Experience Global Flavors: Easy Mumbai Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Avocado Salsa
Are you craving an exciting twist on your usual taco night? Look no further! This Mumbai shrimp taco recipe is an absolute game-changer, promising a burst of vibrant flavors and a remarkably easy preparation. Imagine succulent shrimp, perfectly seasoned with an aromatic blend of Indian-inspired spices, nestled in warm tortillas and crowned with a bright, creamy avocado tomato salsa. It’s a culinary journey that delivers on both taste and simplicity, making it an ideal choice for any day of the week.
It feels like the weeks just vanish, especially with the hustle of daily life and special occasions. One moment we’re planning, the next we’re wondering where all the time went! Instead of getting lost in endless to-do lists, let’s redirect our energy to something truly rewarding: crafting these delightful Mumbai shrimp tacos. Doesn’t that sound like a much more enjoyable and delicious use of your time?
Why These Mumbai Shrimp Tacos Are a Must-Try
These shrimp tacos are more than just a meal; they’re an experience. They are incredibly delicious, remarkably easy to prepare, and bursting with a complex yet approachable spice profile. What truly sets them apart is their simple ingredient list and straightforward execution, making them an ideal candidate for a hassle-free weeknight dinner. But don’t let their simplicity fool you – the depth of flavor is truly impressive.
Beyond everyday meals, these tacos are also perfect for entertaining. The recipe can be easily scaled up, allowing you to create a fantastic serve-yourself taco bar for holiday gatherings or any celebration. Imagine the delight of your guests as they customize their own spicy shrimp tacos, topped with fresh, homemade salsa. Everyone, from the casual diner to the gourmet enthusiast, is guaranteed to love them. They offer a refreshing change from traditional comfort foods and introduce exciting global flavors right to your table.
From “Modern Comfort Cooking”: A Culinary Gem
This fantastic Mumbai shrimp taco recipe comes from my dear friend and fellow food blogger, Lauren Grier’s, incredible cookbook, Modern Comfort Cooking. Having followed Lauren’s blog, Climbing Grier Mountain, for many years – we actually launched our websites around the same time – I’ve always admired her innovative approach to food. It’s a true pleasure to share her latest work with you.
Lauren possesses an extraordinary talent for envisioning creative, flavor-packed interpretations of classic comfort dishes. Seriously, her ability to transform humble ingredients, even something as simple as a tater tot, into a culinary masterpiece is truly inspiring! Her new cookbook is a brilliant showcase of this skill. Drawing inspiration from her childhood memories and a deep love for global travel, the book is filled with inventive mash-ups of beloved staples and an exciting array of international flavors. It’s a testament to how comforting food can be both familiar and wonderfully new.
As the title, “Modern Comfort Cooking,” suggests, the cookbook is a treasure trove of reinvented vintage comfort foods, all prepared using fresh, wholesome ingredients. This isn’t your grandmother’s comfort food, though it retains all the soul and warmth. It’s an elevated, contemporary take that will broaden your culinary horizons.
You’ll find an incredible diversity of recipes within its pages, ranging from savory delights like Turkish burgers with fattoush lime slaw, Thai chicken and rice casserole, innovative falafel waffles, and Spanish wedge salad. For those with a sweet tooth or a penchant for unique pairings, there are equally exciting options such as bananas foster galette, elegant champagne marshmallows, indulgent kimchi and bacon mac and cheese, and even Korean pulled pork lasagna. With such an extensive and creative collection, deciding on just one recipe to share with you was truly a delightful challenge! Each dish offers a unique fusion of flavors and textures that tantalizes the palate.
Ultimately, I kept coming back to these Mumbai shrimp tacos. What can I say? I’m a complete enthusiast for seafood tacos, and the way Lauren infused them with such distinct and tantalizing Indian-inspired flavors made them irresistible. They perfectly encapsulate the spirit of her book: taking something familiar and making it extraordinary.
Mumbai Shrimp Tacos: The Flavorful Ingredient Breakdown
The distinctive name and unforgettable flavor of these shrimp tacos come from a thoughtfully selected combination of ground spices. The best part? These are common staple spices that you likely already have in your pantry, making this recipe even more accessible:
- Turmeric: Known for its earthy, slightly bitter flavor and vibrant golden color, turmeric is a cornerstone of Indian cuisine, offering warmth and depth.
- Paprika: This spice adds a sweet, smoky, and sometimes subtly spicy note, contributing to the rich color of the shrimp.
- Coriander: With its bright, citrusy, and slightly sweet aroma, ground coriander beautifully complements the other spices, adding complexity.
- Cumin: Earthy, warm, and slightly pungent, cumin is essential for that unmistakable Indian-inspired depth, grounding the spice blend.
- Garlic Powder: A convenient way to infuse a consistent, savory garlic flavor that enhances the overall profile without the need for fresh mincing in the marinade.
This aromatic spice mixture is generously tossed with raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp, ensuring every piece is coated in flavor. The shrimp are then quickly seared in a hot sauté pan, cooking rapidly to tender perfection and developing a beautiful golden-brown crust.
The Perfect Companion: Creamy Avocado Salsa
To balance the warmth and spice of the shrimp, the tacos are topped with a vibrant and creamy avocado salsa. This refreshing component is crafted from simple, fresh ingredients:
- Chopped Avocado: Provides a rich, creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavor that instantly cools the palate.
- Halved Grape or Cherry Tomatoes: Adds juicy sweetness and a slight tang, along with a pop of color. (I personally used cherry tomatoes, which work wonderfully).
- Fresh Lime Juice: Crucial for its bright, zesty acidity, which cuts through the richness of the avocado and enhances all the other flavors.
- Minced Garlic: Delivers a sharp, aromatic kick that ties the salsa ingredients together.
- Cilantro: Fresh, herbaceous, and intensely aromatic, cilantro is a quintessential taco topping, adding a layer of freshness.
- Jalapeño: Included for a subtle touch of heat, which can be adjusted to your preference by removing or keeping the seeds.
The bright acidity from the lime juice, coupled with the natural creaminess of the avocado, creates a harmonious balance that complements the spicy shrimp without overpowering their nuanced flavors. For serving, I personally favor a combination corn-wheat tortilla, which I char lightly over a gas stove for a hint of smoky flavor and added pliability. However, this dish can easily be made gluten-free by opting for 100% corn tortillas. The choice of tortilla adds another layer of texture and taste to these already incredible Mumbai shrimp tacos.
Mumbai Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa
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Ingredients
Shrimp Taco Filling:
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt divided
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lb (16 oz) shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or clarified butter
Avocado Salsa:
- 2 avocados pitted and chopped
- 1½ cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and minced
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Assembly:
- 8 (6-inch) taco-size tortillas, charred *I prefer the corn/wheat combination variety
- lime wedges for garnishing
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the turmeric, paprika, coriander, cumin, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the shrimp to the bowl with the spices and toss to combine, ensuring each shrimp is well coated.
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Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the vegetable oil (or clarified butter, which adds a lovely richness) and then the seasoned shrimp. Cook the shrimp for approximately one minute per side, flipping once, until they curl into a C-shape and turn opaque with a beautiful golden-brown sear. Be careful not to overcook. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and transfer to a plate; set aside.
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In a separate medium bowl, gently mix together the chopped avocado, halved tomatoes, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, finely diced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and season the salsa generously with the remaining kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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To assemble these delightful Mumbai shrimp tacos, take a warm, charred tortilla and arrange a few pieces of the spiced shrimp inside. Generously spoon the creamy avocado salsa over the shrimp. For an extra zing, squeeze a little more fresh lime juice over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Tips for Success:
- How to Char and Warm Tortillas for the Best Flavor: For an authentic experience and enhanced flavor, charring your tortillas is key. Line a large plate with a clean kitchen linen or foil to keep them warm. Turn your gas burner to medium heat. You can work with two burners simultaneously to speed up the process, or char them one at a time. Carefully place one taco-size tortilla directly over the flame. Heat for about 15 to 25 seconds per side, using tongs to flip them, until they develop light char marks and become pliable. As you char each tortilla, transfer it to the prepared plate and cover it with the linen to keep it warm and steamy for serving. This step adds a wonderful smoky depth that elevates the entire taco experience.
- If you do not have a gas stovetop, you can still warm your tortillas in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, flipping until warm and pliable, or follow the package instructions for oven or microwave warming. While not charred, they will still be delicious.
- Shrimp Preparation: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh, high-quality shrimp. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear.
- Spice Level Adjustment: If you prefer more heat, you can include the seeds from the jalapeño in your avocado salsa, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your shrimp seasoning. For less heat, omit the jalapeño or use a milder pepper.
- Serving Suggestions: These Mumbai shrimp tacos are hearty enough on their own, but pair wonderfully with a simple side of cilantro-lime rice, black beans, or a crisp green salad to round out the meal.
This exceptional recipe has been adapted very lightly and is printed with permission from the brilliant cookbook, Modern Comfort Cooking by Lauren Grier.
I was provided with a copy of Lauren Grier’s “Modern Comfort Cooking” for review purposes. All opinions expressed regarding the cookbook and this incredible Mumbai Shrimp Taco recipe are entirely my own. I wholeheartedly recommend diving into her culinary world!