Tequila-Lime Tacos Gobernado: A Fresh Take on a Classic

Coastal Mexican Tradition Meets a Bold, Modern Twist

Hey there, taco lovers! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that’s near and dear to my heart—Tacos Gobernador. This dish is a twist on the beloved Tacos Gobernador, a classic Mexican seafood taco that’s all about the perfect marriage of shrimp, cheese, and veggies. But before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk a little about the history behind this iconic taco and the inspiration behind my version.

 

A Little History: The Origin of Tacos Gobernador

Tacos Gobernador originated in the coastal state of Sinaloa, Mexico. The story goes that these tacos were first created for a governor (hence the name "Gobernador") who requested something special, something that would stand out. The result was a taco that combined the briny sweetness of shrimp with the richness of melted cheese, all wrapped up in a warm, toasty tortilla. It was love at first bite, and the dish quickly became a staple in Mexican coastal cuisine.

 

Inspiration and Adaptation

I was inspired by the renowned Chef Rick Bayless, known for his deep respect and love for Mexican cuisine, to adapt and update this classic dish. Chef Bayless has a way of making traditional Mexican dishes feel fresh and exciting, and that spirit guided me as I put my own twist on Tacos Gobernador.
 

For this version, I’ve incorporated gold tequila to deglaze the pan, giving the shrimp a subtle smoky sweetness that pairs perfectly with the bright acidity of fresh lime juice. I’ve also added a blend of allspice, coriander, and cumin, for a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly. In this updated recipe, I’ve included a step to roast the tomatoes and garlic, which brings out a rich, concentrated sweetness that enhances the overall depth of the dish.

These tacos are relatively simple to make but pack a punch of flavor that’ll have you coming back for more. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or even just a little personal indulgence (because, hey, you deserve it!).

 
Let’s get cooking!

 

 

Recipe: Tequila-Lime Tacos Gobernador (Governor Tacos)

Ingredients:
 

Roasted Vegetables:

• 2-3 plum tomatoes
• 1 head of garlic, cloves unpeeled

Shrimp Filling:

• 1.5 lbs medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped into bit-sized pieces
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 poblano pepper, quartered and sliced into strips
• 1 Serrano or jalapeño pepper, minced (remove seeds and ribs for less heat)
• 1 head of roasted garlic, made into paste
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1/2 tsp coriander
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup gold tequila (for deglazing)
• Juice of 1 lime
  

Cheese:

• 1 cup Oaxaca cheese, shredded (sub with Monterey Jack if unavailable)

Tortillas:

• 8 corn or flour tortillas (your choice)

 

Instructions: 

 
1. Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place the tomatoes and unpeeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil a pinch of kosher salt and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and slightly charred, and the garlic is soft.
• Let cool slightly, then remove skins from garlic and make into a paste. Roughly chop the roasted tomatoes.

2. Cook the Vegetables:

• Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent.
• Add the sliced poblano strips and jalapeño, sauté until the poblano softens slightly but still has some crunch.

 

3. Add the Roasted Tomatoes and Garlic:

• Stir in the roasted garlic and chopped roasted tomatoes, cooking until they are well incorporated with the other vegetables.

4. Season and Deglaze:

• Stir in the cumin, allspice, and coriander, cooking for another minute.
• Add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Carefully add the gold tequila and ignite it to burn off the alcohol, then allow it to reduce by half. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce.

5. Cook the Shrimp:

• Add the chopped shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and finish with lime juice.
  

6. Assemble the Tacos:

• Heat a 12-inch sauté pan or griddle over medium heat.
• Lay a tortilla on the pre-heated griddle or pan, cover the surface with cheese, and allow it to melt slightly.
• Spoon the shrimp-poblano-tomato mixture onto one-half of the tortilla, fold it in half, and grill until both sides are toasted and the cheese is fully melted.

7. Serve:

• Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

8. Suggested Sides:

• These tacos pair beautifully with a light cabbage slaw with a citrus vinaigrette that adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich flavors of the tacos.
• Freshly made guacamole is a perfect side, bringing a creamy, refreshing balance to the rich, flavorful tacos.
• For a heartier side, try Mexican rice or black beans, which offer a comforting, savory complement to the vibrant shrimp tacos. 

 

These Tequila-Lime Gobernador Tacos are a delicious nod to the original, with just enough of a twist to make them exciting and new. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I enjoyed creating this recipe! Let me know how they turn out, and if you put your own spin on it, I’d love to hear about that too. Remember to tag your creations with @The_SmallTownChef. Until next time, happy cooking!

As always, reach out to The Small Town Chef with any questions or comments. We look forward to hearing from you.

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