Description
These Spicy Chipotle Shrimp Protein Tacos are a quick and healthy meal option that combines plump shrimp with a smoky chipotle marinade, all wrapped in fresh lettuce. Enjoy a satisfying, low-carb dish that bursts with flavor and is perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Scale
- Medium-large shrimp (around 26-30 count per pound), peeled and deveined
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons adobo sauce
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Olive oil (or avocado oil or grapeseed oil)
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Butter lettuce (Boston or Bibb)
- Romaine hearts
- Iceberg lettuce
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Diced red onion
- Avocado or guacamole
- Mexican crema or Greek yogurt
Instructions
- If your shrimp are frozen, place them in a colander under cold running water for 10-15 minutes until fully thawed.
- Once thawed (or if fresh), peel and devein the shrimp.
- Lay the shrimp out on a plate lined with paper towels and pat them very dry.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, fresh lime juice, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional honey or maple syrup.
- Whisk everything together until well combined and forms a thick paste. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Add the patted-dry shrimp to the bowl with the chipotle marinade and toss gently to coat.
- Let the shrimp marinate at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
- While the shrimp marinates, wash your chosen lettuce leaves thoroughly and pat them dry.
- Chop your fresh cilantro, dice the red onion, and slice or mash your avocado. Prepare your crema or yogurt.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside, deglazing the pan with a tablespoon of water or broth if desired.
- Spoon a generous amount of spicy chipotle shrimp into each lettuce cup.
- Top with fresh cilantro, diced red onion, avocado, and a drizzle of crema or Greek yogurt.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg
Keywords: Don't overcook the shrimp to avoid a tough texture. Pat shrimp dry before cooking for a better sear. Choose butter lettuce for the best wrap experience, and adjust the heat of the chipotle to your liking. Prep ingredients ahead for quick assembly.