Tacos Gobernador - Mexico

Tacos

Dinner

Mexican

Servings: 4

Author: Chef Connie

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Tacos Gobernador

Tacos Gobernador, a popular Sinaloan-style taco known for its combination of shrimp, melted cheese, and flavorful vegetables—all grilled inside a warm tortilla.

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 20 MinTotal time: 30 Min

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Ingredients

Filling

• 1 lb (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small white onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 medium poblano pepper, roasted, peeled, and sliced (or 1 bell pepper for milder heat)
• 1 large tomato, finely diced (or ½ cup canned fire-roasted tomatoes)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ teaspoon oregano (Mexican oregano, if available)
• Juice of ½ lime

For the Tacos:

• 8 corn tortillas
• 1½ cups shredded Oaxaca, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheese
• Butter or oil, for the pan

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Salsa verde or chipotle mayo
• Avocado slices

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent (about 2 minutes).
3. Add poblano slices and tomato. Cook until the tomato is soft and the mixture is slightly thickened (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Stir in the shrimp. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano.
5. Cook just until shrimp turn pink and opaque (2–3 minutes).
6. Squeeze in lime juice. Remove from heat and set aside.
7. Warm a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
8. Add a bit of butter or oil, then place a tortilla in the pan.
9. Sprinkle a layer of cheese on one half of the tortilla.
10. Spoon some of the shrimp mixture over the cheese.
11. Fold the tortilla over to form a half-moon.
12. Cook each side for about 2 minutes, until the tortilla is golden and crispy and the cheese has melted.
13. Garnish with cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, or avocado as desired.
14. Serve hot with your favorite beverage (a cold Mexican beer or agua fresca pairs great!).

Nutrition Facts

Calories

520

Fat

28 g

Sat. Fat

12 g

Carbs

33 g

Fiber

7 g

Net carbs

25 g

Sugar

4 g

Protein

38 g

Sodium

556 mg

Cholesterol

230 mg

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Tacos Gobernador: A Shrimp Lover’s Dream from Sinaloa

Tacos Gobernador are a delicious cross between a quesadilla and a taco, hailing from the coastal state of Sinaloa, Mexico. Legend has it the dish was created in the 1990s by a Mazatlán chef in honor of a visiting governor who wanted something unique and memorable. What emerged was a taco filled with sautéed shrimp, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and melted cheese—all tucked into a crispy, griddled corn tortilla. With their rich seafood flavor and gooey texture, Tacos Gobernador have become a coastal classic that’s made their way onto menus across Mexico and the U.S.

What makes these tacos special is their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The shrimp are quickly sautéed with aromatics like garlic and onion, then combined with roasted poblano or bell peppers and juicy tomatoes for a slight tang and sweetness. The real magic happens when all that goodness is layered with stretchy, melty cheese—traditionally Oaxaca or Monterey Jack—and toasted on a skillet until the tortilla turns golden and crisp. The result is a taco that’s crispy on the outside, cheesy and juicy inside, and loaded with flavor in every bite.

Whether served as a street food snack or as part of a dinner spread, Tacos Gobernador are a crowd-pleaser that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. They’re also incredibly versatile—add chipotle for heat, switch up the cheese, or top them with avocado, salsa, or cilantro for a personal touch. If you're looking to impress seafood lovers or just want to shake up your taco night, this coastal favorite is sure to be a hit. Serve them hot off the griddle with lime wedges and a cold cerveza, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a vacation.