Cheese Shell Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce

Cheese Shell Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce
Cheese Shell Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce feature crispy, baked cheese shells filled with seasoned shrimp, topped with a zesty cilantro lime sauce for a low-carb, flavorful twist on traditional tacos!

Ingredients:
For the Cheese Shells:

1.  2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
2.  1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Shrimp:

1.  1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3.  1 teaspoon garlic powder
4.  1 teaspoon paprika
5.  1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
6.  Salt and pepper, to taste
7.  1 tablespoon lime juice

For the Cilantro Lime Sauce:

1.  1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
2. 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
3. 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
4.  1 tablespoon lime juice
5.  1 teaspoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
6.  Salt and pepper, to taste
7. Toppings (optional but recommended):
8.  Shredded lettuce or cabbage
9.  Diced tomatoes
10.  Sliced avocado
11.  Sliced red onion
12.  Fresh cilantro leaves
13.  Lime wedges

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In small mounds, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese on the parchment paper. Use about 2 tablespoons of cheese per mound and flatten it slightly with the back of a spoon.
4. Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
5. Once the cheese shells are done, immediately remove them from the oven.
6. Allow them to cool for about 1-2 minutes, then carefully transfer them onto a small bowl or the handle of a wooden spoon to shape them into taco shell forms.
7. Let them cool completely as they harden into shells.
8. In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
9. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
10. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through.
11. Remove from heat and set aside.
12. In a small bowl, mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, cilantro, lime juice, and honey (if using).
13. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
14. Stir until smooth and well combined.
15. Carefully place the cheese shells on a plate.
16. Add a few shrimp to each cheese shell.
17. Drizzle with cilantro lime sauce.
18. Add your choice of toppings (shredded lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime wedges).
19. Serve the cheese shell shrimp tacos immediately, garnished with additional cilantro and lime wedges on the side.

Additional Tips:
1. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for the shells. A mix of sharp cheddar and Parmesan gives a great balance of flavor.
2. You can marinate the shrimp for 15-30 minutes to enhance flavor, or even grill them for a smoky twist.
3. These tacos are naturally low-carb thanks to the cheese shells. You can make them even more keto-friendly by using a dairy-free sour cream alternative if needed.

Enjoy these cheesy, crispy, and flavorful shrimp tacos!