Shrimp Tacos with Crispy Garlic and Salsa Mexicana

Servings: 3  or 4, 6 large tacos
This is our green chile version of the famous “chilied” shrimp taco at Masateno in Tijuana, BC. I like using green chile in the summer and pairing the filling with a fresh Salsa Mexicana.  It’s the perfect time of year to take advantage of fresh, homegrown tomatoes.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 to 3 fresh serrano chiles, stemmed, seeded, and cut into long slices
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoons fresh black pepper
  • 2/3 cup chicken broth
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Salt
  • A little vegetable oil
  • 12 fresh corn tortillas
  • 4 ounces (about 1 cup) shredded x Mexican melting cheese (like Chihuahua, quesadilla, or asadero) or Monterey Jack
  • To make one cup or so of Salsa Mexicana:
  • 1 small garlic clove, peeled
  • Fresh hot green chiles to taste I like 1 serranos or 1 small jalapeño), stemmed and halved
  • 1 medium-large (about 1/2 pound total round, red, ripe tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup (loosely packed) roughly chopped cilantro
  • 1 small green onion, roots and wilted outer leaves removed, chopped into small pieces
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice (or vinegar)
  • Salt

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat the butter in the skillet over medium heat, add the garlic and stir
for a minute. Stir in the chile strips, pepper 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.

To make Salsa Mexicana:
Drop the garlic and chile pieces one at a time into a running food
processor, letting each get finely chopped before adding the next. Turn
off the processor and remove the lid. Cut half of the tomato into
quarters and add it to food processor, along with the cilantro. Pulse 4
to 6 times until you have a coarse puree. Scrape the mixture into a
bowl.

Cut the other half of the tomato into ¼-inch pieces and add to the bowl
along with the green onion. Taste and season with lime juice (or
vinegar) and salt, usually a generous ½ teaspoon. This salsa is best if
eaten within an hour or two, but it will keep for a number of hours in
the refrigerator.