Tacos Gobernado
These Tacos Gobernador are loaded with plump shrimp, sautéed peppers and onions and plenty of melty cheese tucked into warm tortillas. Crispy on the outside and rich on the inside, these cheesy shrimp tacos bring bold flavor and satisfying texture in every bite.
A perfect taco recipe for casual taco nights, weekend gatherings or anytime you want something a little different from the usual beef tacos. Served hot from the skillet with your favorite salsa or creama, they feel like a complete meal that's both comforting and a little indulgent.
If you enjoy bold taco recipes, like these governor shrimp tacos you must try our Instant Pot Carnitas or Big Mac Tacos.
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What is Tacos Gobernador
Also known as Governor's Tacos, Tacos Gobernador are a folded, quesadilla-style taco filled with melted Mexican cheese, sautéed onions, and traditionally poblano peppers. Originally created for a visiting governor in Mexico, the dish was so well received that the name stuck.
Ingredients
This taco recipe uses simple ingredients that come together quickly in a large skillet.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps develop flavor in the pan; also used to help crisp up the tacos during assembly.
- Poblano Peppers: A mild pepper, that brings a light sweetness and texture to balance the shrimp.
- Yellow Onion: Adds depth and classic taco flavor.
- Shrimp: The star of the dish, tender and slightly sweet when cooked just until opaque.
- Minced Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor that complements the seafood.
- Corn Tortillas: Traditional soft corn tortillas hold everything together while crisping nicely in the skillet.
- Oaxaca Cheese: A traditional Mexican cheese that melts well, and has a mild taste to not overpower.
Grab a large skillet, a cheese grater and your measuring cups and spoons to get started with this simple meal.
Variations
- Green Pepper: Swap green pepper for poblano peppers, if needed.
- Different Cheese: Chihuahua cheese is another Mexican cheese that melts well; if you cannot get either of those, you can use mozzarella.
- Flour Tortillas: Use flour tortillas instead of soft corn tortillas for a softer bite.
- Add Heat: Stir in diced jalapeños or your favorite salsa for extra spice.
How to Make Tacos Gobernado
These tacos gobernador come together quickly, then folded into tortillas with melted cheese until golden and crisp.
In a large skillet, add oil and butter, on medium high heat. Melt butter then add peppers and onion and cook for about 3-5 minutes.
Add shrimp, garlic, salt and pepper and cook until all the shrimp is opaque (about 5 minutes).
Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly in a bowl.
Clean your skillet and melt butter on medium low heat (about ½ tablespoon), then add a corn tortilla. On half, add some cheese, your shrimp mixture then more cheese. Carefully fold the other half over and lightly toast, then flip and toast the other side as well.
Repeat for as many as you want, then serve warm for best texture.
Hint: Cook shrimp just until opaque so they stay tender and juicy.
Recipe Tips
- Use a Heavy Skillet: A heavy skillet helps the tortillas crisp while the cheese melts evenly.
- Layer the Cheese: Adding cheese both under and over the shrimp helps hold the tacos together.
- Serve Immediately: These tacos are best right off the skillet while the cheese is still stretchy and warm.
For another seafood-inspired taco night, our Fish Tacos deliver a similarly fresh, coastal flavor profile.
More Cinco De Mayo Ideas
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftover shrimp filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended as shrimp texture can change.
- Reheating: Warm shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat before assembling fresh tacos.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the shrimp mixture ahead of time and assemble tacos just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Mexican Main Dishes: Chicken Enchiladas, Southwest Chicken Casserole or our Spaghetti Squash Enchilada.
- Mexican Sides or Apps: Guacamole and Chips, Ceviche or Sausage Queso Dip.
- Mexican-Inspired Drinks: Cucumber Agua Fresca, Non Alcoholic Paloma or Frozen Strawberry Margarita.
Taco Gobernado Recipe FAQs
Chihuahua cheese and Oaxaca cheese melt very well, but mozzarella is an easy substitute and doesn't change the flavor much.
Yes, simply reduce the amount of cheese or add it only to one side of the tortilla. Be careful when flipping over, in case they start to separate with less cheese.
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Tacos Gobernado
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cheese Grater
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon butter unsalted
- 1 large green pepper sliced (poblano if you can get it, otherwise bell)
- 1 large yellow onion sliced thin
- 1 ½ pounds shrimp deveined and peeled
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- ½ tablespoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- corn tortillas
- Oaxaca cheese shredded (or mozzarella)
- butter as needed
Instructions
- In a large skillet, add oil and butter, on medium high heat. Melt butter then add green pepper and onion and cook for about 3-5 minutes.
- Add shrimp, garlic, salt and pepper and cook until all the shrimp is opaque (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly in a bowl.
- Clean your skillet and melt butter on medium low heat (about ½ tablespoon), then add a corn tortilla. On half, add some cheese, your shrimp mixture then more cheese. Carefully fold the other half over and lightly toast, then flip and toast the other side as well.
- Repeat for as many as you want.
- Serve warm for best texture.
Notes
- Use a Heavy Skillet: A heavy skillet helps the tortillas crisp while the cheese melts evenly.
- Layer the Cheese: Adding cheese both under and over the shrimp helps hold the tacos together.
- Serve Immediately: These tacos are best right off the skillet while the cheese is still stretchy and warm.
- Do Not Overcook: Cook shrimp just until opaque so they stay tender and juicy.
- Refrigerator: Store leftover shrimp filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended as shrimp texture can change.
- Reheating: Warm shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat before assembling fresh tacos.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the shrimp mixture ahead of time and assemble tacos just before serving.
- Nutritional information will vary based on the assembly items and brands you use.
Nutrition
Made this recipe? Share your experience in the comments and don't forget to leave a star rating so others can find it too.
We love how simple and flavorful this recipe is; especially when I can find poblano!
I’ve had these tacos. They’re very easy to make. I love the combination of the shrimp and cheese. They are delicious.
Thank you for the review, Jo! I am pleased to hear you enjoyed them.
Tacos Gobernador look unreal! Love that cheesy, shrimp-filled goodness, so flavorful and perfect for taco Tuesday night.
They sure are! I hope you enjoy them, Abi.