Shrimp Taco Bites Recipe

Introduction

Shrimp Taco Bites are a flavorful and fun appetizer perfect for gatherings or a quick snack. These bite-sized treats combine spicy chili-lime shrimp, creamy avocado, and zesty chipotle sour cream on crispy tortilla chips. They’re easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

A small white taco shell cup holds a layered appetizer placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a creamy white sauce, topped with a light green guacamole layer that looks smooth and fresh. On top of the guacamole sits a single cooked shrimp, golden-orange with a slight char and garnished with a small sprig of fresh green cilantro. In the background, a soft-focus glimpse of more shrimp cups can be seen, as well as a green napkin with a silver fork. The image is well-lit, showing the textures and colors clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 24 large raw shrimps, peeled and tails removed
  • Non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray
  • 1 tsp salt, divided
  • 1 tsp lime zest, grated
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 large California avocado, diced
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp chipotle chilies in adobo sauce, finely minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 24 tortilla chip scoops

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a large baking sheet or cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine ½ tsp salt, lime zest, and chili powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the raw shrimp. Arrange the shrimp on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spritz them with the cooking spray. Bake for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and curl up.
  3. Step 3: While the shrimp bake, mix the diced avocado with lime juice and the remaining ½ tsp salt in a small bowl.
  4. Step 4: In another small bowl, combine the sour cream and minced chipotle chilies.
  5. Step 5: Assemble the taco bites by placing about a teaspoon of the avocado mixture on each tortilla chip, followed by ½ teaspoon of the chipotle sour cream, and top with a chili-lime shrimp.
  6. Step 6: Garnish each bite with chopped cilantro and serve immediately. Enjoy your flavorful shrimp taco bites!

Tips & Variations

  • For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chili powder mixture or sprinkle a bit of hot sauce over the assembled bites.
  • If you prefer, swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier and lower-fat option.
  • Use mini taco shells instead of tortilla chips for a different presentation and added crunch.
  • Make the avocado mixture ahead of time but add the lime juice just before assembling to prevent browning.

Storage

Assemble the shrimp taco bites just before serving for the best texture. If needed, store the cooked shrimp and avocado mixture separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Gently reheat shrimp in the oven at a low temperature before assembling. Avoid storing assembled bites to keep the tortilla chips from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

A black round plate holds eight small crispy golden-brown tortilla cups, each filled with shredded green lettuce and topped with one cooked shrimp that is orange with a slightly charred texture. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a gray and white striped cloth partially under and beside it. In the background, there is a small white bowl with a spoon containing white sauce and a little bowl with green lettuce, all placed on the same white marbled surface. A wedge of lime is partially visible at the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and baking to ensure proper texture and flavor.

What can I substitute if I don’t have chipotle chilies in adobo sauce?

If you don’t have chipotle chilies in adobo sauce, you can use a small amount of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to add smoky heat to the sour cream mixture. Adjust the quantity to your preferred spice level.

Print

Shrimp Taco Bites Recipe

These Shrimp Taco Bites are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer featuring chili-lime seasoned shrimp baked to perfection, topped with creamy avocado and a chipotle sour cream sauce, all served on crispy tortilla chip scoops. Perfect for parties or a light snack.

  • Author: Lena
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 24 shrimp taco bites 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • 24 large raw shrimps, peeled and deveined, tails removed
  • 1 tsp salt, divided
  • 1 tsp lime zest, grated
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • Non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray

Avocado Mixture

  • 1 large California avocado, diced
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Chipotle Sour Cream Sauce

  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp chipotle chilies in adobo sauce, finely minced

Assembly

  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 24 tortilla chip scoops

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the shrimp.
  2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Spray a large baking or cookie sheet generously with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent shrimp from sticking.
  3. Season the Shrimp: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 tsp of salt, lime zest, and chili powder. Evenly sprinkle this seasoning mixture over the raw shrimp. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spritz the shrimp with additional cooking spray or olive oil spray.
  4. Bake the Shrimp: Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for 5-8 minutes or until they turn pink and curl inward, indicating they are cooked through.
  5. Prepare the Avocado Mixture: While the shrimp bakes, combine the diced avocado, lime juice, and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt in a small bowl. Gently mix to combine without mashing the avocado.
  6. Make the Chipotle Sour Cream Sauce: In a separate small bowl, mix the sour cream with the finely minced chipotle chilies in adobo sauce until smooth and well blended.
  7. Assemble the Taco Bites: On each tortilla chip scoop, place about 1 teaspoon of the avocado mixture, followed by 1/2 teaspoon of the chipotle sour cream sauce. Top each with one chili-lime shrimp.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the assembled bites for a fresh, herbal finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful shrimp taco bites!

Notes

  • Make sure to keep an eye on the shrimp as they bake quickly to prevent overcooking.
  • For a spicier kick, add more chipotle chilies to the sour cream mixture.
  • You can substitute regular sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • These bites are best served fresh to keep the tortilla chips crisp.
  • If preferred, shrimp can be grilled instead of baked for a smokier flavor.

Keywords: Shrimp taco bites, appetizer, baked shrimp, chili lime shrimp, avocado sour cream, party snacks, Mexican appetizers

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