Spice-Packed Mumbai Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Avocado Salsa: An Easy Weeknight Recipe
Has this past week felt like it flew by in a blur? Between the whirlwind of holiday preparations, shopping, and festive decorating, time often seems to accelerate. This annual phenomenon always manages to catch me off guard, leaving little room for elaborate meal planning or lengthy cooking sessions.
Instead of getting bogged down by never-ending to-do lists, let’s turn our attention to something truly delightful and surprisingly simple: vibrant Mumbai shrimp tacos. Doesn’t that sound like a much more appealing plan? Imagine a dish that brings a burst of flavor and excitement to your table without demanding hours of your precious time.
These Mumbai shrimp tacos are not only incredibly delicious but also remarkably easy to prepare. They are brimming with aromatic spices and fresh flavors, yet require a minimal ingredient list and straightforward execution. This makes them an ideal candidate for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, perfect for any season of the year. Whether you’re seeking a speedy meal after a long day or a flavorful option to spice up your routine, these tacos deliver on all fronts.
The versatility of this recipe also makes it fantastic for entertaining. You can effortlessly scale up the ingredients to feed a crowd, turning it into a fun, serve-yourself taco bar during the busy holiday season or any gathering. Guests will undoubtedly appreciate the unique flavor profile and the interactive dining experience. This dish proves that exceptional flavor doesn’t have to be complicated, and a great meal can be both simple to make and impressive to serve.
Discovering “Modern Comfort Cooking” and These Flavorful Tacos
This fantastic shrimp taco recipe hails from the brand new cookbook, Modern Comfort Cooking, by my talented friend and fellow blogger, Lauren Grier. Her much-anticipated book is set to hit bookshelves very soon, and I’m thrilled to share a glimpse into its culinary treasures with you.
I’ve been a long-time admirer of Lauren’s work on her blog, Climbing Grier Mountain. We actually launched our websites within a month of each other many years ago, and it’s been wonderful to witness her journey and culinary evolution. Lauren possesses an incredible knack for transforming classic comfort foods into creative, flavor-packed dishes that feel both familiar and exciting. Seriously, you should see the ingenious things she can do with something as humble as a tater tot!
Her new cookbook, Modern Comfort Cooking, is a brilliant extension of this unique culinary skill. Drawing inspiration from her childhood memories and extensive travels, the book presents a delightful collection of inventive mash-ups on older staples, infused with diverse global flavors. It truly redefines what comfort food can be, proving that wholesome, fresh ingredients can elevate even the most nostalgic dishes.
As the title suggests, the cookbook is a treasure trove of reinvented vintage comfort food recipes, all crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. This isn’t your grandmother’s comfort food, though it carries the same warmth and satisfaction. Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure with dishes like Turkish burgers with fattoush lime slaw, Thai chicken and rice casserole, imaginative falafel waffles, and a refreshing Spanish wedge salad. For those with a sweet tooth or a penchant for bolder flavors, you’ll find everything from bananas foster galette and champagne marshmallows to savory kimchi and bacon mac and cheese and a Korean pulled pork lasagna. The sheer variety and creativity within its pages are astounding.
Choosing just one recipe to share from such an incredible collection was genuinely challenging—I wanted a bite of everything! However, I kept gravitating back to these Mumbai shrimp tacos. What can I say? I’m an absolute sucker for fresh, flavorful seafood tacos, and these immediately captured my imagination with their promise of exotic spice and vibrant freshness. They perfectly embody the spirit of “modern comfort” – comforting in their ease and deliciousness, yet modern in their global-inspired flavors.
Mumbai Shrimp Tacos: An In-Depth Look at the Ingredients
The distinctive name and bold flavor of these shrimp tacos come from a thoughtfully balanced combination of ground spices, characteristic of Indian-inspired cuisine. The best part? These are common staple spices you likely already have in your pantry, making this exotic-sounding dish surprisingly accessible:
- **Turmeric:** Known for its vibrant golden color and earthy, slightly bitter notes, turmeric is a powerhouse spice, also prized for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- **Paprika:** Adds a sweet, smoky depth and a beautiful red hue to the shrimp.
- **Coriander:** Offers a warm, citrusy, and slightly sweet aroma, a quintessential flavor in many South Asian dishes.
- **Cumin:** Provides an intense, earthy, and warm flavor that is central to the spice blend.
- **Garlic Powder:** A convenient way to infuse a rich garlic flavor without the extra step of mincing fresh cloves.
This carefully selected spice mixture is generously tossed with raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp, ensuring every piece is coated in flavor. The seasoned shrimp are then quickly seared in a hot sauté pan until perfectly cooked, offering a delightful texture and aroma.
The Perfect Counterpart: Creamy Avocado Salsa
To complement the richly spiced shrimp, these tacos are crowned with a simple yet incredibly fresh avocado salsa. This vibrant topping is made from:
- **Chopped Avocado:** Provides a luxurious creaminess and healthy fats, balancing the heat of the spices.
- **Halved Grape or Cherry Tomatoes:** (I personally used cherry tomatoes, which work wonderfully!) These add a burst of juicy sweetness and acidity.
- **Lots of Fresh Lime Juice:** Essential for brightness and cutting through the richness, elevating all the flavors.
- **Minced Garlic:** Aromatic depth.
- **Fresh Cilantro:** Infuses a fragrant, herbaceous note that’s classic in many fresh salsas.
- **Jalapeño (seeded and minced):** Offers just the right touch of heat, which can be adjusted to your preference by including or omitting the seeds.
The bright acidity from the lime juice, combined with the natural creaminess of the avocado, creates a harmonious balance that enhances the spiced shrimp without overpowering its nuanced flavors. It’s a match made in culinary heaven, ensuring each bite is complex and satisfying.
Choosing Your Tortillas
For serving, I personally prefer using a combination corn-wheat tortilla, which I like to char directly over a gas stove burner for a slight smoky flavor and tender texture. However, this dish can easily be made gluten-free by simply opting for certified gluten-free corn tortillas. Whichever you choose, warming the tortillas is key to a truly authentic and enjoyable taco experience.
Mumbai Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa
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4
Servings (8 Tacos)
15 minutes
15 minutes
30 minutes
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 of kosher salt, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to this aromatic spice mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure each shrimp is evenly coated.
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Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the vegetable oil or clarified butter. Carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the pan in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about one minute per side, or until they curl into a C-shape and turn opaque with a lovely golden-brown sear. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
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In a separate medium bowl, gently mix together the chopped avocado, halved tomatoes (grape or cherry), fresh lime juice, minced garlic, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, and olive oil. Season the salsa generously to taste with the remaining kosher salt and black pepper. Stir gently to combine without mashing the avocado too much.
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To assemble your delicious Mumbai shrimp tacos, place a few pieces of the spiced shrimp into the center of each warm tortilla. Spoon a generous amount of the vibrant avocado salsa over the shrimp. Garnish with additional lime wedges for an extra burst of fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- How to Char and Warm Tortillas: For an authentic touch and enhanced flavor, charring your tortillas is highly recommended. Line a large plate with a clean kitchen linen. If you have a gas burner, turn it to medium heat. You can use one or two burners simultaneously to speed up the process. Place one corn tortilla directly over the flame and heat for approximately 15 to 25 seconds per side, flipping them with tongs, until they are lightly charred and pliable. As each tortilla is done, transfer it to the prepared kitchen linen and cover to keep them warm until serving. This method adds a wonderful smoky depth and soft texture.
- If you do not have a gas stovetop, you can warm the tortillas effectively in the oven or microwave. Follow the instructions provided on your tortilla package for best results. Typically, a quick zap in the microwave or a few minutes wrapped in foil in a preheated oven will suffice.
- Choosing the Right Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning to prevent excess moisture, which can lead to steaming instead of searing.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly! Overcooked shrimp become rubbery. Watch for them to turn opaque and curl slightly. They should still be tender and juicy.
- Customize the Spice Level: If you prefer less heat in your salsa, you can reduce the amount of jalapeño or omit it entirely. For more heat, leave some of the jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp spice rub.
- Make Ahead Tips: The avocado salsa is best made fresh just before serving to prevent the avocado from browning. However, you can peel and devein the shrimp and mix the dry spice rub a day in advance. Store separately and combine just before cooking.
Adapted very lightly and printed with permission from Modern Comfort Cooking by Lauren Grier.
Laura / A Beautiful Plate
Seafood and Shellfish, Main Course
Indian, Mexican-Inspired
shrimp tacos, avocado salsa, easy weeknight dinner, spicy tacos, Indian spices, quick seafood recipe
I was provided with a copy of Lauren Grier’s cookbook, “Modern Comfort Cooking,” for review purposes. All opinions expressed in this article are my own.
Why These Mumbai Shrimp Tacos Will Become Your New Favorite
Beyond their incredible flavor and ease of preparation, these Mumbai shrimp tacos offer a host of reasons to become a regular fixture in your meal rotation. They are a fantastic way to introduce unique, global flavors into your kitchen without venturing into overly complex culinary territory. The spice blend, while reminiscent of Indian cuisine, is approachable and well-balanced, making it appealing to a wide range of palates, even those new to Indian spices.
The combination of tender, spiced shrimp with the cool, creamy, and zesty avocado salsa creates an exciting textural and flavor contrast. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of warm spices, fresh herbs, a hint of heat, and the refreshing tang of lime. It’s a truly dynamic dish that keeps your taste buds engaged from start to finish. Plus, shrimp is a lean protein source, making this meal a healthy and satisfying option.
This recipe also promotes culinary creativity. Feel free to customize your salsa with additional ingredients like finely diced red onion for extra crunch, a sprinkle of queso fresco for a touch of dairy, or even a drizzle of honey for a subtle sweetness that complements the heat. The beauty of tacos lies in their adaptability, allowing you to tailor them to your specific preferences or whatever fresh produce you have on hand.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests with a unique twist on taco night, seeking a quick yet gourmet-quality meal for your family, or simply craving something that breaks away from the ordinary, these Mumbai shrimp tacos with avocado salsa are an absolute winner. They encapsulate the spirit of modern comfort food: delicious, accessible, and full of exciting flavor. Give them a try, and prepare to be delighted!