Start with the shrimp. They should smell like the ocean, nothing more. If there is any hint of ammonia or fishiness, walk away. Fresh shrimp have a sweet, clean brine that tells you everything you need to know.

When you have good shrimp, the cooking takes two minutes. A hot pan, a little oil, a quick sear until they curl and turn coral pink. That is all. Overcooking is the enemy here. The moment they lose their translucence, they are done.

The tortillas matter almost as much as the shrimp. Corn tortillas from a local maker, still warm and pliable, will transform this meal. Mass-produced tortillas crack and taste of nothing. Seek out someone who makes them fresh, and you will taste the difference in every bite.

Every meal is a meaningful choice. Buying shrimp from a trusted source, knowing where they came from and how they were caught, connects you to the water and the people who work it. The taco tastes better for that connection.