How to Make Zesty Shrimp Tacos with Fresh Pineapple Salsa

Simple Summary

Delicious shrimp tacos topped with a vibrant pineapple salsa, offering a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors with a tropical twist.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 (2 tacos per serving)
• Difficulty: Beginner

Ingredients

For the shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime

For the pineapple salsa:

• 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

For assembly:

• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Let marinate for 15 minutes.

2. While the shrimp marinates, prepare the pineapple salsa. In a medium bowl, combine diced pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt to taste. Set aside.

3. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame for about 30 seconds per side.

5. To assemble the tacos, place a warm tortilla on a plate. Add 3-4 cooked shrimp, top with a generous spoonful of pineapple salsa, a slice of avocado, and a dollop of sour cream.

6. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.

Chef's Notes

• For a spicier version, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp marinade.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure you're using 100% corn tortillas.
• The pineapple salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours for even better flavor.
• If fresh pineapple isn't available, canned pineapple chunks (drained) can be used as a substitute.
• For a healthier option, you can grill the shrimp on skewers instead of pan-frying.

Nutritional Info

Per serving (2 tacos): Approximately 380 calories, 25g protein, 35g carbohydrates, 18g fat. These tacos are high in protein from the shrimp, and offer healthy fats from the avocado. The pineapple provides vitamin C and manganese, while the corn tortillas add fiber to the meal.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of black beans or Mexican-style rice for a complete meal.
• Pair with a chilled Mexican beer or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
• For a festive touch, serve with a pitcher of homemade margaritas.
• Garnish the plate with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a pop of color.
• Set up a taco bar for casual entertaining, allowing guests to assemble their own tacos.