This post combines two of my greatest loves – tacos and wine. You’ve got to check out how to make these mini taco shells in the oven – it’s sooo cool! (No fancy moulds required!) Introducing my mini Shrimp Tacos!
Mini Shrimp Tacos
I am literally beside myself with excitement, being able to share with you a chance to win an entire CASE of my favourite Australian wine – Turkey Flat. And not just for my Australian readers either – Australian AND AMERICAN readers!! {Just drop a comment below to enter!} ** Giveaway now finished! Winners at the bottom of the post!**
This is not a sponsored post! I was emailing back and forth with one of my readers (a certain lady from Portland, Oregon – you know who you are!) and she told me that she used to sell wine for a living. We got to chatting about Australian wines, and it made me think that I would love to do a giveaway of my favourite wine.
Australia is known for great wine, and I’ve sampled my fair share since I hit the legal drinking age (OK, possibly from a couple of years before then….don’t tell my mum!). But there’s one that’s been near and dear to me since I was the tender age of 21, and today it still remains my “go to” wine for special occasions.
It goes back to a girls’ weekend away to the Barossa Valley wine region in South Australia. It wasn’t the first time I’d been to vineyards – we have a great wine region called the Hunter Valley only a few hours drive from Sydney. But the Barossa is exceptional and produces what I believe to be the best wine in Australia.
We trotted from vineyard to vineyard, sampling as much free wine as we could. Because, let’s be honest, when you’re a poor uni student, it’s not so much about swirling the wine and analysing the tannin, but more about how much wine we could get – for free. Sometimes I would buy the occasional bottle, but a case was way out of my budget.
Until I visited Turkey Flat Vineyard.
I fell in love with their Rosé. When they saw my enthusiasm, I got top up after top up (excellent sales tactic) and…well….that’s when it happened.
I bought my first case of wine from a Vineyard. First ever.
I absolutely couldn’t afford it. What (normal) uni student can afford to blow $300 on a case of wine??
I lived on canned baked beans for dinner for a while after that. Totally worth it.
Here, have a good look at the offender that sent me broke 😉
When I have an all girls-only gathering, it seems expected that rosé is present. And one of my favourite things to pair rosé with is seafood. So I’ve made these mini tacos filled with prawns / shrimp. Aren’t they cute? Do you make a mess of yourself when you eat tacos? I know I do! So these one-bite tacos are especially perfect for me.
Making the mini taco shells is kinda fun. You don’t need any fancy moulds, just your oven rack! Cut rounds out of tortillas (use an empty can if you don’t have cutters – they are the perfect size!), brush with water (this is key to make them floppy), warm in the microwave then drape over the oven rack. Bake for 5 minutes then voila! Mini taco shells!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, these are my lunch. Mmm….and I can’t let that wine go to waste so I get to have Turkey Flat rosé with my lunch!
– Nagi
** See below recipe for how to enter to win one of four cases of Turkey Flat wine worth around $350 each! You just need to leave a comment below telling me what your favourite wine is and whether you live in Australia or America! **
Some more mini one-bite Appetizers!
- Spicy Little Muffin Tin Chicken Tostadas
- Smoked Salmon Appetizer Bites
- Mini Pizza Potato Skins
- Vegetarian Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms
- Quiche Toast Cups – mini quiche made with bread!
- Thai Chicken Salad Wonton Cups and Caesar Salad Wonton Cups
- Browse all Party Food
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Prawn / Shrimp Taco Appetizers
Ingredients
Prawns
- 3.5 oz / 100 g raw prawns (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil , separated
- 2 garlic cloves , minced
- Salt and pepper
Mini Taco Shells
- 4 flour tortillas (extra soft ones, if you can find them)
- Oil spray
Adobo Chipotle Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (preferably whole egg)
- 3 tbsp sour cream
- 2 chipotle chilies + 1 tbsp sauce from 1 can of chipotles in adobo
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
Pico de Gallo
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes , finely diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro / coriander leaves , roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion , finely diced
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper
To Serve
- 1/2 cup very finely shredded green cabbage (or lettuce)
Instructions
Marinade Prawns
- Dice the prawns into 1/3" / 1cm pieces. Combine all Prawn ingredients in a small bowl and set aside while you prepare the other components.
Mini Taco Shells
- Preheat oven to 180C / 350F.
- Get a rack out of the oven and place it on two bowls to elevate it off the worktop surface.
- Cut 3" / 7.5cm rounds out of the tortillas (I usually get 4 out of each).
- Brush generously with water (this makes them soft and pliable). Place on a plate in single layers (i.e. not overlapping) with a wet paper towel between each layer. Microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, until hot and pliable.
- Drape each piece over the wires of the oven rack. Because they are floppy, they will just drape into shape. Work quickly as when they cool, they will stiffen (wet again and microwave them if this happens). (See photo below)
- Spray with oil then bake for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
Adobo Chipotle Sauce
- Combine ingredients in a small food processor and whizz until combined. Alternatively, finely chop the chipotle then hand mix with the other ingredients.
Pico de Gallo
- Combine ingredients in a small bowl and mix.
Cook Prawns
- Heat a heavy based fry pan over high heat until screaming hot. Add the prawns and cook for 40 seconds, until just starting to brown on the outside. The pieces are so small they will cook really quickly. Remove from pan.
Assemble
- Dollop some Adobo Chipotle Sauce into a Mini Taco Shell. Top with shredded cabbage, Pico De Gallo and some Prawns.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
** Giveaway closed! And the winners are: AUST – Vicky from Cloverdale, Karen from Newtown, US – Melissa from Redwood City, Connie from Somerville **
TO ENTER to win one of FOUR cases (12 bottles) of Turkey Flat Wine (~$350 value each!): Just drop a comment below and tell me what your favourite wine is! Also, please tell me:
a) Whether you live in Australia or the US (I’m giving away 2 cases in each country, 4 cases in total!); and
b) For US readers: Whether you prefer red or white (Australian winners will get mixed cases).
Giveaway ends Friday 10 April 2015. Winner will be randomly selected by a Turkey Flat representative. There will be 2 winners from Australia and 2 in the US.
** Many thanks to Turkey Flat Vineyard for donating these 4 cases of wine for me, at my request, for my lovely readers who love wine as much as I do! In Australia, you can get most of their wines from large liquor stores or order online direct from Turkey Flat Vineyard.**
AND THERE’S MORE!! The first 100 readers who purchase 6 wines from Turkey Flat will get 1 bottle free! So you get 6 but pay for 5! Just use the code “NagiLovesRose” when you check out. 🙂 (Only for Australian orders)
Hi Nagi!
I was wondering if you can skip the microwave step? I got rid of mine a couple years ago.
Hi Angie! Just do that step on a lightly warm skillet 🙂 Just need to get the tortilla warm enough so they’re pliable! N x
Hi Nagi, Did you see Turkey Flat won the Jimmy Watson Trophy last Thursday night in Melbourne for their Grenache? (the winemaker is My Son In Law to be)
They also got a silver medal for your favourite Rose. You must come back to SA and visit again.
PS I love your recipes. Always so dependable and delicious.
NO WAY!!!! I’m SO happy to hear that, I have a very big soft spot for Turkey Flat! I’m so pleased you are enjoying my recipes, thank you Diana! N xx
I’m baking them on 180°c. But it’s burnt by the time it reaches 5mins???
My shells weren’t crisp up when they were left out instead they were like as if biscuits were leaft out too long (soften).
I might be doing something wrong. Please help me out. GREAT RECIPE THO***LOVE IT❤❤
Hi Mark! Sounds like your oven runs hot, turn it down to 160C! 🙂 N x
Are these mini taco shells still good the next day? I want to make them for a bridal shower but have to make them the day before (because of travel), I just want to make sure they are still crunchy!
Yep! Cool then store in an airtight container 🙂
I have struggled getting bite size taco shells made, so many times I can’t even count that high!! Kind of a simple idea made me feel rather dumb but so happy I won’t have to do it again….LOL What’s so wonderful it works with flour corn and whole wheat so everyone is happy (Including me) . I have never done “Prawn” tacos before but my niece is having her first baby this year and has been craving shrimp (she ate a pound of scampi shrimp last weekend when she was here for dinner I had to coo 3 lbs to make sure everyone else got some too.) So I will be making this recipe for her shower Thank You so much.
Oooh! I hope everybody loves it! 🙂 Your lucky niece N xx
Thank you, I have to take a plate, I was given savoury finger food, for a friend’s 70th and have a freezer full of prawns as they have been running and we’ve caught a few – this is just ideal. Our local IGA supermarket has it’s fresh food run by Harris Farm so makes it too easy! Cheers and a Happy New Year to you!
Oh wow! Your IGA is run by Harris Farms?? That’s awesome! Happy New Year to you too Regina!
Perfect timing for this recipe. Making these for hubby and myself on New Year’s Eve together with some beautiful fat plump Australian oysters as a starter. We were given a bottle of Rose Wine from South Australia and that too is planned for New Years. Desert wil be a beautiful mango parfait with thick custard layer with whipped cream and crushed amoretti biscuits…served icy cold. Can’t wait! Love the versatile Rose wine and love your recipes….
Oooh! What a spread! HAPPY NEW YEAR SUSAN! N xx
Hi Nagi – Can I make the taco’s before the time? Will they stay crispy if I make them the night before and only fill them before my party?
definitely yes! That’s exactly what I do!
I have made these so many times over the past year. BUT, my man just bought me a small 31/2 inch pizzelle maker (Italian cookies) for my birthday. Made the dough with lime and cracked pepper and a little cheese. While they are hot mold over a cooling rack. Can even mold over a small muffin cup. AMAZING.
OMG that’s SO COOL!! I’m so glad you enjoy these too Jan, I made these the other weekend for a gathering, they went down a treat!!!
Providence, RI. I enjoy Cavit Wines; Pino Grigio and Cabernet Sauvignon.
I wish I could say it was guilt that has brought me back to this page. Guilt that I haven’t updated you on the lovely Turkey Flat wine I won.
However, I have to confess – it’s my tummy that’s brought me here!
I’m back to revisit the prawn recipe. I’m going to pretend Sydney isn’t having the coldest weather in 15 years this weekend. Instead I’m cranking up my heating and inviting some girlfriends for a Sunday”ladies lunch” of these already much loved Shrimp Tacos and a game of cards. (How fun is that?) and we can polish off some Turkey Flat Rose .
Update on the wine.
I have been too busy enjoying this amazing wine to say thanks and yum -sorry.
Luckily – I haven’t demolished it all yet. Still some Rose tucked away for this weekend.
First of all – what a great gift. Thank you so much.
Second – what a fab mixed dozen. All my faves (an especially wonderful the Shiraz – full bodied, balanced and deliciously fruity) and some mew faves – the Rose of course (fun and crisp).
I must organize a ladies long weekend in the Barossa when the weather FINALLY comes good :-).
Enjoy your weekends – whatever the weather, whatever you’re eating and make sure you have a nice wine to go with it.
Karen
Hi Karen! I am SO GLAD you are enjoying the wine! Isn’t Turkey Flat awesome? I’ve been really enjoying their reds lately. 🙂 Your girls Sunday lunch, cards and wine sounds FABULOUS!! Whenever I play cards with my friends there is much screeching and howling as we all get very into it. Mini tacos are perfect to serve!! I am loving the thought of you having your ladies lunch with these tacos and the Turkey Flat wine! PS Please stay VERY rugged up this weekend, it is FREEZING THIS MORNING!!!!
Hi Karen,
It’s so lovely to hear that you have been enjoying our wines with your friends (especially in this freezing cold winter we’re having!)
Aren’t Nagi’s recipes amazing? This site has now definitely become my go-to for foodie inspiration!
Looking forward to welcoming you & your girls to the Barossa come spring – such a beautiful time to visit.
Until then…. Cheers!
I know I’m too late for the give-a-way, but I just wanted to post that I really enjoyed your blog posting and I too love wine and tacos. I’ve always wanted to go to Australia and we do enjoy Australian wine here in Southern California. I was looking for small bites for a party and I found your one-bite shrimp tacos. I’m going to try doing the taco shells the way you did them in the oven. We have an abundance of every kind of tortillas here so I may also try making them with chipolte tortilla shells for an extra kick. Thanks Again!
I’m so jealous that you have such a range of tortillas! We only get plain flour and corn ones here. 🙁 Thank you for your wonderful message! I’m so glad you enjoy my recipes. I hope you do get to visit Australia one day!! Climate wise it is very similar to California so you’ll LOVE it! 🙂
I tried ur recipes a nd I loved them. but only I cud not do r taco’s cud u please give me the detailed method of making tacos at home
, I want to make taco’s at home/ can u please tell me the ingradients and method to make taco’s
Hi Lina! Do you mean the tortilla itself?? 🙂
Awesome giveaway..I am an American but, have American friends working in lving down under. Therefore, I have heard of this wine.
My understanding is it is fantastic.
Thanks.
i am Australian love red wine the most though i like white too that is not sweet either flat or bubbly i love rose will have to try the one you recommend i hope i am in time to enter only just read your email i love the idea to make these little tacos will definitely be trying them thanks
Yes! You are definitely on time 🙂 Good luck in the draw!
Hi Nagi!!
I just found your website perusing Pinterest Aussie food bloggers. Am enjoying going back through all your blog posts!!
I LOVE rose wine. We are from inland Western Australia and the Margaret River wine region has been producing some of my absolute faves for the past few years. It’s the loveliest place for foodie/wine holidays (for us anyway!).
Love the blog so far 🙂
Hi Gina! Welcome to my blog, thank you for reading!! Margaret River produces incredible wines. We are SO fortunate to live in a country that makes such great wine!!
Life in “inland WA” is a fascinating! Is your backyard red? 😉 I spent a few weeks on a kayaking trip on the Fitroy so was fortunate enough to really experience the Kimberlies first hand. Absolutely stunning. One of the BEST trips I have ever had. Also scary – the crocs! Got way too close for comfort 🙂
We are not far from the red country! Although luckily for us we are still in the agricultural zone – broad acre wheat/sheep farming (am pinning ALL of your lamb recipes).
Isn’t it silly – we’ve travelled to so many other countries and never explored our own state!
The Kimberley is a must from what I’ve heard.
The Kimberly IS a must!! Truly the most stunning trip I’ve ever been on 🙂
Hi, I just love your recipes, always very elegant. I live in Australia and my favourite wine is Cloudy Bay. Cheers
OOOH!!! I LOVE Cloudy Bay too!!
Good luck in the draw! 🙂
Hi Nagi, thanks for a new canapé recipe with an interesting twist. I like the white pinots, sometimes a chardonnay and, delicate dry whites tinged with a hint of light pink or “salmon” colour. The Turkey Flat White Rose looks good. I am in Oz.
Hi Elizabeth! Glad you like the look of these mini tacos 🙂 Good luck in the draw! Have a great weekend – N 🙂