Description
Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp:
1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cumin
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Juice of 1 lime
For the Pineapple Salsa:
1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
½ cup tomato, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Salt, to taste
For the Tacos:
6 small flour or corn tortillas
Lime wedges, for serving
Additional chopped cilantro, for garnish
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Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Mix well.
Add shrimp to the bowl and toss until evenly coated. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes.
2. Make the Pineapple Salsa:
In a separate bowl, combine diced pineapple, tomato, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
3. Grill the Shrimp:
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Warm the tortillas on the grill or a dry skillet until lightly charred.
Place grilled shrimp on each tortilla. Top with pineapple salsa and garnish with additional cilantro.
5. Serve:
Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy the fresh, smoky, and sweet flavors!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results. First, ensure your shrimp are fully thawed, peeled, and deveined. Pat them completely dry with paper towels; this helps the marinade stick and promotes better searing. For the marinade, whisk the oil, spices, and lime juice in a bowl until a cohesive paste forms. Toss the shrimp thoroughly and set aside. While the shrimp marinates, prepare all your salsa ingredients, ensuring a uniform, small dice for the best texture and flavor distribution. Preheat your grill or a heavy grill pan until it’s very hot; you should be able to hold your hand a few inches above for only 3-4 seconds. Grill the shrimp in a single layer without moving them for 2 minutes to get a good sear, then flip. Warm your tortillas on the cooler edge of the grill while the shrimp rest for a minute.
Serving Suggestions
These vibrant tacos are a complete meal but can be elevated with simple sides. Serve with a side of black beans or cilantro-lime rice. For extra toppings, offer crumbled cotija cheese, sliced avocado, or a drizzle of crema or spicy mayo. A light, crisp salad or grilled street corn makes an excellent accompaniment. For beverages, pair with a cold Mexican lager, a citrusy margarita, or sparkling water with lime.
How-to Summary
In summary: Marinate dried shrimp in a spice-lime paste for 15-20 minutes. Simultaneously, combine diced pineapple, tomato, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime, and salt for the salsa. Grill the shrimp over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque. Warm tortillas on the grill. Assemble tacos by placing shrimp on tortillas, topping generously with salsa, and finishing with a squeeze of fresh lime and cilantro garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I cook the shrimp without a grill?
Absolutely. A stovetop grill pan, cast-iron skillet, or even a standard non-stick pan over medium-high heat works perfectly. The key is to get the pan hot enough to sear the shrimp quickly.
2. How can I make this recipe spicier or milder?
For more heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeño, add a pinch of cayenne to the shrimp marinade, or serve with a hot sauce. For a milder version, remove the jalapeño seeds and ribs, or omit it entirely from the salsa.
3. What’s the best way to prepare pineapple for the salsa?
Using fresh, ripe pineapple is ideal. Cut off the skin, remove the core, and dice the flesh. In a pinch, well-drained canned pineapple chunks can be used, but the texture and freshness will differ.
4. Can I marinate the shrimp longer?
It’s not recommended to marinate for more than 30 minutes. The lime juice’s acidity will start to “cook” the shrimp, resulting in a mushy texture once grilled.
5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet. Assemble tacos fresh with cold salsa to maintain the best texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-marinating the shrimp: The acid in the lime juice will break down the protein, leading to a rubbery or mushy texture. Stick to 20 minutes max.
- Using wet shrimp: Failing to pat the shrimp dry prevents proper searing and causes the shrimp to steam instead of grill.
- Overcrowding the grill/pan: This lowers the cooking temperature, causing the shrimp to release liquid and boil rather than achieving a flavorful char.
- Skipping the tortilla warm-up: Cold tortillas are more likely to crack and lack the enhanced flavor and pliability of lightly charred, warm tortillas.
Conclusion
These Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa are a celebration of contrasting flavors and textures—smoky, spicy shrimp paired with a sweet, tangy, and fresh salsa. The recipe is straightforward, quick, and highly customizable to suit any taste preference. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. The key lies in the simple prep and the vibrant, fresh ingredients. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!