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
Scale
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
