Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Tomatillo Salsa

Step 1

If using wooden skewers, soak 7 skewers in water for 30 minutes.

Step 2

Mince 2 peeled garlic cloves and place in a large bowl. Finely grate the zest of 1 medium lime into the bowl, add 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder, and stir to combine. Pat 1 1/2 pounds peeled and cleaned extra-jumbo shrimp with paper towels. Add them to the bowl and toss to combine. Refrigerate while you prepare the toppings and salsa.

Step 3

Prepare the following toppings, placing them all on a serving platter or in separate bowls: Thinly slice 1/4 small head green cabbage until you have about 2 cups. Thinly slice 1/4 small red onion (about 1/2 cup). Thinly slice 4 radishes (about 3/4 cup) and 2 serrano peppers into rounds (about 1/4 cup). Cut the zested lime into wedges. Pick 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves from 1/4 bunch cilantro. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Pick 1/2 cup more cilantro leaves and tender stems and add to a blender for the salsa.

Step 4

Heat an outdoor grill for direct, medium-high heat. Meanwhile, prepare the following, adding them to the same large bowl: Peel any papery husks from 12 ounces tomatillos, then rinse and pat dry. Peel 1/2 large yellow onion. Trim and cut 1 1/2 jalapeños in half lengthwise so that you have 3 pieces. For a less spicy salsa, cut out and remove the membranes and seeds. Add 3 unpeeled garlic cloves and 1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil to the bowl and toss to coat. Thread the garlic cloves onto one of the skewers.

Step 5

Thread the shrimp onto the remaining skewers, threading each one in two places and arranging them so they are just touching. Place on a baking sheet. Brush the shrimp on both sides with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Step 6

When the grill is ready, scrape the grates clean. Oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil. Place tomatillos, onion, jalapeños, and garlic skewer on the grill (reserve the bowl). Cover and grill until dark grill marks appear, about 4 minutes. Flip, cover, and grill until dark grill marks appear on the second side and the tomatillos start to soften, 4 to 6 minutes more. Transfer everything to the reserved bowl.

Step 7

Transfer the tomatillos and jalapeños to the blender. Peel the garlic and chop off the root of the onion. Add both to the blender, add 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl.

Step 8

Scrape and oil the grill grates again. Place the shrimp on the grill, cover, and grill until lightly charred on the bottom, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Flip the skewers and grill until the shrimp are just cooked through, about 2 minutes more. Transfer to a clean plate or baking sheet.

Step 9

Place 8 tortillas in a single layer on the grill and grill until tender and pliable, 30 seconds to 1 minute per side. Stack on a plate and cover with a kitchen towel or aluminum foil to keep warm. Remove the shrimp from the skewers.

Step 10

Place the toppings, salsa, tortillas, shrimp, and 1/4 cup Mexican cream on the table. To assemble the tacos, spoon some salsa and crema onto a tortilla. Add 3 shrimp and top as desired.