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)
Rennie Biest says
I am in the US and am enjoying a glass of my favorite dry, dry Chardonnay while drooling over your mini tacos.
Rennie
Nagi | RecipeTin says
What a vision!! I am big on dry chardonnays, that’s the only kind of chardonnay I drink. Hope you have a great weekend! Wipe that drool and put these tacos on your shopping list. 😉
ann says
Great idea on the taco front, that’s a definite must try! I do wonder about the size of your mouth though Nagi obviously not a good match to your hands…lol….only kidding. A good chilled Rose goes down well with anything up here in the Aussie tropics, bring it on.
Nagi | RecipeTin says
I almost choked on my coffee!! You absolutely crack me up Ann! And my family will be the first to tell you my mouth is abnormally large in proportion to my hands. They will also tell you it my mouth spends 99% of my waking time open – either eating or talking.
I can’t dispute that. 😉
Ooh, I forgot to add the discount code to the post! Oh no! I’ll do it now. Just in case you are interested (and just in case you don’t win!), it’s a buy 6, pay for 5 offer from Turkey Flat for the first 100 readers. You can order at http://www.turkeyflat.com.au and the code is NagiLovesRose (he he, how appropriate!)
Meggan | Culianry Hill says
The mini tacos are so clever!!! I love your idea of how to make the shells. And a prawn stuffed inside, how tasty! Genius, really. You are definitely an inspired cook, Nagi!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Thanks Meggan!! Not my discovery, I take no credit for it. Power of googling. Honestly, who ever thought you’d get search results when you google “How to make mini taco shells in the oven without a mould”? (Yes, that is what I googled!!)
Jeanine. Mayer says
I just found your website last week and I think I pinned 5 noodle recipes the first day 🙂 I love the idea of the mini taco shells and anything with chipotles in adobo sauce! Another favorite is wine- I love to have a glass while I’m cooking. I live in the U.S. and my favorite wine is Sauvignon Blanc.
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Sauv Blanc is definitely my “go to” wine. It’s hard to go wrong with it, don’t you think? Like reisling – I’m rather fussy about rieslings, I have to admit. I don’t like them too sweet or fruity. But Sauv Blancs are pretty safe.
So glad you are finding recipes you like on my site Jeanine! Please do shout out if you have any questions. PS I too enjoy a glass while cooking. Though if it’s something that takes time to prepare, then it ends up being two glasses….or three….dangerous!! 😉
Jeanine. Mayer says
Ooh- I think we would definitely have fun cooking together 🙂
Anne says
LOvE. Jordan Cabernet
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Oooh, I love a good cab too! Could you just let me know whether you are in the US or Australia? I just need to know which draw to put you in. Thanks Anne! Hope you have a great weekend 🙂
Jodi Gradolph says
I would love to win a case of Turkey Flat wine. I’m sure it must be great if you recommend it! The taco recipe looks really good too. And I do love the fact that they’re bite size.
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Hi Jodi! I know, they are cute, aren’t they? Are you in the US? I just need to check the location of entrants because I’m giving away 2 cases in each American and Australia. Thanks Jodi!! 🙂
Jodi Gradolph says
Nagi – I’m in the US (Ohio).
Dini @ Giramuk's Kitchen says
I miss having good Australian (and New Zealand) wines every Friday! I still go to the Aus/NZ wine section to get wine here in the US! 🙂 When I came back from a visit, made sure I had a good collection of wines from there, but I’ve gone through them all! 🙁
Those tacos look amazing Nagi! plus no moulds needed? It’s such a great way to get the right shape for tacos 🙂 We might have to plan a Taco night soon…
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Oh Dini, hopefully a higher power will give you the luck you need to win these!! I had a taco night last night. I LOVE TACOS!! (Oh, wine was present too….;) )
Angela Cash says
I live in the US and prefer red wine. My favorite right now is Albero Tempranillo.
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Thanks for entering Angela! Mmmm….spanish wines….love them! 🙂
Cindy A. says
Give me a Moscato with fresh fruit and I am in heaven! Thank you so much for offering such a wonderful giveaway.
Cindy A.
United States
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Thanks for reading and entering Cindy! It’s an absolutely pleasure doing giveaways for things I love so much. I will keep my fingers and toes crossed for you. And let’s hope Turkey Flat will give me LOTS and LOTS more wine in the future that I can giveaway!! 🙂
Leslie says
OH MAN can’t wait to try out this recipe! Also—love me some white wine 😉
Nagi | RecipeTin says
I hope you do! They are sooo tasty. Had them again last night! Could you please just respond and let me know whether you are in Australia or the US? I need to select 2 winners from each country (4 in total) and I can’t do that unless I know which country everyone is from! Thanks Leslie! 🙂
Sharon says
Hi Nagi, We love tacos in my house and so going to make these. Wine, oh my gosh , it’s all good. I don’t often have it with food, only when I have guests or are dining out but I enjoy having a glass or two while I am cooking. Just a sip here and there as the preparation allows.
Have a good day Nagi and thanks for all your great recipes and your wonderful enthusiasm for food (and wine) . Kindest regards Sharon
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Sharon – I’m exactly like you, I love having a glass while I potter around the kitchen. BUT the problem is when I cook things that take time….one glass turns into two turns into three….it is dangerous!!
I am so glad you enjoy my recipes! Thank you very much for reading. 🙂 Oh, and please do let me know whether you are in the US or Australia so you’re in the draw for the wine!! 🙂 Happy weekend!
Linda says
My favorite everyday wine is a Merlot, but we also like a White Zinfandel. We are in the US and would love to try either red or white. Thanks for this great offer!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
No worries Linda! Pleasure to share my favourite wine with US readers 🙂 I love Merlot too. That is probably my favourite red. I hope you have a great weekend!!
Maria G says
These look delish and yay, wine!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Definitely YAY to wine! Where are you located Maria? I just need to know whether you’re in America or Australia in order to enter! Oh, and whether you prefer red or white – if you are in the US. If you’re in Australia, I’m giving away mixed cases. 🙂
Maria G says
Oh! The wine got me all excited! Sorry!
I’m in America and I like both equally. If I had to pick one, I’m gonna say white because summer is coming up. Thanks!
Immaculate says
My alcohol tolerance level is pretty low- Not by choice, just one those chicks! I love the way you made those cute little tacos shells- am so going to try it out!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
So you’re a cheap date 🙂 He he he!! One glass of wine is definitely not enough for me!! I know, how cool is that tip for making the mini shells? The power of google. 🙂
Beverly Karsch says
I can’t wait to try them. We have lots of homemade tortillas in AZ. Looks as is those shrimp tacos would work well with my favorite Rose.
Nagi | RecipeTin says
They sure will Beverly!! lucky you, living in AZ. You must have easy access to so much amazing Mexican groceries. I have to travel 30+km to the closest ethnic store that sells Mexican groceries like chipotles. Though thankfully supermarkets are starting to stock more of the essentials. 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Hilda says
Hi Nagi I really enjoy your recipes and these tacos are on the menu for Sunday lunch . I love a good red wine mainly a Shiraz and having been blessed to be an Australian I can say that our wines are amongst the best in the world
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Thank you Hilda! It is so wonderful to hear from you and I’m SO glad you enjoy my recipes. And yes, we are blessed! I always remember how lucky we are when I’m overseas and it costs a fortune to get a decent Australian wine. 🙂 Have a great weekend! Hope it’s as sunny where you are as it is in Sydney today! 🙂
Doris F says
This US girl loves shrimp, I cannot wait to try these tacos this weekend.
I love a good red.
Thank you for sharing your recipes.
Nagi | RecipeTin says
I’m glad you approve of these tacos! I wasn’t sure if shrimp tacos was a bit too off beat for most people but it sounds like many like the sound of it!! 🙂 I made them mini because I was making them for a gathering but honestly, they are just as good made with the small soft shell tortillas or ordinary taco shells, rather than making your own. Plus the added benefit is that you don’t need to chop the shrimp up to fit in the small shells, you can just leave them whole. 🙂
alexandra robertson says
Oh my gosh this post just combined two amazing things…. Wine and tacos? I will pair wine with tacos anyday over tequila haha. I live in the US and my favorite wine is white… Specifically ecco domani moscato… Yum! What a great giveaway for you to offer! Also, chipotle is amazing so this recipe looks delish!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Thanks Alexandra!! And I’m totally with you – I’m not one for tequila (unless it is VERY late on an increasingly rare rowdy night out!). And yes, the chipotle sauce rocks!! It’s so good I use it as a dip for wings too. 🙂
Kathleen Monahan says
I’m going to make these tacos this weekend! perfect! Live in the US (Washington state) – love anything ‘dry’ – red; white or rose! (just had a Pinot Gris Rose the other night that was wonderful!)
Thanks!
kathleen
Nagi | RecipeTin says
Oh, so you’re just like me – you’ll drink anything as long as it’s “dry”!! We’re easy to please 😉
Rebecca Huckabay says
I haven’t tried Turkey Flat, but I’ll sure look for it. I’m in the US, and we’re cabernet sauvignon fans.
Can’t wait to try that taco recipe!
Nagi | RecipeTin says
I hope you do try it!! The taco is pretty darn yum. Served it up to a friend last night and she LOVED it. 🙂 Have a great weekend!!