Description
Delicious and vibrant prawn tacos featuring a smoky chipotle lime marinade, served with a refreshing cabbage slaw and creamy pink taco sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal that serves 4 to 5 people.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade and Prawns
- 500g/1 lb medium prawns/shrimp, peeled (frozen thawed, or 1 kg / 2 lb unpeeled whole)
- Zest of 1 lime (or lemon)
- 1/4 cup lime juice (or lemon)
- 1 tbsp chipotle powder (medium spicy, reduce to 2 tsp for mild)
- 2 tbsp coriander/cilantro, finely chopped (or substitute chives)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Slaw
- 8 cups green cabbage, finely shredded (about 1/4 head)
- 1/2 onion, very finely chopped (brown, yellow, or white)
Pink Taco Sauce
- 3/4 cup plain yogurt (Greek style, unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup coriander/cilantro, finely chopped (or substitute chives)
- 1/4 cup lime juice (or lemon)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 3/4 cup sour cream (or yogurt)
- 2 – 3 tbsp sriracha, adjust to taste
To Serve
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 – 15 small tortillas (corn or flour), warmed or charred per packet instructions
- Lime wedges (highly recommended)
- Coriander/cilantro, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine lime zest, lime juice, chipotle powder, chopped coriander, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss the prawns thoroughly in the marinade to coat evenly.
- Marinate the Prawns: Set the prawns aside for 20 minutes maximum to absorb the flavors. Even a short 5-minute marination will infuse taste, but do not exceed 20 minutes to avoid over-marinating.
- Warm Serving Bowl: Warm a serving bowl by microwaving it for 1 minute or by immersing it in hot water then drying. This keeps the prawns warm after cooking.
- Cook the Prawns: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add half the marinated prawns and cook for 60 seconds on each side until just cooked through. Alternatively, cook on a high-heat BBQ using double skewers for easy rotation.
- Keep Prawns Warm: Transfer cooked prawns to the warmed bowl and loosely cover with foil to retain heat. Repeat cooking with the remaining prawns using the same method.
- Prepare Tacos for Serving: Arrange the cooked prawns, shredded cabbage slaw, pink taco sauce, warmed tortillas, lime wedges, and chopped coriander on the table for serving. Allow everyone to assemble their own tacos.
- Optional Tortilla Preparation: Warm or lightly char tortillas either in a dry skillet, oven, or directly on a grill to enhance flavor and texture.
- Final Garnish: Serve prawn tacos garnished with fresh lime wedges and chopped coriander for extra zest and aroma.
Notes
- Adjust chipotle powder quantity based on desired spice level; 1 tbsp for medium, reduce to 2 tsp for mild.
- Sriracha in pink taco sauce can be adjusted for heat preference.
- Using peeled prawns speeds preparation, but unpeeled whole prawns provide more flavor.
- Warm tortillas improve pliability and taste; charred adds smoky flavor.
- Serve immediately after cooking for best taste and texture.
