Description
These Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa offer a tropical and flavorful twist on classic tacos. Juicy shrimp marinated in vibrant jerk spices are quickly pan-cooked and paired with a refreshing pineapple salsa, creating a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors. Served on warm soft tortillas and optionally garnished with creamy sour cream or Greek yogurt, these tacos are a quick, vibrant meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
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
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 for added sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- 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 thoroughly to create the marinade.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade bowl and toss until the shrimp are evenly coated. Let them marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Make the Pineapple Salsa: In a separate bowl, mix the diced pineapple, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño if using.
- Add Lime and Sweetness to Salsa: Squeeze the juice of one lime over the salsa mixture and stir. Add honey if desired for a touch of extra sweetness, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the salsa aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the marinated shrimp onto the hot pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque, taking care not to overcook.
- Warm the Tortillas: While the shrimp cooks, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable and warm.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place 2-3 cooked shrimp on each tortilla. Top each with a generous spoonful of pineapple salsa.
- Add Garnishes: Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top of the salsa for creaminess. Squeeze additional lime juice over the tacos for an extra zing.
- Serve: Serve the finished jerk shrimp tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing. Enjoy your fresh, vibrant tacos!
Notes
- Marinate shrimp for at least 15 minutes to allow flavor penetration but avoid much longer to prevent the lime juice from cooking the shrimp.
- You can make the pineapple salsa ahead of time and refrigerate to enhance the flavors.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity or omit for mild heat preference.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- To keep it healthier, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Be careful not to overcook shrimp; they cook quickly and become tough if overdone.
