Healthy Baked Shrimp and Bean Taquitos: A Light & Flavorful Mexican-Inspired Delight
Embark on a culinary journey that combines vibrant flavors with health-conscious preparation, featuring these delectable Shrimp and Bean Taquitos. Forget heavy, greasy takeout – these baked wonders offer a refreshing take on Mexican-inspired cuisine, perfect for a satisfying family dinner, a lively party appetizer, or whenever you crave a fresh, flavorful meal that won’t weigh you down. Each taquito is a delightful package of crispy tortilla filled with a creamy, lightened-up mixture of succulent shrimp and wholesome navy beans, all baked to golden perfection.
While these Shrimp and Bean Taquitos might stray from what many consider “authentic” Mexican fare due to the inclusion of Old Bay seasoning and creamy navy beans, they are unequivocally delicious, distinct, and bursting with personality. More importantly, they truly embody the spirit of the Mexican cuisine I adore: bright, fresh, and never heavy or overly greasy. This recipe is a celebration of flavor innovation, proving that sometimes, a thoughtful twist can create something truly special and equally satisfying.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its commitment to a lighter, healthier approach without sacrificing taste. By opting for baking instead of traditional deep-frying, we significantly reduce the fat content, resulting in a delightfully crispy shell that’s much lighter on the palate. Furthermore, lightening up on the cheese and incorporating the zesty brightness of lime and the aromatic freshness of cilantro ensures that these taquitos deliver a punch of flavor, leaving you feeling energized rather than sluggish. Why settle for dining out when you can create such an amazing, wholesome dish in your own kitchen?
Creating these taquitos is a fun and interactive process. To ensure your tortillas achieve that perfect golden crispness and are easy to handle, here’s a pro tip: lightly spray each flour tortilla with cooking spray *before* you roll them up. While your fingers might get a little messy in the process, this simple step ensures the outside of the taquito is evenly coated, leading to a beautifully toasted exterior. This method not only aids in browning but also helps the tortillas stay securely rolled during baking, preventing them from unraveling.
Another helpful trick, especially for achieving neat and consistent filling distribution, is using a resealable plastic bag – a simple Ziploc bag works wonders! This technique allows you to pipe the creamy shrimp and bean mixture into the tortillas with ease, ensuring each taquito has an even amount of delicious filling. This method is incredibly versatile and can be applied to many other recipes, from filling pastries to even precisely piping the yolk mixture into deviled eggs. It’s a kitchen hack that saves time and makes the assembly process much cleaner and more efficient. Once filled, roll them tightly and secure them with a toothpick if necessary before baking. The result is a uniformly delightful batch of taquitos.
These baked shrimp taquitos offer an incredible blend of textures and tastes. The lean shrimp provides a delicate, sweet counterpoint to the earthy, creamy navy beans. Neufchâtel cheese, a reduced-fat alternative to traditional cream cheese, contributes to the luxurious, smooth texture of the filling without adding excessive richness. This lighter cheese choice, combined with the vibrant notes of fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and a subtle kick from pickled jalapeños, creates a filling that is both comforting and exhilarating. The unique addition of Old Bay seasoning, a staple in seafood dishes, gives these taquitos a delightful, savory depth that perfectly complements the shrimp. Cumin adds that essential warm, aromatic, slightly peppery flavor that ties it all back to its Mexican inspiration. It’s a symphony of tastes that makes each bite an experience.
Don’t forget the luscious Avocado Cream, an indispensable accompaniment that elevates these taquitos to another level. Made with ripe avocado, reduced-fat sour cream, fresh lime juice and zest, fragrant cilantro leaves, and a touch of garlic, this creamy topping adds a cool, tangy, and incredibly refreshing element. It perfectly balances the warm, savory taquitos and can be easily customized in terms of consistency – simply adjust the amount of water until it reaches your desired thickness. Serve it elegantly piped over the taquitos for a beautiful presentation, or as a decadent dipping sauce on the side. The vibrant green of the avocado cream also adds a beautiful visual contrast, making your dish as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
This recipe is not just about making a meal; it’s about crafting an experience. It’s about enjoying delicious food that makes you feel good from the inside out. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner or preparing for a gathering with friends, these Shrimp and Bean Taquitos are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re quick to prepare, relatively hands-off in the oven, and offer a fantastic way to enjoy a “Mexican fix” with a healthy twist. Consider pairing them with a simple side salad, some light Mexican rice, or black beans for a complete and satisfying meal. For those who love variety, feel free to experiment with different types of beans or add finely diced bell peppers or corn to the filling for extra texture and flavor. The possibilities are endless when you start with such a versatile and flavorful base.
Making your meals at home gives you complete control over ingredients, allowing you to choose fresh, high-quality components and adjust seasonings to your personal preference. This recipe is a prime example, enabling you to create a dish that is not only healthier than most restaurant options but also incredibly flavorful and satisfying. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a batch of these irresistible Baked Shrimp and Bean Taquitos. Your taste buds, and your body, will thank you!
Shrimp and Bean Taquitos
Print
Pin
Rate
Ingredients
For the taquitos
- 1 lb medium shrimp peeled and deveined
- kosher salt
- fresh cracked pepper
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 can navy beans drained and rinsed
- 1 8 oz pkg Neufchatel cheese, room temperature (or cream cheese)
- 1 Tbsp pickled jalapeno chopped
- 1 Tbsp fresh cilantro
- 14 flour tortillas
- cooking spray
- additional cilantro for garnish
For the Avocado Cream
- 1 medium avocado
- ¼ cup reduced-fat sour cream
- juice of half a lime
- zest of half a lime
- 2 Tbsp cilantro leaves
- 1 clove garlic
- pinch kosher salt
- 1-2 Tbsp water
Instructions
-
Heat oven to 400F.
-
Heat a large, nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Toss the shrimp with a pinch each salt and pepper. Spray the skillet with cooking spray and lightly saute the shrimp until just cooked through (2-3 minutes). Remove from the heat immediately and transfer to a washable cutting board. When cool enough to handle, roughly chop the shrimp.
-
In a mixing bowl, combine the Neufchatel cheese, cumin, and Old Bay. Add a good pinch each salt and pepper. Add in the shrimp, jalapeno, and cilantro, and combine. Gently fold in the beans last.
-
On a large bake sheet, lay out the tortillas and spray each with cooking spray. Flip the tortillas over. On each place ~1/4 c shrimp mixture (heaping). Roll each tortilla up and secure with a toothpick. Bake at 400 for 10-12 minutes until heated through and tortillas are lightly toasted.
-
Blend together the ingredients for the Avocado Cream. Adjust the amount of water depending on how thin or thick you want it and how juicy your lime was.
-
To serve, put the Avocado Cream in a sandwich bag. Cut off a corner and pipe over the taquitos. Alternatively, the Avocado Cream can be served on the side for dipping. Garnish with cilantro. Serving: 2-3 taquitos per person.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
~✿♥✿~