Think of this as your favorite Japanese tempura and Mexican street tacos having a moment—minus the mess. The best part? It's easy to make thanks to Pacific Bay Ready to Heat Par-Fried Tempura. Fry these shrimp tempura straight out of the box, assemble and enjoy!
Shrimp Tempura Tacos with Garlic Yogurt & Salsa Picante
Servings: 2–3
Total time: about 30 minutes
Cooking method: fried + assembled
Optional Filipino twist: add atchara or use calamansi instead of lime for extra brightness
INGREDIENTS
For the Shrimp Tempura
250g Pacific Bay Ready to Heat Par-Fried Tempura
Oil, for frying
For the Tacos
4–6 taco shells or tortillas
1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
¼ cup pickled shallots
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
½ cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon garlic purée or roasted garlic
1–2 tablespoons fresh milk
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
For the Salsa Picante
2 medium tomatoes, roasted or charred
1 red chili
¼ small onion
1 clove garlic
1 tablespoon lime or calamansi juice
Salt, to taste
PROCEDURE
Prepare the garlic yogurt sauce ahead of time. In a bowl, mix yogurt, garlic purée, and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper, then chill until ready to serve.
Make the salsa picante for the tacos. Roast the tomatoes, chili, onion, and garlic until lightly charred. Blend with lime juice and salt until smooth, then set aside.
Fry the shrimp tempura until crisp and golden. Heat oil to about 175°C and fry the shrimp tempura for 2 to 3 minutes until deeply golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels or a rack.
Warm the taco shells before assembling. Heat the taco shells or tortillas briefly in a dry pan or oven until warm and flexible.
Assemble the tacos with layers of texture and flavor. Add shredded cabbage to the base of each taco, then top with shrimp tempura, pickled shallots, and fresh cilantro.
Finish the tacos with sauces and serve immediately. Drizzle garlic yogurt sauce over the tacos and spoon salsa picante on top. Serve with extra lime or calamansi wedges on the side.
NOTES
Why Pacific Bay
Pacific Bay Ready to Heat Par-Fried Tempura is made with whole shrimp and is already partially cooked before freezing, making crispy shrimp tempura much easier to cook at home. Cook this from frozen in the fryer or air fryer.
Chef’s Tips
Lightly toast taco shells before filling for better texture. Fry the shrimp in small batches so the oil temperature stays high and the coating remains crisp. Roasting the vegetables for the salsa adds more depth and sweetness. If you want extra heat, blend an additional chili into the salsa picante.
Easy Swaps / Alternatives
You can substitute the shrimp tempura with Pacific Bay Fish Fingers or Breaded Shrimp Popcorn for a different texture. Soft flour tortillas also work well if you prefer a less crunchy taco.
Serving Ideas
Serve with Mexican-style rice, corn salad, or tortilla chips on the side. Extra cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or hot sauce work well as toppings. A cold cucumber salad also balances the richness nicely.
Leftovers and Storage
Store fried shrimp separately from sauces and vegetables in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp in an oven or air fryer to bring back crispness before assembling tacos.
FAQS
Can I use frozen shrimp tempura for tacos?
Yes. Pacific Bay Ready to Heat Par-Fried Tempura is designed for quick cooking straight from frozen.
How do I keep shrimp tempura crispy in tacos?
Assemble the tacos right before serving and avoid adding too much sauce directly onto the shrimp.
Can I make the sauces ahead of time?
Yes. Both the garlic yogurt sauce and salsa picante can be made several hours ahead.
What can I substitute for taco shells?
Soft tortillas, lettuce wraps, or even rice bowls work well with the same fillings.
Can I air fry the shrimp tempura instead of deep frying?
Yes. Air frying works well and keeps the shrimp crispy with less oil.
How spicy is the salsa picante?
The heat level depends on the chili used. Reduce or increase chili depending on your preference.
Ready to try these crispy, flavor-packed shrimp tempura tacos? Shop for Pacific Bay Ready to Heat Par-Fried Tempura in leading supermarkets or online at pacificbay.com.ph and cook it at home.