Shrimp Tacos with Guava Achiote Marinade, White Bean Cream, and Red Cabbage Pepita Slaw
Mexican Food
Intermediate

Shrimp Tacos with Guava Achiote Marinade, White Bean Cream, and Red Cabbage Pepita Slaw

Original Mexican-inspired tacos featuring shrimp marinated in achiote, guava, and citrus, served on corn tortillas with a silky white bean cream and a crunchy red cabbage, pepita, and cilantro slaw. They balance fruity sweetness, bright acidity, and toasted notes.

25 minPrep
20 minCook
45 minTotal
4Servings
Gluten-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 500 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined (without cola, crudo)
  • 45 g achiote paste (for the marinada)
  • 60 g guava pulp or guava jam (without semillas if possible)
  • 60 ml orange juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 30 ml lime juice (divided)
  • 9 g garlic (2 cloves for the marinada and 1 for the cream)
  • 2 g ground cumin (divided)
  • 1 g dried oregano (for the marinada)
  • 8 g salt (divided or to taste)
  • 1 g black pepper (to taste)
  • 30 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 240 g cooked white beans (escurridos)
  • 120 ml sour cream (for the cream of frijol)
  • 45 ml water (for ajustar the cream)
  • 180 g thinly sliced red cabbage (for the ensalada)
  • 35 g toasted pumpkin seeds (unsalted or lightly saladas)
  • 20 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • 60 g red onion (en pluma fina)
  • 15 ml honey (for the ensalada)
  • 12 pieces corn tortillas (small)
  • 80 g crumbled queso fresco (for servir)
  • 100 g fresh guava (en cubitos small for terminar)
  • 4 pieces lime wedges (for servir)

Nutrition facts

per serving

525 kcal
Calories
28 g
Protein
43 g
Carbs
25 g
Fat
8 g
Fiber
35 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

DairyShellfish

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. In a large bowl, mix the achiote paste, guava pulp or jam, orange juice, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lime juice, 2 grated garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, dried oregano, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper until smooth.

  2. 2

    2. Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss well to coat completely. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. Do not marinate much longer, so the citrus acid does not overly alter the texture.

  3. 3

    3. While the shrimp marinates, make the white bean cream. In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked white beans, sour cream, 1 garlic clove, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the water. Blend until very smooth. Set aside.

  4. 4

    4. In a medium bowl, combine the red cabbage, red onion, toasted pepitas, half of the chopped cilantro, honey, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Toss well and let sit for 10 minutes so the slaw softens slightly.

  5. 5

    5. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Cook the marinated shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until firm, opaque, and lightly caramelized. If you prefer using the oven, bake on a lined tray at 425°F / 220°C for 6 to 8 minutes.

  6. 6

    6. Chop the cooked shrimp into medium pieces to make taco assembly easier.

  7. 7

    7. Warm the corn tortillas on a comal or dry skillet over medium heat for 30 to 45 seconds per side, until flexible with a few toasted spots. Keep them covered with a clean towel.

  8. 8

    8. To assemble, spread a generous spoonful of white bean cream over each tortilla. Add the guava achiote shrimp, then top with the red cabbage and pepita slaw.

  9. 9

    9. Finish each taco with crumbled queso fresco, diced fresh guava, the remaining chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime to taste.

  10. 10

    10. Serve immediately with the lime wedges on the side.

Chef tips

For a deeper smoky flavor, cook the shrimp on a very hot cast-iron griddle. The bean cream can be made a few hours ahead and kept chilled; if it thickens too much, loosen it with an extra tablespoon of water.

Substitutions

You can substitute the shrimp with cubes of firm fish fillet. Sour cream can be replaced with thick plain yogurt, though the flavor will be tangier. If fresh guava is unavailable, skip the garnish and rely on the guava marinade alone.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Countertop blenderIllustrative image

    Ninja Professional BL610 Blender

    Smoothies, sauces and soups

    • Smoothies, sauces and soups
    • Easy-to-wash jar
    • Check the power and jar size
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  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
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  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan

    Eggs, omelets and stir-fries

    • Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
    • Comfortable, sturdy handle
    • Use wooden or silicone utensils
    View on Amazon

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