How to Make Tacos de Camarones

Tacos de camarones translates into English as "shrimp tacos." They are a popular Cinco de Mayo dish and, like all tacos, they can be prepared very easily. A wide variety of recipe variations for tacos de camarones are available, most of which take relatively little time to make. A particularly flavorful variation entails the use of cilantro and Serrano chilies, which deliver a lively zing and spice.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 1 lb. of onions, peeled
• 3 serrano chilies
• Knife
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• Frying pan
• Bowl
• 4 tbsp. butter or margarine
• 3 tbsp. garlic, chopped
• 2 lbs. shrimp, peeled
• 1 cup cilantro, chopped
• Salt
• 16 corn tortillas
• 2 limes, quartered

1. Remove all stems and seeds from the chilies. Slice the onions and chilies as thinly as possible.
2. Heat the oil in a frying pan until it sizzles. Stir in the onions and chilies, and cook for about 10 minutes or until the onions are browned. Stir the vegetables constantly throughout the cooking process.
3. Place the cooked onions and chilies in a bowl.
4. Melt the butter in a frying pan, then add the garlic. Cook for about 1 minute over high heat, until the garlic sizzles.
5. Place 1 pound of shrimp in the pan with the butter and garlic, then stir. Keep the shrimp over the heat source, stirring frequently, until the shrimp are pink throughout (about 4 minutes).
6. Remove the shrimp from heat and place them in the same bowl with the onions and chilies. Repeat the process with the second pound of shrimp.
7. Place the cooked shrimp along with the onions and the chilies in the pan and heat the entire mixture for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
8. Remove the pan from the heat. Add salt and cilantro to taste.
9. Spoon the mixture into the corn tortillas.
10. Top the shrimp mixture with shredded cabbage and serve the tacos de camarones with lime wedges on the side. This will make 8 servings.

Tips & Warnings

• Balance out the tacos de camarones filling mixture to ensure that there is enough to fill each tortilla.
• In addition to the limes, salsa and guacamole make very good garnishes. You can make a more formal meal out of tacos de camarones by adding pinto beans and/or rice as a side dish.
• You can add shredded cabbage and/or sour cream to the tacos de camarones if you wish, placing them on top of the shrimp mixture. They aren't staple ingredients, however.