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!
-
Quiche Toast Cups – mini quiche made with bread!
-
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)
Wow! I just stumbled upon your site today seeking some food inspiration. Your recipes look fabulous and I can’t wait to try them. Especially the Pork from the Chef movie (loved that movie). What luck! You are also having a wine giveaway! I’m in Portland, OR (US) and love to drink Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Shiraz (Reds).
Thanks Molly! I hope you do try some and I’d love to know what you think if you do! Good luck in the giveaway!! 🙂
Recipe looks amazing. Love a good Rose! And I’m in Australia. Nag I where in Oz do you buy chipotles in adobo?
Hello to a fellow Aussie! I always get excited getting messages from Aussies because I have so many US readers! 🙂 You can get Chipotles in Adobo from Harris Farm Markets. Do you have one in your area? It’s really cheap – like $3 and you can keep leftovers for a month in the fridge or freeze them. BEST sauce ever – instant flavour kick, barely need to add anything else!
This looks like a fantastic pairing! I normally drink dry reds (cab and pinot) out of habit, but recently discovered how awesome sweeter whites and roses can be, especially when paired with the right food. Bright and fresh (possibly spicy) Asian and Mexican dishes really bring out the best in (and are enhanced by) semi sweet, fruity wines.
Since summer is approaching in the US, I’d go for a case of white 😉
Hey Thomas! OK, I’ve popped you in the “white wine” draw 🙂 Good luck!! And I totally agree re: semi sweet fruity wines and Asian/Mexican 😉
Got my fingers crossed for the Rose’! Thanks for all of your great recipes and your personal touch in everything you do. Great idea to make mini taco shells. I live in a small town, Pennington, NJ which is located between Princeton and the Delaware River.
Keeping my fingers AND toes crossed for you Tom! Hope you and your family had a wonderful Easter – Bunny In A Hole make an appearance?? 😉
Excited to try the tacos, they sound amazing! It seems the flavors of the tacos and rose will taste like Summer in the mouth. Here in the Northeast US we have had a long hard Winter, sounds like the meal is just what I need!
Hi Kimberly!! Hope you do try them, the flavour is incredible (the sauce really makes it!). I’ve been reading about how cold your winter has been this year! It sounds “romantic” to us Aussies who never see snow where we live (though we do have a couple of snow fields far down south!). Here’s to summer for you!!
I have to tell you that your recipes are very easy to follow and super flavorful! That says alot coming from a Texan lol! Have tried and will continue to cook up your savory recipes……YEE HAW!
I AM FLATTERED! Especially food in Texas is among the BEST in the world! I have such fond memories of my travels in Texas (completely food driven). The BBQ is just incredible….I feel weak in the knees remembering it. The day we drove into Dallas from New Orleans, we headed straight to a BBQ shack called Mee Shack, nowhere near where we were staying. And there I had my first experience of REAL Texas BBQ. It was mind blowingly unbelievably delicious. We don’t have anything ANYWHERE near as good as that here in Australia.
These tacos are so cute, and cutting down larger tortillas is brilliant! Thanks for the idea. 🙂
And since I would also love to enter the giveaway, I’m in America, prefer reds but drink all based on what I’m eating and my mood, and my favorite wine is either a sparkling from Mumm Napa, or just about anything my friend Clarissa at Nagy Wines makes!
Nagy Wines? It’s like….almost “meant to be”!! I must go check out this vineyard! 🙂 Good luck in the draw!!
Ha! I hadn’t even thought about that. 😉 Her website is http://www.nagywines.com
I’m bottled up and getting better with age….LOVE it! 🙂
I have not had a rose in years!! 🙂
You need to change that!! Did you want to enter the draw Dina?? If so, please could you tell me if you are in Australia or the US? And if in the US, whether you prefer red or white wine. Thank you! 🙂
I used to love Lambrusco. It’s a little sweet, though. I prefer red wines. I’m from the USA. These tacos look great, and would eliminate the sauce running down my arm. Your method is very clever.
Maryanne
Hi Maryanne! I remember drinking Lambrusco when I was younger 🙂 Not so much anymore! I must try it again. Maybe there are more dry ones around now. Hope you had a great Easter! 🙂
Hi Nagi! I just recently found your website, last week actually, and already LOVE it! Looked through a lot of your recipes and I can’t wait to try many of them on my own and for whatever events I throw in the future, like football watch parties! Can’t wait!
Also, I live in the US, the lovely California! And I enjoy white wine and will hopefully enjoy red wine one day. 🙂 Thank you!!
Hi Rami! Welcome to my site! I’m so glad you see things you like 🙂 Yes, I have plenty of food for parties and for making for crowds!! I am big on that because I love entertaining so much.
Love California!! The weather is just incredible. I swear, you just don’t know what winter is. Good luck in the draw!! 🙂
Aww, thank you! You are so welcoming! I LOVE to entertain so this will def be one of my go to sites for recipes!
California is the BEST! Can’t say that I don’t love it and winter, not in Southern California. And thank you, let’s hope I win!
Hi, Nagi.
I love your site! Thanks for the beautiful photos. I live in Colorado and love Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.
Melissa
Beautiful Colorado! I have readers who send me photos of how gorgeous it is and insist I must visit the next time I am in the US! Good luck in the draw Melissa!!
I like a Cabernet Sauvignon. I live in Vero Beach, Florida, in the United States.
Aaaah, Florida…you are lucky, I loved Florida! Good luck in the draw 🙂
All wine its good but I prefer reds. I thoroughly enjoy your site. Thanks
Thanks Andy! And just so I know which draw to put you in, are you in the US?
This recipe looks amazing! Can’t wait to try it with some Turkey Flat Rose! I love in Australia
Thanks Rachel! Will keep my fingers and toes crossed for you 😉
Hi Nagi,
I just love your recipes, simply amazing.
To go with them a Rose or Sauvignon Blanc would be quite tasty.
I live in NY in the Hudson Valley, region, up state. A very lovely place to live. I do have a good friend who resides in Australia and raises Arabian horse along with her mom. She moved state side for a while and then needed to go back to OZ. I do miss her and the time we spent horseback riding together.
Hi Barbara, thank you so much for your lovely message!! Ooh, Arabian horses are stunning. Absolutely stunning. I used to be a rider myself up until a few years ago when had a nasty accident overseas and even landed myself in hospital. 🙁 I haven’t been to the Hudson Valley area, I have heard it is lovely! Have a wonderful Easter Barbara!!
Hi Nagi! Haven’t tried the tacos yet, but they are on my list for this week.
I have been trying to decide what my favorite wine is….I like several
Yeah, I did write more, including all that info, it just didn’t show up in my post…weird…
I like Pinot Grigio and Cab Sauv, and maybe my new favorite will be the Turkey Flat Rose, I will have to try it since you rave about it
Hey Nagi, sorry my iPad must be doing something weird…Still not getting all my post to show.
So I will try again….live in US, and would prefer red if I won….
No worries Stacey! Sorry, I didn’t realise it was “you” 🙂 There’s a few Stacey readers!!
Hi Stacey! I know, it’s hard to choose, isn’t it?? 🙂 That’s ok, you don’t need to decide to actually enter the draw! Just let me know whether you are in the US or Australia, and if in the US, whether you prefer red or white wine! 🙂
Writing from Boston, Massachusetts! These one bite shrimp tacos look AMAZING. I have to make these asap.
I’m not sure I have an all-time favorite wine; it depends on the season! I love a good cabernet or pinot noir in the fall and winter. When it comes to spring and summer, I go with rose or sauvignon blanc…maybe chardonnay as well.
Really, I just love all wines. 🙂
Marissa, I love that you are not biased- just like me! Don’t play favorites! 🙂 I adore the name of your site!! I am popping over to say hi and check out what you’re all about!! 🙂
i live in Arizona and my favorite wine is a local wine called Caduceus. they have an amazing red wine.
making the shrimp tacos tonight!
Arizona is on my list of “must visit” places!! The US is so big, it’s hard to get to every place I want to visit!! Oooh, I’d love to hear what you think about the shrimp tacos!! The sauce is fab, I’m totally addicted to it! 🙂
I have been drinking Rose for over 45 years, so have a wild guess as to what my favourite wine might be!
I live in Australia.
Ha! Yes – I would totally say you are “meant” to win this!! Isn’t Turkey Flat rose awesome?? It is my favourite! Happy Easter Neil! Hope you enjoy the extra long weekend 🙂
Those shrimp tacos sound amazing! I’m in the US – I love a good Sauvignon Blanc or PG. Had a blast visiting Australia and tasting wines a few years ago!
Thanks Melissa! And I had just as much fun in the Napa and Sonoma 🙂 Vineyards are even more amazing in the US, they are so stunning! Good luck in the draw – and happy Easter!!