Are you ready for a culinary journey south of the border? This recipe for Mexican Shrimp in Garlic Salsa with Flour Tortillas will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Mexico. Bursting with vibrant flavors and a touch of heat, this dish is the perfect combination of succulent shrimp, zesty garlic salsa, and warm, soft tortillas. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a delicious and exciting meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. So, let’s embark on this culinary adventure and bring a taste of Mexico to your kitchen.

INGREDIENTS

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Salsa:

• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• 8 small flour tortillas
• Lime wedges and extra cilantro for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preparing the Garlic Salsa:

• In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, minced garlic, jalapeño pepper, and fresh cilantro.
• Squeeze the juice of two limes over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Mix well and let the salsa sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

2. Cooking the Shrimp:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
• Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.

3. Assembling the Dish:

• Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until they’re pliable.
• Lay out the warm tortillas and spoon a generous amount of the garlic salsa onto each one.
• Top each tortilla with a few cooked shrimp.
• Garnish with extra cilantro and a lime wedge for squeezing.

VARIATION

Grilled Shrimp Option:

For a smoky twist, you can grill the shrimp instead of pan-frying them. Marinate the shrimp in a mix of olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for about 30 minutes. Then, grill the marinated shrimp over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re cooked through and have those beautiful grill marks.

Veggie Lover’s Delight:

If you’re looking for a vegetarian version of this dish, replace the shrimp with grilled portobello mushrooms. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms pairs wonderfully with the zesty garlic salsa, making for a delightful alternative.

TIPS

• Fresh is Best: Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the salsa to get the best flavor. If they’re not in season, you can substitute with canned diced tomatoes, but nothing beats the taste of fresh tomatoes.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño pepper in the salsa to your desired spice level. Remove the seeds for a milder taste or leave them in for some extra heat.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking can make them tough and rubbery. Keep an eye on them, and as soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re ready.
• Tortilla Warmth: Warm the tortillas just before serving to ensure they are soft and pliable. Cold, stiff tortillas can be a letdown in this delightful dish.

Your culinary adventure to Mexico is complete, and your taste buds have undoubtedly enjoyed the journey. The Mexican Shrimp in Garlic Salsa with Flour Tortillas is a true masterpiece of flavors, showcasing the vibrant and bold tastes of Mexican cuisine. The succulent shrimp, zesty garlic salsa, and soft flour tortillas combine to create a harmonious dish that will leave you craving for more.

So, next time you want to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, remember this recipe. The explosion of flavors, the aroma of the spices, and the heat of the salsa will keep you coming back for more. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, a journey through Mexico’s rich culinary heritage, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. Enjoy your Mexican Shrimp in Garlic Salsa with Flour Tortillas, and savor every delicious bite.