South Texas Nachos
South Texas Nachos combine spicy shrimp, green chilies, olives, and melted Cheddar cheese layered over crispy tortilla chips, perfect for sharing at gatherings or casual snacking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil.
- Add shrimp and cook 3 to 5 minutes or until shrimp turn pink. Drain well. Rinse with cold water.
- Peel and devein shrimp; chop coarsely.
- Combine shrimp with chilies, olives, cheese, onions, and mayonnaise.
- Place tortilla chips on a baking sheet; top with 1 1/2 teaspoons of shrimp mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 5 minutes or until cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked shrimp to speed up the process. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. Make sure to evenly distribute the toppings to ensure every chip is flavorful. This dish is a great way to use leftover shrimp from other seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These nachos are perfect as an appetizer or party snack and pair beautifully with a refreshing Fiesta Salad or a cold beverage. You can also serve them alongside other Mexican recipes like Crabmeat Quesadillas for a festive spread. Consider adding a side of salsa or guacamole for extra flavor and variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through. Be cautious, as reheating in the microwave may make the chips soggy. For best results, enjoy fresh!
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of South Texas Nachos contains roughly 803 calories, with 22g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1690mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp; just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. This will save you time and still provide delicious flavor. Be sure to follow the same cooking instructions, adjusting the time slightly if needed for larger shrimp.
What can I substitute for green chilies?
If you don't have green chilies, you can use diced bell peppers for a milder flavor or even diced jalapeños for added heat. Another option is to use salsa verde if you want a more complex flavor profile.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make vegetarian nachos, simply omit the shrimp and add extra vegetables like black beans, corn, or diced tomatoes. You can also incorporate additional cheese and avocado to enhance the flavor and texture, making it a satisfying dish without seafood.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).