The vibrant flavors of Skillet Shrimp Fajitas with Cilantro-Lime Cream are beautifully complemented by the tangy and refreshing notes of a classic Margarita, a perfect match for this spicy and savory dish. Meanwhile, 'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, with its suspenseful and atmospheric setting, offers an engaging read that enhances the dining experience. The Margarita provides a crisp and citrusy contrast to the creamy cilantro-lime sauce, enhancing every bite of the fajitas. Together, this trio creates a sensational culinary and literary journey that invites you to savor each moment.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Fajitas:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Flour or corn tortillas, for serving
For the Cilantro-Lime Cream:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Cilantro-Lime Cream:
- In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Mix well and season with salt to taste. Set aside.
Season the shrimp:
- In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with the fajita seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated. Set aside.
Cook the vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the shrimp:
- In the same skillet, add the seasoned shrimp.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook.
Combine everything:
- Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the shrimp.
- Toss everything together and cook for another minute to heat through.
Assemble the fajitas:
- Warm the tortillas according to package instructions.
- Spoon the shrimp and vegetable mixture onto each tortilla.
Serve:
- Drizzle with the cilantro-lime cream and serve immediately. Enjoy your Skillet Shrimp Fajitas with Cilantro-Lime Cream!
Mexican Gothic
A reimagining of gothic horror set in 1950s Mexico, intertwining societal injustice and supernatural elements with a dark and mysterious narrative.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “It’s Lovecraft meets the Brontës in Latin America, and after a slow-burn start Mexican Gothic gets seriously weird.”—The Guardian ONE OF TIME’S 100 BEST MYSTERY AND THRILLER BOOKS OF ALL TIME • WINNER OF THE LOCUS AWARD • NOMINATED FOR THE BRAM STOKER AWARD ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, NPR, The Washington Post, Tordotcom, Marie Claire, Vox, Mashable, Men’s Health, Library Journal, Book Riot, LibraryReads An isolated mansion. A chillingly charismatic aristocrat. And a brave socialite drawn to expose their treacherous secrets. . . . From the author of Gods of Jade and Shadow comes “a terrifying twist on classic gothic horror” (Kirkus Reviews) set in glamorous 1950s Mexico. After receiving a frantic letter from her newly-wed cousin begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, Noemí Taboada heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. She’s not sure what she will find—her cousin’s husband, a handsome Englishman, is a stranger, and Noemí knows little about the region. Noemí is also an unlikely rescuer: She’s a glamorous debutante, and her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are more suited for cocktail parties than amateur sleuthing. But she’s also tough and smart, with an indomitable will, and she is not afraid: Not of her cousin’s new husband, who is both menacing and alluring; not of his father, the ancient patriarch who seems to be fascinated by Noemí; and not even of the house itself, which begins to invade Noemi’s dreams with visions of blood and doom. Her only ally in this inhospitable abode is the family’s youngest son. Shy and gentle, he seems to want to help Noemí, but might also be hiding dark knowledge of his family’s past. For there are many secrets behind the walls of High Place. The family’s once colossal wealth and faded mining empire kept them from prying eyes, but as Noemí digs deeper she unearths stories of violence and madness. And Noemí, mesmerized by the terrifying yet seductive world of High Place, may soon find it impossible to ever leave this enigmatic house behind. “It’s as if a supernatural power compels us to turn the pages of the gripping Mexican Gothic.”—The Washington Post “Mexican Gothic is the perfect summer horror read, and marks Moreno-Garcia with her hypnotic and engaging prose as one of the genre’s most exciting talents.”—Nerdist “A period thriller as rich in suspense as it is in lush ’50s atmosphere.”—Entertainment Weekly
Discussion Questions
- How does the setting of 1950s Mexico contribute to the gothic atmosphere of the novel?
- In what ways does 'Mexican Gothic' address themes of colonialism and cultural identity?
- Discuss the role of family legacy and how it shapes the characters' fates.
- How does the author use horror elements to enhance the novel’s social commentary?
- What do you think the Doyle family represents in the context of the story?
- How does Noemí's character challenge traditional gender roles found in gothic literature?
- Analyze the significance of the ancestral home and its impact on the storyline.
- What role do dreams and illusions play in the development of the plot?
- Discuss how love and loyalty are portrayed in the novel.
- How do you interpret the ending of 'Mexican Gothic', and what messages do you think the author intends to convey?
Authors:
Silvia Moreno-Garcia
ISBN: 0525620788
Publisher: Del Rey
Published Date: 2020-06-30
Classic Margarita
A Classic Margarita perfectly balances the tang of lime juice and the sweetness of orange liqueur with the kick of tequila. It's the perfect accompaniment to Mexican flavors, especially for spicy and savory dishes like shrimp fajitas.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. tequila
- 1 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 oz. Cointreau or triple sec
- Salt, for rimming the glass
- Lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions
- Rub the rim of the glass with the lime wedge and dip in salt to rim the glass.
- In a shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau. Fill with ice and shake well.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and serve cold.