Sauté prawn cutlets in butter and toss them in a spicy blended sauce of charred tomatoes, garlic, onion, and a mix of ancho, arbol, and chipotle chillies. Serve these fiery prawns in warm corn tortillas topped with fresh avocado and coriander.
The heat level of the “diabla” sauce is easily adjusted by removing the inner seeds and veins from the dry chillies before blending.
Building the fiery diabla sauce
Roast tomatoes, garlic, and onion in a very hot skillet until distinct black char marks appear on the skins. Blend these roasted vegetables with hydrated ancho and arbol chillies, chipotle in adobo, and salt until the sauce reaches a smooth and runny consistency. This combination of charred aromatics and three different chilli varieties creates a multilayered heat profile that is characteristic of this traditional style.
Searing the prawns with mezcal
Sauté 500g of prawn cutlets—with head, shell, and tail removed—in 50g of melted butter over medium heat until just cooked. Incorporating one ounce of mezcal during the process adds a sharp, smoky agave note that effectively cuts through the richness of the butter and the intensity of the spice. This ensures the prawns remain succulent while absorbing the bold flavors of the chilli blend.
The role of authentic nixtmalization
Authentic tacos rely on tortillas created through traditional nixtmalization, where whole grain corn is stone-ground in a traditional Mexican mill. By avoiding instant masa harina, we maintain a structural integrity and earthy flavor that prevents the tortilla from splitting under the weight of the moist prawn filling. Customers at our Kensington tortilleria often remark on the significant difference in chew and aroma compared to the mass-produced flour options found in mainstream supermarkets like Coles or Woolworths.
Where to find authentic tortillas in Australia
Garnish the finished tacos with fresh coriander leaves and sliced avocado to provide a necessary cooling contrast to the fiery sauce. While white corn is the standard, our blue corn tortillas provide a nuttier flavor profile and a striking color that is nearly impossible to find in other Australian stores. You can source these fresh tortillas at our store, online, or through our network of independent grocers, and we suggest pairing them with our Traditional Mexican Salsas in either Roja or Chipotle variants.
