If you’re craving a burst of vibrant flavors that will transport you straight to a sunny beach, then this Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe is your new best friend. Juicy shrimp marinated in a spiced jerk blend meet the sweet and tangy freshness of pineapple salsa, wrapped in warm tortillas for a taco experience that’s as colorful as it is delicious. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and zest, making this dish an irresistible crowd-pleaser whether you’re whipping it up for a casual weeknight or a festive gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, vibrant ingredients that come together effortlessly to create layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to add a special touch—whether it’s the warmth of the spices or the brightness of fresh pineapple and herbs, all working harmoniously.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, providing tender seafood goodness that soaks up the jerk marinade beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the shrimp and adds a smooth richness when cooked.
- 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning: The essential spice blend that delivers spicy, smoky, and aromatic notes to the shrimp.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice: Adds warm, sweet undertones typical of Caribbean flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts savory depth without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A hint of sweetness and earthiness to balance spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme: For a bright, herbaceous note that lifts the entire dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar: Brings out caramel hints to counter the heat.
- Juice of 1 lime: Infuses tangy freshness that enhances all other flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season perfectly according to your preference.
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced: Offers juicy sweetness and tropical flair to the salsa.
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped: Adds crisp texture and a mild bite.
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped: Fresh herbaceous zest that brightens the salsa.
- 1 small jalapeño, seeds removed and finely chopped (optional): A kick of heat for those who love it spicy.
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional): Adds a gentle sweetness to balance the tart lime.
- 8 small soft corn or flour tortillas: The perfect vessel to hold all these delicious ingredients together.
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional): For a creamy finish that cools the spice.
- Lime wedges: For an extra splash of brightness when serving.
How to Make Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Jerk Marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, jerk seasoning, allspice, garlic powder, cinnamon, thyme, brown sugar, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This marinade will infuse your shrimp with an irresistible blend of spicy and sweet Caribbean flavors, setting the stage for the rest of the recipe.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into the marinade and toss to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Let them rest for at least 15 to 20 minutes so they soak up all the wonderful spices, becoming juicy and flavorful.
Step 3: Make the Pineapple Salsa
While the shrimp are marinating, combine the diced fresh pineapple, finely chopped red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño if you like a bit of extra spice. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mix, stir well, and add honey if you want a touch more sweetness. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This salsa will provide a bright, fresh contrast to the rich jerk shrimp.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the marinated shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Their color will change to a brilliant pink, and the shrimp will become firm but still tender—be careful not to overcook as shrimp can dry out quickly.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
Warm your tortillas in a dry pan or microwave until soft and pliable. Lay 2 to 3 cooked shrimp on each tortilla, then top with a generous spoonful of the pineapple salsa. If you like, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice to elevate the layers of flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once assembled, serve these tantalizing tacos immediately with extra lime wedges on the side. The combination of smoky, spicy shrimp and sweet, tangy pineapple salsa is simply unbeatable and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
How to Serve Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
To make your tacos truly shine, consider adding thinly sliced radishes for crunch, extra cilantro for fresh herbal brightness, or even a drizzle of creamy avocado crema. Each garnish adds textural complexity and a touch of personal flair that takes your serving presentation up a notch.
Side Dishes
Complement the tacos with light and refreshing sides such as a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette, black bean and corn salad, or a simple side of lime-infused rice. These help balance the spices and add some wholesome substance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve your Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe on a wooden board garnished with tropical leaves or colorful flowers. You can also present the pineapple salsa in a hollowed-out pineapple bowl to emphasize the tropical theme—fun and festive for parties or casual gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, place the cooked shrimp and pineapple salsa separately in airtight containers and refrigerate. Keeping them separate prevents the shrimp from becoming soggy and ensures the salsa stays fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
While shrimp taste best fresh, you can freeze the cooked jerk shrimp for up to 2 months by storing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze the pineapple salsa separately if possible to preserve texture and flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat the shrimp, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, taking care not to overcook. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubberiness. The pineapple salsa is best served cold or at room temperature for maximum freshness.
FAQs
Can I make the jerk seasoning from scratch?
Absolutely! You can easily mix your own jerk spice blend using ingredients like allspice, cinnamon, thyme, garlic powder, and chili powder. This way, you can adjust the heat and flavor to suit your taste perfectly.
Is it necessary to peel and devein the shrimp?
Peeling and deveining the shrimp improves texture and taste. It also makes eating the tacos neater and more enjoyable, so it’s highly recommended for the best experience.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thoroughly thaw and pat them dry before marinating. This helps the marinade adhere better and ensures even cooking.
What type of tortillas work best for these tacos?
Both soft corn and flour tortillas are fantastic options. Corn tortillas add a bit of traditional earthy flavor, while flour tortillas are softer and sweeter—choose based on your preference.
Can I prepare the pineapple salsa in advance?
Definitely! The salsa tastes even better when it has some time to meld flavors. Prepare it a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated, but add fresh cilantro just before serving to maintain its brightness.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe enough—it’s a joyful explosion of flavors that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re new to cooking seafood or a seasoned taco lover, this dish will brighten your table and delight your taste buds. So go ahead, gather these fresh ingredients and make a meal that’s both a celebration and a comforting favorite rolled into one!
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Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa offer a vibrant and tropical twist on traditional tacos. Featuring succulent shrimp marinated in a spicy jerk seasoning blend, perfectly pan-seared, and topped with a fresh, zesty pineapple salsa, these tacos deliver bold flavors with a hint of sweetness and heat. Ideal for a quick weeknight meal or entertaining guests, this recipe balances spicy, sweet, and tangy notes in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Jerk Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pineapple Salsa:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, seeds removed and finely chopped (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 8 small soft corn or flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Jerk Shrimp: In a bowl, combine olive oil, jerk seasoning, ground allspice, garlic powder, ground cinnamon, ground thyme, brown sugar, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create the marinade.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 15 to 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Make the Pineapple Salsa: In a separate bowl, mix together the diced pineapple, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño if using.
- Flavor the Salsa: Squeeze the juice of one lime over the salsa mixture and stir to combine. Add honey if desired for extra sweetness and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Heat the Cooking Pan: Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the shrimp.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the marinated shrimp to the hot pan. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
- Warm the Tortillas: Gently warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable and heated through.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place 2 to 3 cooked shrimp on each warmed tortilla.
- Add Pineapple Salsa: Top each taco with a generous spoonful of the fresh pineapple salsa.
- Optional Garnishes: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra zing if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the jerk shrimp tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing. Enjoy the tropical, flavorful experience!
Notes
- Marinate shrimp for at least 15-20 minutes but no longer than 30 minutes to avoid toughening.
- Adjust the heat level by adding or omitting jalapeño in the salsa.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option or flour tortillas for a softer texture.
- If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple (well-drained) can be substituted in a pinch.
- For a spicier kick, add extra jerk seasoning or a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp marinade.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt garnish is optional but complements the heat and acidity nicely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Caribbean
