Acorn Squash Tempura Tacos with Smoked Paprika-Lime Sauce

Acorn Squash Tempura Tacos

with Smoked Paprika-Lime Sauce

25 MIN
2 Servings
Wellness at Blue Apron
Find recipes that suit your lifestyle with our new nutritionist-approved dietary tags.
Vegetarian
These recipes don’t contain meat, poultry, fish, or seafood.* They’re made with fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. *Select artisanal cheeses may contain animal-derived rennet.
Carb Conscious
These meals have 48g or less of net carbs (total carbs minus dietary fiber) per serving. They replace refined carbohydrates from sources like white flour, rice, and cane sugar with high-fiber foods like fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
600 Calories Or Less
Coming in at 600 calories or less per serving, these recipes are ideal for those choosing to monitor their caloric intake without sacrificing flavor. The US Food & Drug Administration uses 2000 calorie daily intake for general advice. The 600 calorie cap equates to 30% of the total 2000 calories per day based on 3 meals per day with 200 calories remaining for snack or beverage.
Wellness Grain
These recipes feature grains such as barley, quinoa, farro, orzo, couscous and more, handpicked by our Culinary team in collaboration with our Registered Dietitian.
Pescatarian
These recipes feature a wide array of nutritious seafood options like salmon, cod, tilapia, crab, and shrimp. While these dishes never contain meat, pork or poultry, they may contain animal derived ingredients such as milk, butter, cheese and/or honey.
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From the Test Kitchen

For these hearty vegetarian tacos, we’re taking one of our favorite cold-weather vegetables—sweet and nutty acorn squash—dredging it in a light tempura batter, then pan-frying it to perfection. (To keep your squash crisp and airy, be sure to use cold water when making the tempura batter!) For delicious flavor contrast, we’re adding smoked paprika to the batter and using it in a tart dipping sauce. Creamy avocado and crunchy red onion add layers of texture, while a garnish of crumbled Cotija cheese, cilantro and lime juice completes this authentic, delicious dinner.

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  • Nutrition
    PER SERVING
  • Calories
    700 Cals (est.)
fresh
ingredients
Acorn Squash Tempura Tacos with Smoked Paprika-Lime Sauce
Title
  • 8 Corn Tortillas
  • 1 cup Rice Flour
  • 1 Avocado
  • 1 clove Garlic
  • 1 Lime
  • 1 Red Onion
  • 1 lb Acorn Squash
  • 1 bunch Cilantro
  • 2 oz Queso Fresco
  • 2 Tbsps Mayonnaise
  • 2 tsps Smoked Paprika
time-saving
tips & techniques
Two Great Ways of Prepping an Avocado
Smoked Paprika
Red Onion
How To: Prevent Browning
step-by-step
instructions
Cook Along Triangle Created with Sketch.
Prepare the ingredients:
1 Prepare the ingredients:

Wash and dry the fresh produce. Quarter the lime. Peel and mince the garlic; using the flat side of your knife, smash until it resembles a paste (or use a zester). Halve the squash lengthwise; using a spoon, scoop out and discard the pulp and seeds. Slice the squash lengthwise into ¼-inch-thick pieces. Pit, peel and thinly slice the avocado; toss with the juice of 1 lime wedge to prevent browning. Peel, halve and thinly slice the onion. Pick the cilantro leaves off the stems; discard the stems.

Make the smoked paprika-lime sauce:
2 Make the smoked paprika-lime sauce:

In a bowl, combine the garlic paste, mayonnaise, half the smoked paprika and the juice of 1 lime wedge; stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Coat the squash:
3 Coat the squash:

Place ¼ of the rice flour in a large bowl and add the squash pieces. Season with salt and pepper and toss to thoroughly coat.

Make the batter:
4 Make the batter:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining rice flour, remaining smoked paprika and ¾ cup of water to create a thin batter. Season with salt and pepper. (If the batter starts to thicken, add up to ¼ cup of water to maintain a thin consistency.)

Batter & cook the squash:
5 Batter & cook the squash:

In a large pan, heat a thin layer of oil on medium-high until hot. Working in batches, dip the coated squash in the batter (letting any excess drip off). Once the oil is hot enough that a drop of batter sizzles immediately when added to the pan, carefully add the battered squash. Cook 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until crispy and golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; immediately season with salt. Carefully discard any excess oil. Wipe out the pan.

Toast the tortillas & plate your dish:
6 Toast the tortillas & plate your dish:

Heat the pan used to cook the squash on medium-high until hot. Working in batches, add the tortillas. Toast 30 seconds to 1 minute per side, or until lightly browned and pliable. Transfer to a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Divide the toasted tortillas between 2 plates, layering 2 tortillas together for each taco. Spread each taco with a layer of the smoked paprika-lime sauce. Top with the cooked squash, avocado, onion and queso fresco (crumbling before adding). Garnish with the cilantro and remaining lime wedges. Enjoy!

Tips from Home Chefs

Get Plans

Acorn Squash Tempura Tacos

Prepare the ingredients:
How To: Prevent Browning
Two Great Ways of Prepping an Avocado
1 Prepare the ingredients:

Wash and dry the fresh produce. Quarter the lime. Peel and mince the garlic; using the flat side of your knife, smash until it resembles a paste (or use a zester). Halve the squash lengthwise; using a spoon, scoop out and discard the pulp and seeds. Slice the squash lengthwise into ¼-inch-thick pieces. Pit, peel and thinly slice the avocado; toss with the juice of 1 lime wedge to prevent browning. Peel, halve and thinly slice the onion. Pick the cilantro leaves off the stems; discard the stems.

2 Make the smoked paprika-lime sauce:

In a bowl, combine the garlic paste, mayonnaise, half the smoked paprika and the juice of 1 lime wedge; stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Make the smoked paprika-lime sauce:
Coat the squash:
3 Coat the squash:

Place ¼ of the rice flour in a large bowl and add the squash pieces. Season with salt and pepper and toss to thoroughly coat.

4 Make the batter:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining rice flour, remaining smoked paprika and ¾ cup of water to create a thin batter. Season with salt and pepper. (If the batter starts to thicken, add up to ¼ cup of water to maintain a thin consistency.)

Make the batter:
Batter & cook the squash:
5 Batter & cook the squash:

In a large pan, heat a thin layer of oil on medium-high until hot. Working in batches, dip the coated squash in the batter (letting any excess drip off). Once the oil is hot enough that a drop of batter sizzles immediately when added to the pan, carefully add the battered squash. Cook 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until crispy and golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; immediately season with salt. Carefully discard any excess oil. Wipe out the pan.

6 Toast the tortillas & plate your dish:

Heat the pan used to cook the squash on medium-high until hot. Working in batches, add the tortillas. Toast 30 seconds to 1 minute per side, or until lightly browned and pliable. Transfer to a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Divide the toasted tortillas between 2 plates, layering 2 tortillas together for each taco. Spread each taco with a layer of the smoked paprika-lime sauce. Top with the cooked squash, avocado, onion and queso fresco (crumbling before adding). Garnish with the cilantro and remaining lime wedges. Enjoy!

Toast the tortillas & plate your dish:
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