If you’re craving a burst of bold flavors, these Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa are about to become your new favorite dish. The smoky, spicy jerk seasoning perfectly complements the sweet and tangy pineapple salsa, creating a taco experience that will have you coming back for more. Trust me, you’re going to love these – they’re vibrant, refreshing, and just the right amount of heat.
Why You’ll Love Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
This recipe isn’t just about a meal—it’s about setting the stage for a delicious celebration. Whether you’re having a casual dinner with friends or making taco night feel extra special, this dish will hit the spot. Here’s why it’s a fan favorite:
Versatile: You can enjoy these tacos as a light dinner, a snack, or even serve them at a backyard BBQ. They’re easy to put together but always impress!
Budget-Friendly: Shrimp might seem fancy, but this dish can easily fit into your weekly budget without sacrificing flavor.
Quick and Easy: You won’t need hours to whip this up. In just 30 minutes, you can be enjoying the ultimate taco.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings—avocado, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime. This recipe lets you adjust the heat level and add your own flair.
Crowd-Pleasing: I’m telling you, everyone from kids to adults will fall in love with these tacos. The sweet pineapple salsa balances the spice of the jerk seasoning perfectly, making it a dish that satisfies all kinds of taste buds.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of these tacos: the combination of bold jerk flavors with a refreshing salsa is what makes them unforgettable. Let’s break it down:
Shrimp: The shrimp is the star of the show here. The juicy, tender shrimp soaks up the jerk seasoning and takes on a smoky, spicy kick.
Jerk Seasoning: Packed with spices, the jerk seasoning adds a flavorful punch to the shrimp. It’s a perfect balance of heat and smokiness.
Pineapple: The sweetness of pineapple in the salsa contrasts beautifully with the spice of the shrimp, giving you that perfect sweet-and-spicy bite.
Red Onion & Cilantro: The red onion gives a bit of crunch and sharpness to the salsa, while cilantro adds a fresh burst of flavor.
Tortillas: Soft tortillas are the perfect vessel for all these delicious fillings, holding everything together while letting the shrimp and salsa shine.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
Start by preheating your grill or stovetop pan to medium-high heat. This ensures the shrimp cook quickly and evenly while developing that beautiful char.
Prepare the Pineapple Salsa
In a bowl, combine your chopped pineapple, red onion, and cilantro. Squeeze in some fresh lime juice and toss it all together. The pineapple salsa is simple but adds a burst of flavor that complements the spicy shrimp.
Season the Shrimp
Toss your shrimp in the jerk seasoning, making sure each piece is coated evenly. If you like it extra spicy, feel free to add a little more jerk seasoning or even some hot sauce.
Cook the Shrimp
Place the seasoned shrimp on the preheated grill or in your hot pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and are slightly charred on the outside.
Warm the Tortillas
While the shrimp is cooking, warm your tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side, just to make them soft and pliable.
Assemble the Tacos
Once everything is ready, start by laying the shrimp in the center of each tortilla. Top it with a generous scoop of pineapple salsa.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side. These tacos are best enjoyed fresh, so don’t wait too long to dive in!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
(Note: Nutrition facts may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
These tacos pair wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve with a side of Mexican street corn or a simple salad for a fresh, light meal.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole to each taco for a creamy contrast to the spice.
- Pair with a chilled margarita or ice-cold beer for the ultimate taco night!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Make it ahead: You can marinate the shrimp in the jerk seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavors even more.
- Taco fillings: Feel free to add extra toppings like avocado, lettuce, or a drizzle of ranch dressing to make the tacos even more indulgent.
- Adjust the heat: If you’re not a fan of too much spice, reduce the amount of jerk seasoning or add a bit of honey to the pineapple salsa to balance the heat.
FAQ’s
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and pat the shrimp dry before seasoning them.
- What if I don’t have jerk seasoning? You can make your own jerk seasoning by combining spices like allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
- Can I substitute the pineapple in the salsa? You can use mango or papaya for a different fruity twist in the salsa.
- How can I make these tacos spicier? Add more jerk seasoning, or include a sliced jalapeño in the pineapple salsa.
- Can I use hard taco shells instead of tortillas? Sure, but soft tortillas are usually preferred for these tacos to make them easier to fold.
- Can I grill the shrimp instead of pan-frying them? Absolutely! Grilling the shrimp adds a delicious smoky flavor to the dish.
- How do I store leftovers? Store the shrimp and salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Can I make the salsa ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the salsa a few hours ahead of time to let the flavors meld.
- Can I use chicken instead of shrimp? Yes, chicken breasts or thighs would work just as well with the jerk seasoning.
- What are other good toppings for these tacos? Try adding avocado slices, shredded lettuce, or a drizzle of spicy mayo for extra flavor.
Conclusion
These Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa are a delicious, flavorful, and fun meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The spicy shrimp and sweet pineapple salsa create a balance of flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether it’s taco night or a casual dinner, these tacos are sure to impress!
Print
Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Main Course
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Ingredients
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1/2 cup pineapple, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, diced
– 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– 8 small tortillas
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, hot sauce
Instructions
1. In a bowl, toss shrimp with jerk seasoning and olive oil. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the pineapple salsa: In a separate bowl, combine pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Heat a large pan over medium heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Warm the tortillas in a pan or microwave.
5. Assemble tacos: Place shrimp on each tortilla, top with pineapple salsa and any optional toppings.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, add a drizzle of sour cream or guacamole on top of the tacos.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 120mg