Easy Shrimp Burrito Recipe: 3 Tips for Making a Shrimp Burrito
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Jun 6, 2024 • 2 min read
Filled with pan-fried shrimp in an herby avocado sauce, this shrimp burrito can please pescatarians and meat-eaters alike.
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What Is a Shrimp Burrito?
A shrimp burrito is a variation on a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a large flour tortilla rolled tightly around a filling of sautéed shrimp and cilantro lime rice. Although meat and poultry (like ground beef, steak, carnitas, or chicken) are among the most popular fillings for this handheld dish, this take on a burrito is a good option for lunch or dinner.
3 Tips for Making a Shrimp Burrito
Home cooks of all levels can make quick and easy shrimp burritos. Follow these simple tips to craft the ultimate shrimp burritos:
- 1. Use fresh or frozen shrimp. Although fresh shrimp is your best bet for this dish, frozen shrimp will work in a pinch. Thaw the frozen shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or a bowl of cold water for 15–20 minutes before preparing it.
- 2. Add the right amount of filling. For a standard burrito using a 10-inch flour tortilla, use no more than 1–1½ cups of filling to avoid a messy, overstuffed dish.
- 3. Experiment with additions. Customize your shrimp burritos with various fillings and toppings to suit your taste preferences. Add heat by stirring diced chipotle peppers in adobo into the shrimp marinade. Add a layer of refried beans, whole black beans, or whole pinto beans to your filling for extra protein. Sprinkle on shredded Chihuahua cheese, Mexican cheese blend, or Cotija cheese. Incorporate roasted and raw veggies—like green bell pepper and onion—for texture and taste variation. Switch the toppings with red cabbage slaw, pickled jalapeño peppers, and sour cream. Cover the top in salsa verde or enchilada sauce for a wet burrito.
Easy Shrimp Burrito Recipe
makes
prep time
25 mintotal time
35 mincook time
10 minIngredients
Note: The total time does not include 15 minutes of inactive time.
- 1
Prepare the shrimp. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, avocado oil, salt, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, and toss to coat. Set the shrimp aside for 15 minutes.
- 2
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- 3
Add the shrimp to the skillet and squeeze the juice of 2 limes over top. Cook until the shrimp is opaque, about 5–7 minutes.
- 4
As the shrimp cooks, make the avocado sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine the cubed avocado, the juice of 1 lime, and olive oil. Blend the ingredients until smooth.
- 5
Add the garlic, jalapeño, and ¼ cup of the cilantro to the avocado sauce and blend until smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, blend in 1 tablespoon of water or olive oil at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
- 6
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- 7
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp and avocado sauce and stir to coat.
- 8
In a medium bowl, make the cilantro lime rice. Combine the cooked rice, remaining ¼ cup of cilantro, and remaining lime juice and stir until well combined.
- 9
Assemble the burritos. Add ¼ of the cilantro lime rice and shrimp to the center of each flour tortilla. Top each burrito with shredded cheese and pico de gallo.
- 10
Tuck in the sides of the burrito towards the center and roll the tortilla away from yourself over the filling to seal.
- 11
Serve the burritos immediately with hot sauce.
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