taco tuesday – The Salty Nerve https://thesaltynerve.com Let's get Salty in the Kitchen! Mon, 25 Jul 2022 01:36:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.4 https://thesaltynerve.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/cropped-Black-logo-no-words.png taco tuesday – The Salty Nerve https://thesaltynerve.com 32 32 Easy Chipotle Shrimp Tacos https://thesaltynerve.com/easy-chipotle-shrimp-tacos/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=easy-chipotle-shrimp-tacos Wed, 02 Mar 2022 09:40:25 +0000 https://thesaltynerve.com/?p=1080 This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

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Warm crispy buttery tortillas wrapped around chipotle lime slaw topped with chipotle shrimp. These Chipotle Shrimp Tacos are Quick + Easy to make, and perfect for lunch or dinner.

Let’s get started!

Okay, you will need 1/2 lb shrimp (deveined + peeled), lime juice, chipotle chili pepper powder, butter, flour street taco tortillas, cotija cheese, and of course cilantro.

Can’t find these flour street tacos? That’s okay, use regular small taco shells which are just slightly larger.

Substitute the cotija cheese with grated parmesan if you can’t find cotija cheese.

First, marinate your shrimp in 1 tbsp olive oil, lime juice, and chipotle chili pepper powder.
Mix to fully coat then cover and chill for 10-15 minutes.

Cook that shrimp over medium-high heat in a large skillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turn opaque.

On to my favorite part. Lightly frying the tortilla shells brings a whole new satisfying take on the traditional soft shell taco.

It’s not too crunchy and provides that buttery crispy texture that perfectly dresses up your typical softshell taco.

Melt 1 tbsp butter on a cast iron griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Coat both sides in the melted butter then fry for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown on both sides.

One last quick step. ASSEMBLY TIME!

Fill the taco shells with some slaw and top with a few pieces of shrimp. Sprinkle on some of that chopped cilantro + cotija cheese and…

BOOOOM!

You got yourself a Chipotle Shrimp Taco!

Enjoy these little flavor bomb tacos – go ahead and indulge some. Trust me you won’t want to stop eating these.

Try these other Quick + Easy dishes.

Easy Chipotle Shrimp Tacos

Warm crispy buttery tortillas wrapped around chipotle lime slaw topped with chipotle shrimp. These tacos are Quick + Easy to make, and perfect for lunch or dinner.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Keyword: 25 min, 25 min or less, chipotle, chipotle lime, easy, quick, quick dinner, quick lunch, seafood tacos, shrimp, shrimp tacos, spicy food, street tacos
Servings: 2

Ingredients

  • ½ lb large shrimp deveined + peeled
  • 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin, divided
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp chipotle chili pepper powder
  • 2 tbsp butter divided
  • 4 street taco flour tortillas
  • 1 tsp fresh cilantro chopped

Chipotle Lime Slaw

  • 1 cup coleslaw mix
  • 1 medium avocado diced
  • cup mayonaise
  • cup red onion finely diced
  • 1 whole Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce minced
  • ½ fresh lime juiced, or 1 tbsp lime juice
  • ½ tsp lime zest
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, add the shrimp, 1 tbsp olive oil, lime juice, and chipotle chili pepper powder. Mix to fully coat then cover and chill for 10-15 minutes.
  • Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and sautee the shrimp for 2-3 min on each side. Remove and keep warm while you prepare the taco shells.
  • In a cast iron griddle pan or skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Coat both sides in the melted butter then fry for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown on both sides.

Chipotle Lime Slaw

  • In a large bowl, add the mayonnaise, diced red onions, minced chipotle pepper, lime juice, lime zest, and cilantro. Mix until combined.
  • Add in the avocados and coleslaw mix. Gently fold to fully coat the coleslaw, and try not to mash the avocados.
  • Serve chilled.
    For maximum flavor – cover with clear wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes
Tried this recipe? Take a pic!Tag Us @TheSaltyNerve + #thesaltygram!
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Smoky Adobo Chicken https://thesaltynerve.com/smoky-adobo-chicken/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=smoky-adobo-chicken Sun, 13 Feb 2022 17:48:26 +0000 https://thesaltynerve.com/?p=826 This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Ultimate crispy shredded chicken tossed in a smokey, spicy Adobo sauce. This Smoky Adobo Chicken recipe takes only 5 min to prep + 35 min to cook. It works great in so many Mexican-based dishes.

Use this shredded Adobo chicken for tacos, enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, sliders, or over Mexican rice.

Here is what you will need to make this smoky, spicy shredded Abobo chicken.

Chicken Breast – You can also use chicken thighs, but boneless skinless chicken breast works best.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo SauceThis is the star of the recipe. You can half this to turn down the heat some.
Crushed Fire Roasted Tomatoes – I’m a HUGE fan of fire-roasted tomatoes. They provide a sweet yet smoky flavor that really compliments the flavors in this dish.
Diced Green Chilis – These add that perfect amount of peppery flavor with a little zing to them.
Oregano + Cumin + Onion – These spices pair so well together to help elevate the flavors up.
Sugar – This helps to balance out the flavors and cut down on the heat. You can adjust this to your taste and spicy heat level.
Cilantro – It brings a refreshing citrusy touch to the smoky spicy Adobo flavors of this dish.

Get a large pot and throw all the ingredients for the Adobo sauce. Mix to fully combine.

Add in the chicken and bring it all to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, lower the temp to medium-low and simmer covered for 20-25 min or until it easily shreds with a fork.

Once it’s cooked, take out the chicken and reserve the sauce left in the pot. In a large mixing bowl, shred the Adobo chicken with a fork and set it aside.

Take that reserved sauce from the pot and puree it in a food processor. Salt and pepper to taste.

In a large skillet over high heat, add 1 tbsp of oil and fry half the shredded chicken. Fry until golden brown and crispy on the edges (about 2-3 min) then flip over and fry the other side for another min. Set aside and repeat with the remaining shredded chicken.

Add in the sauce and chopped cilantro and toss the chicken to fully coat.

TO STORE: This makes lots and it keeps well. It keeps for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Freeze – Store leftover chicken in a freezer-safe air-tight container or vacuum-sealed bag for up to 3 months. Reheat – Thaw in the fridge and warm the chicken in the microwave for 2-3 min or over low heat on the stove until heated throughout.

This shredded chicken works great in Spicy Chicken Adobo Tacos or Chicken Adobo Quesadillas.

Smoky Chicken Adobo

Shredded crispy chicken tossed in a smokey, spicy Adobo sauce that's loaded with flavor. It is only 5 minutes to prep, and it works great in various Mexican-based dishes.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Main Course, Recipes
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: 35 min, 35 min or less, adobo chicken, chicken tacos, easy, left overs, mexican style chicken, multi dish, multiple uses, quick, shredded chicken, smoky, spicy, taco tuesday
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 300kcal

Ingredients

  • lb boneless skinless chicken breast

Adobo Sauce

Instructions

  • Place chicken and adobo sauce ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer covered for 20-30 minutes, turning chicken occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked and can be easily shredded with a fork.
  • Remove chicken and shred and set aside. Keep the remaining sauce from the pan.
  • Add lime juice and 1 tbsp olive oil to the sauce. Using a blender or food processor, puree the sauce leftover from the pan. Add salt and pepper to taste. You should have about 2 cups of sauce.
  • Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add 1/2 the shredded chicken and fry until dark golden brown on one side (about 2-3 min), flip and cook the other side for 1 min, then remove. Use another 1 tbsp oil to fry the next batch of shredded chicken.
  • Toss browned chicken in the sauce and sprinkle the top with cilantro.

Notes

Use this shredded Adobo chicken for tacos, enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, sliders, or over Mexican rice. The possibilities are endless!
TO STORE: This makes lots and it keeps well. It keeps for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Freeze – Store leftover chicken in a freezer-safe air-tight container or vacuum-sealed bag for up to 3 months. Reheat – Thaw in the fridge and warm the chicken in the microwave for 2-3 min or over low heat on the stove until heated throughout.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal
Tried this recipe? Take a pic!Tag Us @TheSaltyNerve + #thesaltygram!
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Chicken Adobo Quesadillas (Smoky + Spicy) https://thesaltynerve.com/chicken-adobo-quesadillas-smoky-spicy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=chicken-adobo-quesadillas-smoky-spicy Sun, 13 Feb 2022 17:51:58 +0000 https://thesaltynerve.com/?p=699 This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Chicken Adobo Quesadillas (Smoky + Spicy)

Looking for something quick + easy plus bursting with flavor? Then you’ve GOT to try these Chicken Adobo Quesadillas that will wake up your tastebuds.

Smoky, spicy shredded chicken covered in melty quesadilla cheese sandwiched between a crispy golden buttery tortilla.

With only 5 min prep and 10 min cook time with leftover Smoky Chicken Adobo meat, it’s quick + easy to make. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Chicken Adobo Quesadillas (Smoky + Spicy)

Okay, you tried the Spicy Chicken Adobo Tacos and loved them.

BUT, if you have a lot of leftover chicken and don’t know what else to do with it – HERE is the solution.

Chicken Adobo Quesadillas are perfect for using that leftover shredded chicken and turning it into a fantastic lunch or even a quick dinner the next day.

Here is what you need to make these crispy, smoky, and slightly spicy quesadillas.

Spicy Chicken Adobo Shredded Chicken – It works great with leftover shredded chicken straight from the fridge or even thawed from the freezer.
Quesadilla Melting Cheese – You can substitute with Monterey Jack or Cheddar.
Cotija Cheese – Freshly grate a block of cotija cheese. BONUS: It works in SO many Mexican-based dishes, so always keep it on hand.
Soft Flour Tortillas – I like to use flour tortillas for the texture it provides, but corn tortillas work perfectly fine as a Gluten-Free Option.
Butter – Use good quality butter to fry the tortilla, but you can use olive oil as a healthier substitute.
Cilantro – It’s not Taco Tuesday worthy without cilantro, but you can skip it if you don’t care for the taste.
TOP WITH: Chipotle Aioli Sauce – It’s quick and easy and ready in under 5 min.

Start by heating a cast-iron griddle or skillet over medium-low heat. Melt 1 tbsp of butter in the skillet and coat both sides of the tortilla in the butter.

Fry for about 30 sec -1 min, then flip to fry the other side. When it starts to bubble up, that’s when you add the cheese and other toppings.

Add the crumbled quesadilla cheese and top with the shredded adobo chicken, and if you want to add other toppings, now is your chance.

Top it off with some more grated cotija cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, and of course, MORE quesadilla cheese.
It’s got to be cheesy, right?

Go ahead, fold one side of the tortilla over and allow it to warm through and melt the cheese.

Once it gets golden brown, sprinkle 1/2 tbsp of cotija cheese over the tortilla and carefully turn that side onto the pan to cook. Once it’s golden and crispy, turn it over and repeat on the other side.

Make sure not to burn the cheese.

Trust me; it took multiple tries to get this not to burn and yet be so CRISPY.

Mouthwatering crispy golden quesadilla that’s oozing with cheese + a slightly smoky, fiery kick.

Go Ahead, have some FUN with this recipe!

Add in your favorite toppings. Grilled bell peppers and onions, fresh jalapenos, or even some fire-roasted tomatoes work great with the smoky flavors of the spicy adobo chicken.

You can substitute the Quesadilla Melting Cheese for cheddar or Monterey Jack. Just make sure to use freshly grated block cheese for the ULTIMATE melty cheese pull.

Don’t forget to add a dollop of chipotle aioli sauce on top and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.

Grab a bag of your favorite tortilla chips and dig into this zesty, smoky corn salsa.

Try some of this Street Corn Salsa with that quesadilla.

Chicken Adobo Quesadillas-2

Chicken Adobo Quesadillas

Smoky, spicy shredded chicken sandwiched between melty quesadilla cheese covered in a crispy buttery tortilla. With only 5 min prep and 10 min cook time with leftover Spicy Chicken Adobo meat, it's quick and easy to make and perfect for lunch or dinner.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: 15 min, 15 min or less, adobo chicken, chipotle aioli sauce, cotija cheese, easy, leftovers, mexican style chicken, one pan dish, quesadilla, quesadilla cheese, quick, quick dinner, quick lunch, spicy chicken, spicy food, spicy mexican chicken, taco tuesday
Servings: 2
Author: carinakyriacos

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Warm the leftover spicy adobo shredded chicken in the microwave for 2-3 min or until warm. You can also warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm.
  • Melt 1 tbsp of butter over medium-low heat in a large cast-iron or skillet pan.
  • Fry one side of the tortilla until golden and soft, then flip and cook the other side. At the same time, add ¼ cup of the quesadilla cheese, ½ cup of shredded chicken, and sprinkle ½ tbsp cotija cheese and a pinch of the cilantro on top with another ¼ cup of quesadilla cheese to one half of the tortilla.
  • Flip over the bare side to sandwich the cheese and meat on the other side. Cook for 3-4 min and gently flip to the other side and cook for another 3-4 min.
  • Sprinkle about ½ tbsp of the remaining cotija cheese on the top side of your quesadilla and flip to cook for 1 min. Sprinkle another ½ tbsp of cotija and flip to cook for 1 min. Remove to a plate and keep warm while preparing the second quesadilla
  • Repeat cooking steps 2-5 with the other tortilla and remaining ingredients.
  • Cut the quesadillas in half or quarters to serve. Top with Chipotle Aioli Sauce and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro on top.
Tried this recipe? Take a pic!Tag Us @TheSaltyNerve + #thesaltygram!

Looking for more Quick + Easy dishes?

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Best Authentic Mexican Rice https://thesaltynerve.com/best-authentic-mexican-rice/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-authentic-mexican-rice Mon, 04 Jul 2022 13:10:40 +0000 https://thesaltynerve.com/?p=2241

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

BEST AUTHENTIC MEXICAN RICE

Looking for some Easy Authentic Mexican Rice that goes so well with those yummy looking chipotle shrimp tacos you wanted to make? Well, look no further! 

This recipe promises to give you that perfect authentic-tasting Mexican rice every single time. So no more mushy rice that just isn’t the same as the tasty fluffy rice you would get at the restaurants.

It’s time to skip that Mexican restaurant down the road and have a little fiesta in your kitchen.

You can do this, I got your back with this recipe!

best authentic mexican rice ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need.

14oz Fire Roasted Tomatoes  ·  2 Jalapenos  ·  1 Lime  ·  1 White Onion  ·  2 cloves of Garlic (minced)  ·  2 cups Parboiled White Rice  ·  2 cups Chicken Bouillon (Broth) ·  1 tbsp Tomato Paste  ·  1/3 cup Canola Oil  ·  1-1/2 tsp salt  ·  1/4 cup Cilantro

Preheat your oven to 350F and make sure the rack is in the middle position.

best authentic mexican rice tomato puree ingredients
best authentic mexican rice tomato puree

Grab a food processor and blend the tomatoes and onion until pureed and smooth. Get a measuring up and measure out 2 cups of the tomato puree. Set aside.

best authentic mexican rice frying rice

If you are using parboiled white rice there is no need to rinse the rice. Can’t get any parboiled rice? No worries, just make sure to rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until it runs clear to wash away all the starches and prevent sticking. Let drain for a couple of minutes to remove as much excess liquid as possible. **DO NOT MISS THIS STEP IF USING NON-PARBOILED RICE**

Now, let’s seed + finely dice the jalapenos while we let the rice drain. Set aside.

Over low-medium heat, use a large oven-safe 12-inch saute pan or dutch oven, and add 1 tbsp of oil. Once it begins to shimmer and sizzles when you drop in a grain of rice, it’s time to add in the rest and fry the rinsed rise until it’s lightly golden and translucent (about 5-7 minutes). 

best authentic mexican rice cooking, added jalapenos and garlic

Bump up the heat to medium-high and add in the diced jalapenos + minced garlic and stir until it becomes fragrant (about 1 minute).

best authentic mexican rice cooking

Stir in the chicken bouillon (broth), pureed tomato mix, 1 tbsp of tomato paste, and salt. Allow to come to a boil, then cover the pan in aluminum foil or an oven-safe lid and transfer to the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Once it’s done, let it sit undisturbed for 10 minutes to allow it to cool and soak up any remaining moisture. Add in the cilantro (optional) and squeeze half a lime over the rice then fluff it up with a fork. Serve warm with some lime wedges.

Storage: This rice tastes great the next day, and freezes well for a quick side dish when you need it. Just allow to fully cool in the fridge and then transfer to a freezer-safe food container or Ziploc bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in a microwave-safe container for 2-3 minutes stirring halfway until heated throughout. 

best authentic mexican rice closeup

It pairs so well with these other dishes.

best authentic mexican rice dish
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Best Authentic Mexican Rice

This Easy Authentic Mexican Rice recipe promises to give you that perfect authentic-tasting Mexican rice every single time. So no more mushy rice that just isn't the same as the tasty fluffy rice you would get at the restaurants.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword easy, mexican, rice, taco tuesday
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups parboiled white rice
  • 14 oz fire roasted tomatoes either diced or crushed will work
  • 1 white onion diced
  • 2 jalapenos diced small
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups chicken bouillon or chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/3 cup canola oil
  • tsp salt
  • 1 lime halved
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350F and make sure the rack is in the middle position.
  • Grab a food processor and blend the tomatoes and onion until pureed and smooth. Get a measuring up and measure out 2 cups of the tomato puree. Set aside.
  • Seed and finely dice the jalapenos. Set aside.
  • Over low-medium heat, use a large oven-safe 12-inch saute pan or dutch oven, and add 1 tbsp of oil. Once it begins to shimmer and sizzles when you drop in a grain of rice, it's time to add in the rest and fry the rinsed rise until it's lightly golden and translucent (about 5-7 minutes). 
  • Turn up the heat to medium-high and add in the diced jalapenos + minced garlic and stir until it becomes fragrant (about 1 minute).
  • Stir in the chicken bouillon (broth), pureed tomato mix, 1 tbsp of tomato paste, and salt. Allow to come to a boil, then cover the pan in aluminum foil or an oven-safe lid and transfer to the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  • Once it's done, let it sit undisturbed for 15 minutes to allow it to cool and soak up any remaining moisture. Add in the cilantro (optional) and squeeze half a lime over the rice then fluff it up with a fork. Serve warm with some lime wedges.

Notes

Storage: This rice tastes great the next day, and freezes well for a quick side dish when you need it. Just allow to fully cool in the fridge and then transfer to a freezer-safe food container or Ziploc bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in a microwave-safe container for 2-3 minutes stirring halfway until heated throughout. 
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