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–+ servings

Shrimp al Pastor Cheese-Crisp Tacos

Juicy shrimp flash-sear in smoky achiote, then tuck into oven-baked cheddar shells that snap like a chip yet cradle the filling like a taco.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 340kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb raw shrimp peeled & deveined; sub: diced chicken thigh
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar sub: Monterey Jack
  • 1 tbsp achiote paste sub: 2 tsp smoked paprika + 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 2 cloves minced garlic sub: 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp lime juice sub: apple-cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil sub: olive oil
  • Salt & pepper 1/4 tsp each; sub: pink salt
  • Quick salsa: diced tomatillo red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, about 1/2 cup total; sub: green bell pepper for less heat

Instructions

  • Bake cheese shells: Heat oven to 400°F. Make eight ¼-cup mounds of cheddar; flatten to 4-inch circles. Bake 8–9 min until bubbly and deep gold. Cool 30 sec, draping over spoon handles to form shells.
  • Season shrimp: Toss shrimp with achiote, garlic, lime juice, oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Sear shrimp: Heat skillet on medium-high. Cook shrimp 1½ min per side until opaque and lightly charred.
  • Mix salsa: Combine tomatillo, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a pinch salt.
  • Assemble: Fill cheddar shells with 3–4 shrimp and spoon salsa on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 340kcal | Protein: 26g | Fat: 24g
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