Food-Truck Favorite Lunch: Firecracker Shrimp Tacos

Food-Truck Favorite Lunch: Firecracker Shrimp Tacos

Firecracker Shrimp Tacos is a fiery and flavorful Tex-Mex dish inspired by street food, with spicy shrimp coated in smoky batter, served on warm tortillas topped with tangy mango salsa, cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Servings: 6 tacos
Difficulty: Advanced
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Allergens

Shellfish, Wheat

Ingredients

  • 1. 2 lbs medium shrimp, peeled and deveined 2. 2 cups all
  • purpose flour 3. 1 cup cornstarch 4. 2 tsp smoked paprika 5. 1 tbsp cayenne pepper 6. 1 tsp garlic powder 7. 1 tsp onion powder 8. 1 tbsp salt 9. 1 tbsp black pepper 10. 2 cups cold beer 11. 12 small corn tortillas, warmed 12. Vegetable oil, for frying 13. 2 cups mango salsa (store
  • bought or homemade) 14. 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese 15. 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped 16. 2 limes, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add the cold beer, stirring until the batter is smooth and has the consistency of pancake batter.
  2. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Dip the shrimp into the batter, coating evenly, and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2 3 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain.
  4. Assemble the tacos by placing 5 6 shrimp in each tortilla, then top with mango salsa, cotija cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
  5. Prep Time: 15 minutes
  6. Cook Time: 20 minutes
  7. Total Time: 35 minutes

Chef’s Insight

For an extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika in the batter.

Notes

This dish is best enjoyed fresh and warm.

Cultural or Historical Background

Inspired by the famous Texas-Mexican street food, this recipe puts a unique spin on a classic.