Shrimp Burrito
Juicy, spiced shrimp, zesty cilantro-lime rice, and creamy chipotle sauce all wrapped in a warm tortilla. This Tex-Mex classic is a flavor-packed meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Cilantro-Lime Rice & Chipotle Crema
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the 3 cups of cooked rice, 0.25 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp of lime juice, and 0.5 tsp of salt. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- c.In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, 1 minced chipotle pepper, 1 tsp adobo sauce, 1 tbsp of lime juice, and 0.25 tsp of salt until smooth. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Season and Cook the Shrimp
- b.Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, 0.5 tsp salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- c.Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- d.Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly curled. Remove from heat and squeeze the remaining 1 tbsp of lime juice over them.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Warm Tortillas and Assemble
- b.Warm the tortillas one at a time in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, or wrap the stack in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds until soft and pliable.
- c.Lay a warm tortilla on a clean, flat surface. Spoon about 3/4 cup of the cilantro-lime rice onto the lower third of the tortilla, leaving a 2-inch border at the bottom and sides.
- d.Layer a quarter of the cooked shrimp, 1/4 cup of black beans, 1/4 cup of pico de gallo, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese (if using) over the rice.
- e.Drizzle generously with the chipotle crema.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Fold, Roll, and Toast the Burritos
- b.To fold, bring the bottom edge of the tortilla up and tightly over the filling. Fold in the left and right sides.
- c.Continue to roll the burrito away from you, keeping the roll tight, until it's completely sealed.
- d.For a crispy exterior (optional but recommended), place the rolled burrito seam-side down in a hot, dry skillet. Toast for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
- e.Serve immediately with extra chipotle crema for dipping.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure shrimp are completely dry before seasoning. This helps them sear beautifully instead of steaming in the pan.
- 2Do not overcook the shrimp. They cook very quickly and will become tough if left on the heat for too long.
- 3Warming the tortillas is a crucial step. It makes them pliable and prevents them from cracking when you roll them.
- 4For a perfect roll, don't overfill your burrito. It's better to have a slightly smaller, well-wrapped burrito than an overstuffed one that falls apart.
- 5Toasting the burrito after rolling not only adds a delicious crunch but also helps seal the seam, keeping it from unravelling.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-Carb
Serve all the fillings in a bowl without the tortilla for a delicious and satisfying burrito bowl. Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Spicy MangoSpicy Mango
Add 1/2 cup of diced fresh mango along with the pico de gallo for a sweet and spicy twist.
Extra VeggiesExtra Veggies
Sauté sliced bell peppers and onions with a pinch of fajita seasoning and add them to your burrito for extra flavor and nutrients.
Creamy AvocadoCreamy Avocado
Swap the chipotle crema for mashed avocado mixed with lime juice and salt, or simply add fresh avocado slices.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Powerhouse
Shrimp is an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in Fiber
The inclusion of black beans and the option of using brown rice make this burrito a good source of dietary fiber. Fiber aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and supports heart health.
Source of Selenium
Shrimp is rich in selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, supports thyroid function, and boosts the immune system.
Frequently asked questions
A single shrimp burrito, as prepared in this recipe with cheese, contains approximately 750-850 calories. The exact number can vary based on the size of the tortilla and the amount of cheese and sour cream used.