Tacos Gobernador

Tacos Gobernador is a delicious and indulgent Mexican taco filled with shrimp, melted cheese, and often complemented with sautéed onions and bell peppers. This taco is typically served with a side of salsa and fresh lime, making for a rich and flavorful meal. Here’s a recipe to make Tacos Gobernador at home:

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium to large size)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped (green or red)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup queso Oaxaca or Mexican melting cheese (such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella), shredded
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Tacos:

• 8 small corn or flour tortillas (corn is more traditional)
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Salsa, for serving (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Sour cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Shrimp:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until pink and cooked through.
• Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables:

• In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic over medium heat until they’re softened and fragrant (about 4-5 minutes).
• Add the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine with the vegetables.

3. Combine the Shrimp and Vegetables:

• Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything together, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
• Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the mixture and stir again.

4. Melt the Cheese:

• Lower the heat and add the shredded cheese on top of the shrimp and vegetable mixture. Let it melt for about 2-3 minutes. Stir gently to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout.

5. Prepare the Tortillas:

• While the filling is cooking, warm the tortillas in a separate pan or on a griddle over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until they’re soft and slightly charred.

6. Assemble the Tacos:

• Spoon the shrimp and cheese mixture onto the warm tortillas. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Optionally, serve with salsa and sour cream on the side.

Tips:

• Cheese: You can use any cheese that melts well, but queso Oaxaca is traditional and gives the tacos a gooey, delicious texture.
• Taco variations: You can also add some avocado slices, pickled jalapeños, or a drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce for extra flavor.
• Tortillas: For extra flavor, warm the tortillas on a dry skillet for a few seconds to get a little crisp around the edges.

Tacos Gobernador are the perfect mix of savory shrimp, rich melted cheese, and fresh veggies. They’re a delicious treat for taco night or any special occasion!