Crispy Chipotle Shrimp Tacos

These crispy chipotle shrimp tacos are a weeknight hero in our house. They’re protein-packed, bursting with bold flavor, and come together in under 30 minutes. But what really sets them apart? The golden, folded corn tortillas are gently fried in avocado oil. They’re crispy on the outside but still tender enough to sink your teeth into. And let me tell you: the chipotle cottage cheese sauce is a game-changer. It’s tangy, spicy, and rich without any heavy cream or mayo. If you haven’t blended cottage cheese into a creamy taco sauce before, this is your sign.

This recipe is my go-to. I use it when I want to feel like I’ve made something extra. I do this without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s fast enough for a busy weeknight. It is also flavorful enough to serve when friends come over for dinner. Sometimes, I just want to impress myself.

Ingredients:

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb shrimp
• ½ tsp garlic salt
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Juice from half a lime
• 2 tbsp Avocado oil (for cooking)

For the Sauce

• 1 cup Mexican Crema
• 1 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo
• Garlic salt and smoked paprika to taste

Tortillas

• 8 extra thin corn tortillas (e.g., Mission)
• 3–4 tbsp avocado oil (for frying)

Instructions:

1. Make the Sauce. Blend the crema, chipotle peppers, garlic salt and smoked paprika until smooth. Set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp. Pat shrimp dry and toss with seasonings. Sauté in a skillet with oil over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side, until cooked through.
3. Fry the Tortillas. Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 40 seconds or until soft. Heat 1–2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Put about 6-8 shrimp in the middle of the tortilla, fold gently. Hold the folded tortilla in the oil (with tongs) for 10–15 seconds until shape holds. Cook ~30 seconds per side until golden and crisp, adding more oil as needed between batches. Drain on paper towels.
4. Assemble Tacos. Spread chipotle sauce inside each crispy tortilla, fill with toppings if desired.

*Toppings I like to add are cilantro for freshness, avocado (for healthy fats), and red onion!

* For a more protein-rich sauce, use low fat cottage cheese and a dash of water for smoothness.