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Spicy Chipotle Shrimp Tacos: Healthy Protein Lettuce Wraps


  • Author: yumrow
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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
  • 12 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 12 tablespoons adobo sauce
  • 23 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

  1. If your shrimp are frozen, place them in a colander under cold running water for 10-15 minutes until fully thawed.
  2. Once thawed (or if fresh), peel and devein the shrimp.
  3. Lay the shrimp out on a plate lined with paper towels and pat them very dry.
  4. 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.
  5. Whisk everything together until well combined and forms a thick paste. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Add the patted-dry shrimp to the bowl with the chipotle marinade and toss gently to coat.
  7. Let the shrimp marinate at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
  8. While the shrimp marinates, wash your chosen lettuce leaves thoroughly and pat them dry.
  9. Chop your fresh cilantro, dice the red onion, and slice or mash your avocado. Prepare your crema or yogurt.
  10. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.
  11. 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.
  12. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside, deglazing the pan with a tablespoon of water or broth if desired.
  13. Spoon a generous amount of spicy chipotle shrimp into each lettuce cup.
  14. Top with fresh cilantro, diced red onion, avocado, and a drizzle of crema or Greek yogurt.
  15. 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.