Cooking for One? Here's 5 Recipes to Try
Cooking for One? Here's 5 Recipes to Try is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 1. 320 calories per serving. Recipe by ATK Full Episodes on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 35 min
Cost: $5.81 total, $5.81 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Plain Greek Yogurt (full‑fat, can substitute sour cream)
- 1 whole Lime (zest and juice; about 1 tsp zest and 1 tbsp juice)
- 1 pinch Salt (for crema and seasoning shrimp)
- 0.5 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium size, thawed if frozen)
- 0.25 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 0.25 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 0.25 teaspoon Chipotle Powder (adds smoky heat)
- 0.25 cup Frozen Corn Kernels (can use fresh corn cut from cob)
- 5 pieces Cherry Tomatoes (quartered; grape tomatoes work too)
- 2 pieces Corn Tortillas (6‑inch, warmed before serving)
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil (for skillet)
- 2 sprigs Fresh Cilantro (whole leaves for garnish)
Instructions
Make Lime Yogurt Crema
In a mixing bowl combine the Greek yogurt, lime zest, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.
Time: PT3M
Season Shrimp
Place the thawed shrimp in a bowl. Sprinkle with dried oregano, garlic powder, chipotle powder, and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat evenly.
Time: PT2M
Char Corn
Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a non‑stick skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred, about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Sauté Tomatoes
Add the quartered cherry tomatoes to the same skillet, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and sauté for another 2 minutes until just softened.
Time: PT2M
Cook Shrimp
Add a splash more oil if the pan looks dry. Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Let them sear untouched for 1 minute, then flip each shrimp and cook another minute. Cover the skillet and let sit off‑heat for 1‑2 minutes until opaque and tender.
Time: PT5M
Warm Tortillas
While the shrimp finish, heat a second skillet or the same skillet on high. Warm each tortilla for about 20‑30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly charred.
Time: PT2M
Assemble Tacos
Place a tortilla on a plate, add a spoonful of the lime yogurt crema, a handful of charred corn and tomatoes, then top with 3‑4 shrimp. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and an extra drizzle of crema if desired.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 320
- Protein
- 22 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten‑Free (if using corn tortillas)
Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Plain Greek Yogurt: Sour Cream, Kefir
- Instead of Lime: Lemon (less tart)
- Instead of Shrimp, peeled and deveined: Scallops, Firm white fish cubes
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Italian seasoning (smaller amount)
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (½ tsp)
- Instead of Chipotle Powder: Smoked paprika, Cayenne pepper (less smoky)
- Instead of Frozen Corn Kernels: Fresh corn, Canned corn (drained)
- Instead of Cherry Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes, Roma tomatoes diced
- Instead of Corn Tortillas: Flour tortillas (not gluten‑free)
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable oil, Canola oil
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: Fresh parsley (different flavor)
Equipment Needed
- Non‑Stick Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Zester or Microplane (optional)
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Plate or Small Serving Dish
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Season shrimp evenly with spices before cooking.
- Char the corn quickly over high heat for smoky flavor.
- Do not overcook shrimp; they should be just opaque.
- Warm tortillas just enough to stay pliable but not soggy.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a microplane for fine lime zest; it releases more aromatic oils.
- If you like extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce to the crema.
- For a crispier shrimp texture, pat the shrimp dry before seasoning.
Troubleshooting
Shrimp turn rubbery.
Cook shrimp only until they turn opaque; remove from heat immediately and let residual heat finish cooking.
Corn isn’t charred enough.
Increase skillet heat to medium‑high and avoid stirring too often; let the kernels sit for a few seconds between stirs.
Tortillas become soggy.
Warm tortillas on a dry skillet just until pliable, then keep them covered with a clean towel until serving.
Storage
Refrigerator: Crema keeps 2 days in an airtight container; cooked shrimp 1 day; tortillas up to 3 days.
Freezer: Do not freeze cooked shrimp for best texture; tortillas freeze well for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Assembled tacos should be eaten within 1 hour at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the lime yogurt crema up to 2 days ahead; store covered in the fridge.
- Seasoned raw shrimp can be marinated for up to 30 minutes before cooking.
- Charred corn and sautéed tomatoes keep well for a day; reheat briefly before assembling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of shrimp tacos in Mexican cuisine?
Shrimp tacos are a staple of coastal Mexican regions, especially Baja California, where fresh seafood is abundant. They reflect the simple, vibrant flavors of the sea combined with citrus, chilies, and fresh herbs that characterize Mexican street food.
What are the traditional regional variations of shrimp tacos in Mexican cuisine?
In Baja, shrimp tacos are often served with cabbage slaw, crema, and a squeeze of lime. In the Yucatán, they may include a habanero‑spiced sauce and pickled onions. The ATK Full Episodes version uses a lime‑yogurt crema and charred corn for a modern twist.
How are shrimp tacos traditionally served in Mexico?
Traditionally, shrimp tacos are served on warm corn tortillas, topped with a light crema or mayo, shredded cabbage, fresh cilantro, and a wedge of lime. They are usually eaten as a quick snack or light meal at beachside stalls.
What occasions or celebrations are shrimp tacos associated with in Mexican culture?
Shrimp tacos are popular at beach festivals, summer gatherings, and casual family meals. They are also a common offering at seafood festivals and street fairs along the Pacific coast.
How does shrimp tacos fit into the broader Mexican cuisine tradition?
Shrimp tacos embody the Mexican culinary principles of balance—combining protein, fresh vegetables, acidity, and heat. They showcase the Mexican love for handheld, flavor‑packed foods that can be enjoyed on the go.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for shrimp tacos versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include fresh shrimp, corn tortillas, lime, cilantro, and a simple crema made from sour cream or Mexican crema. Substitutes can include Greek yogurt for a lighter crema, or a splash of mayonnaise if dairy is limited.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with shrimp tacos?
Shrimp tacos pair nicely with a side of Mexican street corn (elote), a light cucumber‑lime salad, or a chilled cerveza. For a fuller meal, serve with black beans and a small portion of arroz rojo.
What makes shrimp tacos with lime yogurt crema special in Mexican‑inspired cuisine?
The lime yogurt crema adds a tangy, creamy contrast to the smoky shrimp and charred corn, creating a bright, balanced bite that differs from the richer sour‑cream based toppings typical in traditional recipes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making shrimp tacos?
Common mistakes include overcooking the shrimp, which makes them rubbery, and overcrowding the pan, which prevents proper searing. Also, over‑watering the tortillas can make them soggy.
Why does this shrimp taco recipe use chipotle powder instead of fresh chipotle peppers?
Chipotle powder distributes heat evenly and blends smoothly into the shrimp seasoning, while fresh chipotle peppers can be too moist and may cause the shrimp to steam rather than sear.
Can I make the shrimp tacos ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can prepare the lime yogurt crema and char the corn up to two days ahead, storing each in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Cooked shrimp should be kept refrigerated and reheated briefly before assembling. Warm tortillas just before serving.
What does the YouTube channel ATK Full Episodes specialize in?
The YouTube channel ATK Full Episodes focuses on cooking for one, offering single‑serving recipes, cooking tips, and lifestyle content that helps solo diners create flavorful meals without waste.
Last updated: September 5, 2026
