“Chilied” Shrimp Tacos
INGREDIENTS
- 2 to 3 dried arbol chiles, stemmed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 2/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/4 pounds medium shrimp, peeled, deveined (if you wish) and cut into pieces slightly smaller than 1/2 inch
- Salt
- A little vegetable oil
- 12 fresh corn tortillas
- 4 ounces (about 1 cup) shredded Mexican melting cheese (like Chihuahua, quesadilla, or asadero) or Monterey Jack, brink or mold cheddar
- A cup or so Tangy Avocado-Peanut Salsa (or another of your favorites)
INSTRUCTIONS
In a medium (10-inch) skillet over medium heat, toast the arbol chiles until they are noticeably darker and very aromatic, about 1 1/2 minutes. Cool, then crumble into small pieces. Heat the butter in the skillet over medium heat, add the garlic and stir for a minute. Stir in the chile pieces, pepper, oregano and broth, raise the temperature to medium-high and boil until the mixture has reduced to just a few tablespoons and is noticeably thicker, about 8 minutes. Add the shrimp and stir until the pieces are nearly cooked through, about 4 minutes (there should be just a hint of pink at the center). Remove from the heat, taste and season with salt, usually 1/2 teaspoon. Lightly oil the tortillas, lay them by pairs on a griddle or skillet over medium heat, flipping to warm through. Top each pair with a portion of the cheese and let melt, then top with a hefty amount of the filling and serve.