A Traditional with a twist

Introduction: Why Tacos Matter

My favorite aspect of tacos is their simplicity. They require only a few ingredients, yet they remain one of the most creative dishes in the culinary world. From my perspective, tacos belong in the same conversation as paellas, pizzas, and pastas. I’ll return to paellas in future blogs, but for now, let’s talk tacos.

At their core, tacos only need three things: a tortilla, a protein, and a topping or two. The traditional street taco, for example, consists of a tortilla, meat, onions, and cilantro. From there, the possibilities are endless. You can create a smash burger taco, a pizza taco, or countless other variations. For this recipe, however, I decided to stay close to tradition while adding a small twist.

Collaborating with Francisco

For this project, my friend Francisco Ulloa collaborated with me. He was excited from the start and confident that together we could create something special. Since the last time I saw him, he has developed incredible skills in the kitchen, particularly when it comes to seafood. He would constantly send me videos of the dishes he was making, showcasing techniques and flavors that immediately caught my attention.

At the time, I wasn’t entirely sure what direction to take for our next piece of content. Since I’m currently on a journey exploring tacos and martinis, seafood tacos seemed like the perfect choice. Francisco agreed immediately. He told me he would take care of the ingredients and that I could choose the location.

The truth is, I don’t know many kitchens besides my own, so I invited him over and let him take the lead. This time, Francisco was the star while I worked behind the camera.

The Recipe

The result wasn’t overly complicated, but it was packed with flavor. Francisco prepared shrimp tacos with fresh guacamole. The shrimp were crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside. We also used a few larger shrimp that almost resembled small crawfish in both appearance and texture.

The Perfect Pairing

To accompany the tacos, we each enjoyed a Carmenère Reposado Martini. The combination was unforgettable. One bite of the taco followed by a sip of the martini instantly transported me back to the beaches of Isla Mujeres.

Why Simplicity Wins

What made this experience memorable wasn’t just the flavor. It was the reminder that great food doesn’t always require complicated techniques or a long list of ingredients. Sometimes, simplicity is exactly what makes a dish special.

I may contradict myself in future blogs, but I’ve always believed that you don’t need countless steps or dozens of ingredients to create something unique. Sometimes all it takes is quality ingredients, good company, and a willingness to let those ingredients speak for themselves.