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tsp chipotle powder, divided

• 1/2 tsp sea salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 2 limes, cut into wedges

• 1 package, 8 flour tortillas

• 1 small head lettuce, shredded

• 2 mangoes cored and cut into cubes

• 2 avocados halved, pitted, and cut into cubes

• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, rinsed

• additional salt and pepper, to taste
  

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, half of the chipotle powder, salt and pepper.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the shrimp for about 3 minutes on each side. Set on a plate until ready to assemble.

3. In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream with the remaining chipotle powder. Squeeze in about three wedges of the cut limes, then stir to combine. The consistency should be thick, but pour in a thin stream.

4. Turn on the gas burner to medium-low heat, and using tongs, char each flour tortilla for one minute on each side. Alternatively, char under the broiler or heat in a 400 degree oven for 2-3 minutes.

5. For assembling the tacos, take each warmed flour tortilla, layer a little of the shredded lettuce, add a few cubes of diced mango and avocado, then the shrimp.

6. Garnish each taco with cilantro leaves, then drizzle on the chipotle lime crema to your liking, and serve.

*A note about shrimp! If you don't live near a trusted fishmonger or seafood shop to procure fresh shrimp, then your next best bet is to always search for shrimp that are WILD CAUGHT and/or DOMESTIC, ie. from local or U.S. fisheries. Whether these are fresh or frozen, you will know the quality and flavor will be second to none. Additionally, you can feel good about purchasing these shrimp because they are not grown with any chemicals, not farm raised in unsanitary conditions, and you're supporting a small business with more traceability.