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
Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
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)
Mel says
Bite sized tacos look perfect for a food and wine gathering. Only problem is that I would eat way too many!
I love Turkey Flat wines too and their Rosè would have to be one of my favourites. My absolute favourite wine would have to be Champagne. Who can resist bubbles?
I’m in Australia too 🙂
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Oooh….so I had a girls night last night and we indulged in a wee bit too much champers (CHANDON!!)….suffering today. Though I am doing the “hair of the dog” and backing up with some rose! Yes, the hazard of mini tacos is eating far too many of them….believe me, my gut is evidence of that!! 🙂 YAY to Turkey Flat wine! So glad you love it too! Keeping my fingers crossed you win one of the cases!! 🙂
Jan says
Hi Nagi! Just recently found you and made your rotisserie chicken and potatoes. Just wanted to let you know it was just as good (if not better) warmed the next day! I think a great wine would go well with that chicken when I make it again soon ;-)! I live in the US and enjoy light fruity wines. Still trying to broaden my wine knowledge. Thank you for the opportunity to try your favorite. Sure would love to win this!
Stefanie Gladden says
My favorite wine is Duplin’s Hatteras Red wine, I love it!
I live in USA
Katherine says
Hmm, I think the Asian market near me actually has vegan prawns, so I might be able to pull this off!
I’m in the US, and I would LOVE a case of red 🙂
Joanne T Ferguson says
Great post Nagi and love your experiences of the Barossa Valley, which is not too far from where we live in Australia.
I love your recipe and especially the hints and tips about using the water in the shells and in using the oven rack!
While I have been known to enjoy a Cab Sav or two, I don’t know if it’s me with the change in weather, but I recently have discovered the exciting flavors of a Rose and it really makes my day! Perfect with seafood!
Jo-Ann Brightman says
This is a wonderful recipe and giveaway. I prefer white wine and live in the US
Susan says
What a great giveaway. My favorites are the reds with character, like cab sauv, malbec, tempranillo, and shiraz (including the Australian Rosemount & Yellowtail shirazes). I live in the US.
Nagi | RecipeTin says
You’re my kind of gal Susan. 🙂 They are my favourite reds too! I’m not a huge fan of pinot and light reds – though I’m not known for rejecting it if a glass is put in front of me! Have a wonderful weekend!! 🙂
Rachel (Rachel's Kitchen NZ) says
I love down-sizing food and used to do it a lot when I was catering and you do some perfect down-sized dishes – Nagi. Now just one thing – I live in New Zealand! so not in on the wine draw – damn! This rose looks lovely – I LOVE rose we have a winery here – Clearview – who do a fabulous one which they call Blush – I will introduce you if you ever come this way:)
Nagi | RecipeTin says
RACHEL! You used to be a caterer???!! It all makes so much sense now, the incredible way you seem to casually throw together amazing meals using produce you pick up and stuff in your pantry!!!
I’m so sorry I can’t offer this giveaway to NZ….though you HAVE given me an idea to speak to some of my favourite NZ winemakers!! Though obvious, I really REALLY love Cloudy Bay….it’s my “splurge” NZ wine. 🙂 Hmmm…..I loose Cloudy Bay!!
Nicole- Champagne and Chips says
I just love this! What a clever idea for the tortillas.
As for my favourite wine- gosh I find this question so difficult. I am an absolute wine devotee and enjoy experiencing the nuances of every single glass- which makes me sound like a bit of a wanker. I’m really not 🙂 I love rosé for its freshness and food-friendliness, I haven’t tried Turkey Flat’s rosé but am a big fan of grenache-based ones. I’m also really excited to see that they make a range of whites. I have had the mourvedré/mataro a couple of times and love the savoury gameyness to match with a hearty slow-cook in winter.
I’ve babbled on a bit there. I love hearing people’s ‘intro to wine’ stories and your is such a fun one.
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Nicole! I am loving you enthusiasm for wine WITHOUT the w4nkiness!! I’m no expert, I just know “what I like”, if that makes sense?? I do truly believe you get what you pay for with wine. What is your story for “intro” to wine?? I love hearing people’s stories too!! 🙂
Brooke says
These tiny prawn tacos look so lovely! I really enjoy making mini versions of many kinds of food, they are particularly wonderful for dinner parties.
As for wine (what a fabulous giveaway!), I’m a UK expat living in the US, and I prefer white — Riesling and Gewürztraminer are my favourites (but I won’t turn down any good white wine…or good red, for that matter 🙂 ). Have a lovely weekend!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Hope you have a good weekend too Brooke!! You’re my kinda gal – I wouldn’t turn down any good white or red…or sparkling….or port…or muscat….the list goes on and on!! 🙂
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says
The tacos look absolutely fabulous, OBVIOUSLY! But that method for making mini-shells – pure genius!!!!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
You can google ANYTHING Marissa!! I googled “how to make mini taco shells in an oven without a mould”….who knew I would actually FIND AN ANSWER to that??!! Happy weekend!! I look forward to seeing what you cook up this weekend 🙂
Tiffany George says
I love all of your recipes! This looks so light and refreshing perfect for spring and yes, Love Australian Wine.
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Oh good Tiffany!! Please could you tell me whether you are in Australia or the US so I know which draw to put you in 🙂 And if you are in the US, whether you prefer white or red!
Tamara Andersen says
I loved this post! My husband and I are wine lovers – in fact, we make kit wines at home – and Australia is on our list of wine countries that we hope to visit some day! Rose is a favorite – as long as it’s a dry, crisp one. This one looks perfect! I also love your tiny shrimp tacos. They may make an appearance at our next tapas party! Thanks Nagi!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Turkey Flat rose is brilliantly dry and crisp! I am actually sitting here on my couch with a glass of it as I write this! You do you own wine kits? How fascinating! Do you mean wine kits for people to make their own wine at home??
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I’ve never been a big drinker but on one holiday to Napa Valley I had Clos du Bois merlot and it’s what I drink when I’m in the states. I also like Wirra Wirra Churck Block blend.
I have never had Turkey Flat but back when we had our big wine cellar I filled it with funny named wines that came with a good recommendation. John thought I was nuts but we had some real winners in there and very few duds. Why do Australian wines have the best (oddest) names? 🙂
Your little tacos are perfect for a party!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Thanks Maureen! Get yourself down to Dan Murphey’s RIGHT NOT and get some Turkey Flat! You will love it. Especially the rose! 🙂
Debbie Greene says
Thanks for your response, I am very blessed to live and work in Napa Valley. I run a small historic Hotel called the Mount View Hotel & Spa……. let me know when you are coming back to Napa Valley, would love to meet you! Our hotel is in Calistoga (the cutest little town ever)!
All the best to you Nagi!
Jaclyn Reynolds says
Thank you for the chance to try these!! I’ve never had Turkey Flat Wine, sounds fantastic!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Hi Jaclyn! Could you please just let me know whether you are in the US or Australia please? So I know which draw to enter you into. And if you are in America, do you prefer white or red?? 🙂
Leslie says
Oops! Sorry! I’m in the US!
Connie Calvey says
Love your website…these tacos look & sound amazing! Can’t wait to try them. I’m in the U.S. & like Riesling & also Yellow Tail Moscato. Would love to try the Turkey Flat wine. Thanks!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Thanks Connie! I hope you get to try the Turkey Flat wine too!! 🙂
Robin says
I usually go for Malbec but have been branching out to Pinot Noir, Rose and sparkling! Love your recipes.
Robin says
PS, I am in the US!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Thank you Robin, I am so glad you enjoy my recipes! Please do be sure to shout out if there’s any particular recipe you are after. Even if I don’t blog it, I might have the recipe on hand 🙂 Could you just tell me whether you are in the US or Australia please?? Just so I know which draw to enter you into! Thanks – and have a wonderful weekend!
Mary C says
It’s impossible for me to choose! The preference for a red vs white is so dependent on the wines being offered and I’ve never had anything from Turkey Flat. It’s wine, how could I not be delighted?
I already trust you about food, would you choose for me?
=^.^=
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Oh, that makes it easy then Mary!! Could you confirm – you’re in the US, right?? I’m sorry to ask, there are 5 “Mary’s” who are regular readers and I keep getting your email addresses mixed up!! I just need to know so I know which draw to put you in – the Australian or American one (giving away 2 cases for each country!). Have a wonderful weekend Mary! 🙂
Mary C says
Sorry about that, I’m US.
(maybe we should do like we did in school when there were too many Marys and all go by middle names =^.^= )
Mary C says
>.< I'm silly tgif, US.
(and just so you're not worried at all, last Friday we had a lovely shiraz and tonight's liquid sunshine is a chilly pinot grigio. If it's wine, I'm delighted.)
(I'm going to go cut out a few dozen tiny taco shells now. Have a great weekend!)
Nagi | RecipeTin says
You sound like me Mary. On Wednesday I cut out dozens and dozens of the tiny shells so I could do plenty of test runs for this post!! Now I have containers of shells and even some in the freezer. And I’ve made these 3 times in the last 3 days – had friends over last night and had them again! I made a huge stash of the Adobo Sauce and have it in a jar. 🙂 Keeping my fingers crossed that you win this!! 🙂
Mary C says
The SAUCE is amazing!
It had never occurred to me to use mayo AND sour cream in the same sauce, I’m usually an OR sort of flustered housewife. I made up the rest of the chipotles this way and have a happy jar in my fridge. Tomorrow we try it on chicken sandwiches, and I may have to try my hand at making 3in tortillas sometime this weekend…
What did you do with your tortilla scrap? Freeze it for tortilla soup?
Mary C says
Tortilla scrap crunchies seasoned and saved! (they really are hard not to just crunch on)
It’s only fair since you somehow knew I’d already started prepping shrimp and was digging around for recipe ideas when you posted this. =^.^=
Also, thehusband misunderstood what I said about the chicken, so the saved sauce was used as a marinade! The mayo+sour cream held the seasoning to the chicken on the grill so well it may just be how we grill chicken from now on. I guess it makes sense that yogurt is a “healthier” replacement for both mayo+sour cream that they’d do really similar things on the grill, but with more punch to the flavors.
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Oh my gosh Mary, it’s like you were in my kitchen!! YES I saved it especially for tortilla soup!! I chopped it up and because I had the oven going anyway, for the taco shells, I sprayed them with oil, scattered with salt and some paprika then baked them while the taco shells were baking. I keep them in jars and use them for tortilla soup but also for salads – like Mexican croutons!! I have also been known to stick my hand in that jar and eat them like chips. 🙂
I really REALLY like to use sour cream in the same sauce because I feel like it lightens up the mayo. Or, going the other way, mayo adds a bit more creaminess to sour cream based sauces. Does that make sense? It’s just my personal taste, I feel like combining them is a good balance of sour / creamy / mayo flavour. 🙂 So glad you enjoyed it too!!
I actually had an enormous jar of the sauce in my fridge because it’s the same I use as a dipping sauce for chicken wings!! 🙂 Hope you have a great weekend Mary!! 🙂