Savor the Flavor: Irresistible Mumbai Spiced Shrimp Tacos with Fresh Avocado Salsa
Get ready to infuse your weeknights with an explosion of exotic flavors! These Eastern spiced shrimp tacos, brilliantly complemented by a vibrant avocado salsa, are destined to become a new favorite. They bring a delightful “pizzazz” that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure, proving that quick and easy dinners don’t have to sacrifice exciting tastes.
Embracing the Global Spice Trend
While I don’t typically chase culinary trends, the whispers that 2018 would be the “year of spices” certainly resonated with me. And honestly, it’s a trend that’s truly timeless. The transformative power of spices is simply undeniable. A carefully chosen blend can elevate a simple dish, turning familiar ingredients into something entirely new and captivating. From the warmth of cumin to the golden hue of turmeric, spices offer a gateway to global cuisines right in your own kitchen.
One individual who has always been a trailblazer in this flavor-forward movement is my dear friend, Lauren Grier, the creative force behind the popular blog Climbing Grier Mountain. Lauren consistently inspires with her ingenious use of spices, transforming everyday comfort foods into sensational culinary experiences. Her approach goes beyond just adding heat; it’s about crafting harmonious flavor profiles that surprise and delight. Whether she’s concocting a hearty Cajun Chili Stroganoff, a comforting Curry Coconut Shepherd’s Pie, or a refreshing Moroccan Potato Salad, Lauren truly is the queen of infusing ordinary dishes with extraordinary creative flavor combinations and exotic ingredients. Her recipes are a testament to how bold spices can bring life and excitement to any meal.
Modern Comfort Cooking: A Culinary Journey with Lauren Grier
Lauren’s highly anticipated cookbook, Modern Comfort Cooking, is a magnificent extension of her blog’s philosophy. It’s a beautifully curated collection that masterfully blends culinary traditions from both East and West, seamlessly marrying retro classics with innovative modern twists. Her recipes invite you to explore new favorites while rediscovering beloved dishes with a refreshingly delicious spin. Korean Pulled Pork Lasagna, anyone? Or perhaps a delightful Jambalaya Spaghetti Pie? Each page offers a new inspiration, challenging conventional ideas of comfort food and inviting home cooks to experiment with vibrant, global influences.
When I first eagerly flipped through the pages of her new book, these Mumbai Shrimp Tacos instantly captured my attention. They stood out not just for their simplicity, but for their promise of something genuinely fun and wonderfully different from my usual #TacoTuesday rotation. I was immediately drawn to the vibrant colors and the thought of tender shrimp infused with aromatic Indian spices. This recipe perfectly embodies Lauren’s knack for making accessible dishes feel exciting and unique, promising a quick meal without compromising on depth of flavor.
My Personal Journey with Eastern Flavors
My own kitchen journey recently took an exciting turn towards Eastern spices. I had just acquired my first set of Middle Eastern spices, including earthy turmeric, fragrant coriander, and subtly sweet cardamom. I’ve been gradually introducing them into my cooking, trying out various recipes and discovering new dimensions of flavor. These Mumbai Shrimp Tacos presented the perfect opportunity to delve deeper into this aromatic world, combining a familiar format (tacos!) with an exotic spice profile.
I prepared these tacos for dinner earlier this week, and the reaction from my family was overwhelmingly positive. We absolutely *loved* them! Initially, my kids were a bit hesitant, as the vibrant colors and unique aromas were a departure from their usual fare. However, their curiosity quickly turned into enjoyment, and I believe my two-year-old ended up eating more of the spiced shrimp than anyone else at the table! It was incredibly rewarding to see them embrace new flavors so enthusiastically, proving that these tacos are truly a family-friendly hit.
The Perfect Blend of Freshness and Spice
What makes these Mumbai Shrimp Tacos so exceptional is the harmonious balance of fresh, bright ingredients with richly aromatic spices. There’s nothing bland or boring about this dish! The succulent shrimp is generously coated in a captivating blend of turmeric (which lends its beautiful golden color and earthy notes), aromatic paprika, warm cumin, fragrant ground coriander, and savory garlic powder. This spice mixture creates an incredible depth of flavor that is both intriguing and utterly delicious. The shrimp is then quickly browned in a skillet for just a few minutes, ensuring it remains tender and juicy without being overcooked.
The magic continues with the homemade avocado salsa. This fresh and zesty topping is a crucial element, providing a cool and creamy counterpoint to the spiced shrimp. It’s packed with diced, ripe avocados, juicy cherry tomatoes halved for bursts of sweetness, finely chopped jalapeños for a gentle kick, fresh cilantro for herbaceous brightness, and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice for that essential tang. Layering this exquisite spiced shrimp into a perfectly toasted tortilla, then topping it with the vibrant avocado salsa, creates a symphony of textures and flavors. The result is a dinner with a lot of flair, bursting with flavor, and incredibly, all ready in under 20 minutes flat. It’s the ultimate solution for a quick, flavorful, and exciting weeknight meal that will transport your taste buds to distant lands.
Essential Tips for Perfect Mumbai Shrimp Tacos
- **Shrimp Selection and Preparation:** For the best texture, choose fresh, high-quality shrimp. If using frozen, ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning. Removing the tails before cooking makes for easier eating, especially when serving to children.
- **Spice Blend Customization:** Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your preference. If you like more heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added to the shrimp seasoning. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of jalapeño in the salsa, or remove its seeds.
- **Perfecting the Avocado Salsa:** The key to a great salsa is fresh ingredients. Use ripe, but firm, avocados. Don’t be shy with the lime juice, as it prevents the avocado from browning and adds a crucial zesty element. Make the salsa just before serving for optimal freshness.
- **Tortilla Warm-Up:** Don’t skip toasting your tortillas! A warm tortilla is more pliable and enhances the overall taco experience. You can warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel, or quickly over an open flame for a slightly charred flavor.
- **Serving Suggestions:** While these tacos are fantastic on their own, they can be paired with a simple side of basmati rice, a refreshing cucumber salad, or even a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream to cool down the palate.
Dive into the world of creative and comforting cuisine. Get your copy of Modern Comfort Cooking: Feel-Good Favorites Made Fresh and New here and start your own culinary adventure today!
Mumbai Shrimp Tacos
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Ingredients
Avocado Salsa:
- 2 avocados , diced
- 1 ½ cup cherry or grape tomatoes (225 grams), halved
- 1 jalapeno finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (1-2 limes)
- 1 garlic clove , minced
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (5 grams)
- Salt and pepper , to taste
Tacos:
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 lb peeled and de-veined shrimp (455 grams), see Note
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 8 taco-sized soft tortillas
- Avocado salsa , above
- Lime wedges and cilantro , for garnish
Instructions
To make the salsa:
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In a medium bowl, gently mix together the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped jalapeno, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside while you prepare the shrimp.
To make the tacos:
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In a large bowl, combine the turmeric, ground coriander, ground paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, coarse salt, and ground pepper. Add the peeled and de-veined shrimp to the bowl and toss until each shrimp is thoroughly coated with the spice mixture.
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Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil or butter. Once shimmering, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan). Cook until the shrimp turn opaque and are slightly browned, which typically takes about 1-2 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp cooks very quickly.
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Warm your taco-sized soft tortillas. Serve the cooked Mumbai spiced shrimp immediately by layering it into the warm tortillas, topping generously with the fresh avocado salsa. Garnish with additional lime wedges and fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and color. Enjoy!
Notes
Recipe adapted from Modern Comfort Cooking by Lauren Grier.
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Disclosure: I received a free review copy of Modern Comfort Cooking. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, reflecting my genuine experience with the recipes and the cookbook.