I had shrimp tacos at a roadside stand on the Gulf Coast where the cook grilled the shrimp in ninety seconds flat and handed me a tortilla piled with avocado, cheese, and hot sauce before I had finished paying. This recipe does the same: one pound of shrimp tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, seared for about ninety seconds until pink and curled. Warm corn tortillas, sliced avocado, sliced Castello cheese, and Sriracha or Ranchero sauce on top.
Ninety seconds. That is the cooking time. The shrimp go from raw to done in the time it takes to slice the avocado. Do not walk away from the pan. This is the taco night we come back to more than any other in summer.
Tips for Making Shrimp Tacos
Cook the shrimp fast over high heat
Medium-high to high heat. One pound of shrimp in a single layer. About ninety seconds total. They curl and turn pink. Pull them immediately.
Overcooking shrimp turns them rubbery. Better to take them off a few seconds early. They continue cooking from residual heat.
Warm the tortillas
Thirty seconds per side in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame. Warm tortillas are pliable. Cold tortillas crack when you fold them.
Stack and wrap in a towel to keep warm while you assemble.
Gulf Coast Shrimp Tacos with Classic Castello and Florida Avocado
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
This fast and festive dinner pairs a slightly smoky cheese with fresh shrimp and avocado.
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp, shelled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 4 corn tortillas
- 4 oz Classic cheese, sliced
- Sriracha or Ranchero sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat a grill or pan over medium-high heat.
- Toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill or pan-sear the shrimp for about 90 seconds until cooked through.
- Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a pan.
- Assemble the tacos by placing shrimp, avocado slices, and cheese on each tortilla.
- Drizzle with Sriracha or Ranchero sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 25
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Castello cheese?
A Danish cheese brand. The recipe specifies Classic Castello, which is a mild, creamy cheese that melts slightly on warm shrimp. Any mild, sliceable cheese like Havarti or Muenster substitutes.
Can I grill the shrimp?
Yes. Thread onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for about two minutes per side. The grill adds a smoky char.
What sauce should I use?
Sriracha for sweet heat. Ranchero sauce for a more complex, Mexican flavour. Either works. Or both.
Ninety seconds is right!