Crispy Zucchini Tacos with Cherry Pepper Crema.

Guess what!

So. This was totally unintentional, but shall we celebrate the taco emoji with tacos? Because the taco emoji is now a thing. It’s here. Or it’s coming. It exists! We’ve waited oh-so long.

And.

And…

I’m a brat. You’re going to hate me.

But I’m just.

so.

… underwhelmed. It required italics. Trust me.

That’s right.

I’m underwhelmed with the taco emoji. Man!

First, I wish it was more real taco and less taco-bell taco. When I pictured the perfection that was to be the taco emoji in my brain, it was similar to the yellow corn shell with lettuce poking out and maybe some pico. Maybe even some guac. I don’t know. But we couldn’t see the exact ingredients inside which would allow our minds to wonder to all the delicious options of short ribs or pulled chicken or spicy shrimp or pineapple pork.

And therefore, work even better to describe without words our very over-styled and curated instagrams. (I miss old instagram, btw.)

Oh, but I do like that there is a taco AND a burrito! But.

It looks like a breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs. amiright????

Who is in charge of these emojis anyway?

Am I being the biggest example of a millennial brat ever? Like the person who just wants the taco emoji, then gets the taco emoji and just… can’t. That’s how millennial I am being today. I just can’t with the taco emoji.

Okay maybe I’ll go take a long walk off a short pier right now.

I mean, I get it if you want to click that big, fat X in the corner of your screen never to return here. I hate me a little bit too today.

But still… tacos? Like real tacos. Not emoji tacos. (Unfortunately though, we all know that I’d speak strictly in emoji if it was possible. Ew. And yes.)

It’s still summer and there is still tons of zucchini and lots of tomatoes to be had. Throw all those things in a soft little shell and you’ve got some perfect late summer tacos that taste all sorts of dreamy. Crumbly, fresh cheese and cherry pepper crema round out these crispy chunks of garden love and well, I’m not hating it.

Unlike that emoji. Maybe it will grow on me?

Crispy Zucchini Tacos with Cherry Pepper Crema

Yield: 4

Total Time: 45 mins

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4.67 from 3 votes

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Ingredients

for the zucchini:

• 1 large zucchini squash, cut into (2-inch) long pieces
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup seasoned panko bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil

cherry pepper crema:

• 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup half and half
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 tablespoons diced cherry peppers, plus extra, for spreading on the tortillas if you wish

for the tacos:

• 12 small corn, or flour! tortillas, warmed
• cherry tomatoes, quartered or halved
• shredded red cabbage
• thinly sliced radish
• thinly sliced scallions
• fresh cilantro
• crumbled queso fresco cheese
• lime wedges

Instructions 

for the zucchini:

• {For the zucchini, I cut mine into thirds, then cut those pieces in half and in half again one more time.)
• Start an assembly line of 3 bowls near your stovetop. In the first, place the zucchini. In the second, place the eggs. In the third, stir together the panko, flour, chili powder, salt and pepper.
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the coconut oil. Take each zucchini pieces and coat it in the egg then dredge it through the bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place it in the skillet and repeat with other pieces. You want to cook the zucchini on each side until golden brown, flipping gently when needed. Once finished, place the zucchini on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.

cherry pepper crema

• Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl until combined.

for the tacos:

• Assemble the tacos as you wish! I like to spoon some cherry peppers onto the warm tortillas before adding the zucchini. From there, I add the zucc, radish, tomatoes, cabbage, scallions, cilantro, crema, cheese and a spritz of lime.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

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I appreciate you so much!

^^^ send that to the emoji peeps.