Tacos Gobernador Recipe Best Shrimp Tacos You Can Make

Name: Tacos gobernador recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tbsp unsalted butter (plus more for frying); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped; 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 cups shredded Chihuahua cheese (or mozzarella); 8 to 10 corn tortillas

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Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy tortilla. It gives way to buttery shrimp that practically melt in your mouth, followed by a rush of gooey, melted cheese. That’s the magic of tacos gobernador recipe. I still remember the first time I tried one in Mazatlán, it was love at first bite. The mix of savory shrimp, soft sautéed veggies, and stretchy cheese all wrapped in a golden, crunchy shell was unforgettable.

If you’ve ever had them at a Mexican seafood restaurant and wondered how to make them at home, you’re in the right place. This recipe captures everything that makes them special and adds the secret to getting them even better than your favorite taquería. You’ll learn the steps, the why behind each ingredient, and the little pro tricks that take these tacos from good to unforgettable.

What Are Tacos Gobernador? (The Governor’s Taco)

Tacos Gobernador, or “Governor’s Tacos,” come from the coastal state of Sinaloa in Mexico. The story goes that the dish was created at Los Arcos restaurant in Mazatlán for the governor of Sinaloa. He wanted something new and indulgent, and the chef delivered with this rich mix of shrimp, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese inside a crispy tortilla.

Now it’s a beloved Mexican dish, especially along the Pacific coast. What started as a special request has become a staple. And once you try it, you’ll understand why.

The Secret to Perfect Gobernador Tacos: The Ingredients

Tacos gobernador recipe ingredients laid out on a wooden kitchen surface

These tacos are all about balance. Every ingredient plays a role in building flavor and texture. Let’s break down why each one matters.

The Cooking Fat: Butter and Olive Oil

For the richest flavor, we use a combination of 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. The butter gives a classic, savory depth that pairs beautifully with shrimp. The olive oil keeps the butter from browning too quickly so nothing burns while you’re building the base.

The Aromatic Base: Onion and Bell Pepper

This combo lays the foundation for everything. You’ll need half a medium onion and one green bell pepper, both finely chopped. They soften in the pan and turn sweet, adding a mellow layer beneath the bold shrimp and cheese.

The Star of the Show: The Shrimp

Use 1 pound of shrimp, either fresh or frozen. The key is to peel, devein, and chop them into small, bite-size pieces. Smaller pieces mean better distribution in every taco and more even cooking.

The Perfect Melty Cheese

This is what sets Tacos Gobernador apart. Use 2 cups of a great melting cheese. Authentic Chihuahua cheese works wonderfully. If you can’t find it, a good-quality mozzarella gives you that iconic cheese pull without overpowering the shrimp.

The Vessel: The Tortillas

Corn tortillas are the classic choice. You’ll need 8 to 10. Their warm, toasty flavor holds up well to the filling. Later, we’ll crisp them in a pan with more butter to get that perfect golden edge.

The Finishing Touches

Salt and black pepper are all you need here. Let the ingredients speak for themselves. Also, keep more butter nearby for frying the tacos to that irresistible crisp.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that everything is prepped, it’s time to bring the tacos to life. These steps are easy to follow and build on each other. Take your time and enjoy the process.

Step 1: Create the Savory Shrimp Filling

In a large skillet, preferably cast iron, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and turn translucent.
Next, add the chopped shrimp. Stir occasionally and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until they are just pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
Season with salt and pepper. Give everything a final stir. Then transfer the filling to a bowl and set it aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Tacos (The Quesadilla Method)

Clean your skillet or grab a new one. Add a small pat of butter and melt it over medium heat.
Place a single corn tortilla flat in the pan. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese across the entire tortilla surface. Once the cheese starts to melt and bubble, spoon some of the shrimp filling onto one half of the tortilla.

Step 3: Fold, Press, and Create the Crispy Cheese Edge

Use a spatula to fold the tortilla over the filling, forming a half-moon shape. Press down gently but firmly with the spatula. This helps seal the taco and allows a little cheese to ooze out the side.
Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch the edges. That melted cheese spilling out should fry against the pan until it becomes golden and crispy. This is the famous chicharron de queso.

Crispy tacos folded and grilled in a cast iron skillet on wooden table

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Carefully flip the taco and cook the other side for 1 to 2 minutes until it reaches the same level of crisp. Remove the taco and place it on a plate.
Repeat with the rest of your tortillas, cheese, and shrimp filling. Add more butter to the skillet as needed for each taco.
Serve hot while the cheese is gooey and the tortillas are crispy.

Three tacos gobernador filled with shrimp, cheese, and vegetables on a white plate with green salsa bowls

The Pro-Tip: Mastering the Chicharron de Queso

Here’s the move that makes your Tacos Gobernador truly next level. It’s not just about cheese inside the taco. It’s about letting some of that cheese intentionally spill out into the pan.

When you press down with your spatula, let a little extra cheese sneak out from the edge of the tortilla. The heat and butter will work their magic, frying it into a golden, crispy layer. This is the chicharron de queso. It adds texture, flavor, and that satisfying crunch in every bite.

Don’t rush it. Let it sizzle until it forms a solid, crispy edge that peels easily from the pan. This step turns a good taco into a restaurant-style masterpiece.

What to Serve with Tacos Gobernador

Tacos Gobernador are rich and flavorful on their own, but the right sides and sauces take the meal to another level. Here are some classic and delicious pairings to round out your plate.

Start with a creamy guacamole salsa. Its smooth texture and subtle heat balance the cheesy crunch of the taco. For more kick, try a spicy salsa de arbol. Just a spoonful on top of each taco adds depth without overpowering the shrimp.

Pickled red onions bring a bright contrast and cut through the richness with a hint of acidity. They’re simple to make and add a vibrant color to the dish.

For sides, go with cilantro lime rice or a spoonful of frijoles puercos. These hearty options add substance and soak up any extra cheese or salsa that falls off your taco.

If you have your own recipes for these, now’s the time to link to them and guide your readers through the full meal experience.

>> Looking for more taco inspiration? If you loved this tacos gobernador recipe, you’ll also enjoy these crispy and comforting Tacos de Papa. They’re packed with seasoned mashed potatoes and pan-fried until golden. Perfect for meatless nights or as a crowd-pleasing side to your shrimp tacos.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? No problem. Here’s how to keep them tasty without losing that crispy magic.

First, store the shrimp filling in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Do not store assembled tacos, as the tortillas will lose their texture and get soggy.

When you’re ready to reheat, skip the microwave. It makes the tortillas soft and rubbery. Instead, use a dry skillet or air fryer set to medium heat. Reheat each taco or just the filling until warmed through and the tortilla edges turn crisp again.

If the cheese needs a little help getting gooey again, sprinkle a touch more and give it another minute in the skillet. With the right method, your leftovers can taste nearly as good as the first bite.

Why This Recipe Works

Tacos Gobernador are one of those rare dishes that feel special without being complicated. You get juicy shrimp, melty cheese, crisped-up tortillas, and just enough heat to keep things interesting. What makes this version stand out is the extra attention to texture and flavor. That buttery sizzle. The crisp cheese edge. Every bite feels like a reward.

If you tried this recipe, leave a comment below and give it a star rating. It helps others find the recipe and lets us know how it turned out for you.

Tried a twist on the original? Maybe added chipotle or swapped in flour tortillas? Tell us what you did and how it worked. And if you loved it, share it with your friends and family on Pinterest or Facebook.

So what variation did you try? Let us know below.

Tacos Gobernador: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What’s the best type of cheese for a Gobernador?

Chihuahua cheese is the most authentic and delivers a smooth, creamy melt without overpowering the shrimp. If you can’t find it, mozzarella or Monterey Jack are great substitutes that still give you that irresistible cheese pull.

Q2: How does a Gobernador differ from other tacos?

Tacos Gobernador are unique because they blend sautéed shrimp with melted cheese and veggies, all crisped up inside a pan-fried tortilla. They stand out for their gooey interior and signature crispy cheese edge.

Q3: What is in tacos gobernador?

The traditional filling includes shrimp, onion, bell pepper, butter, olive oil, and melty cheese inside corn tortillas. Some versions add tomato or poblano, but the basics always include seafood and cheese.

Q4: What is good on shrimp tacos?

Top them with creamy guacamole salsa, pickled red onions, or spicy salsa de arbol. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime brightens up every bite.

Q5: What’s the best tortilla for a Gobernador?

Corn tortillas are the go-to choice. They bring a toasty, earthy flavor and crisp up beautifully in the pan. Just warm them slightly before assembling to prevent cracking.