Get ready to experience the vibrant, bold flavors of the Caribbean with these Jerk Shrimp Tacos topped with fresh, sweet pineapple salsa. The shrimp is perfectly seasoned with a spicy jerk marinade that’s full of flavor, and the pineapple salsa adds a burst of sweetness and tang. These tacos are a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making them an irresistible meal for any taco lover. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or a fun get-together, these tacos are sure to be a hit. Trust me, once you taste them, you’ll be craving more!
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Why You’ll Love Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Flavor Explosion: The jerk seasoning on the shrimp packs a punch, and when paired with the sweet and zesty pineapple salsa, the flavor combination is out of this world.
Fresh and Vibrant: The freshness of the salsa and the zesty lime drizzle give these tacos a light yet satisfying feel, perfect for those warm-weather cravings.
Quick and Easy: These tacos come together in no time! The shrimp cooks in just a few minutes, and the salsa is a breeze to make.
Versatile: Whether you’re serving them at a casual dinner or a taco night with friends, these jerk shrimp tacos will always impress.
A Taste of the Tropics: Bring the island vibes right to your kitchen. The combination of jerk seasoning and pineapple will have you daydreaming of a beachside vacation.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering tacos:
Shrimp: The star of the dish! Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp works best here.
Jerk Seasoning: This spicy and flavorful seasoning mix will coat the shrimp, giving them that signature Caribbean kick.
Olive Oil: For cooking the shrimp to perfection and ensuring they don’t stick to the pan.
Corn or Flour Tortillas: Soft tortillas that will hold all the delicious fillings. Corn tortillas give it a more traditional feel, but flour tortillas work just as well!
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a juicy, sweet contrast to the spicy shrimp.
Red Onion: A bit of sharpness to balance out the sweetness of the pineapple.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a pop of green and a burst of freshness to the salsa.
Lime: Lime juice in the salsa and for a squeeze over the tacos at the end adds a tangy kick.
Jalapeño: For a bit of heat and a nice crunch in the salsa. You can leave this out if you prefer a milder flavor.
Garlic: A little garlic adds depth to the salsa, bringing all the flavors together.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now, let’s dive into creating these incredible tacos!
Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with jerk seasoning and a little olive oil. Let the shrimp marinate for about 10-15 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Make the Pineapple Salsa: While the shrimp marinates, chop up the pineapple, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and garlic. Toss them all together in a bowl and squeeze in fresh lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and give it a good mix. Set aside.
Cook the Shrimp: Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re pink and slightly charred. Be careful not to overcook them—shrimp cooks quickly!
Warm the Tortillas: While the shrimp cooks, warm your tortillas in a dry pan or on a grill for about 30 seconds on each side, just until soft and pliable.
Assemble the Tacos: Place a few shrimp in each tortilla and top with a generous spoonful of pineapple salsa. For extra flavor, you can squeeze some lime juice over the top and add a few extra cilantro leaves if you like.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320 (varies depending on portion size)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
On Their Own: These tacos are filling enough to be enjoyed on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a side of rice, beans, or a light salad.
With a Side of Guacamole: Serve these tacos with a side of creamy guacamole and some tortilla chips for an extra hit of flavor.
With a Margarita: If you’re feeling festive, serve with a refreshing margarita or a cold glass of iced tea. The tropical flavors in the tacos complement a citrusy drink perfectly.
Additional Tips
Make it Spicy or Mild: Adjust the amount of jerk seasoning and jalapeño in the salsa to control the heat. If you prefer a milder version, just use a little less.
Taco Fillings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Add a drizzle of sour cream or avocado for a creamy contrast, or sprinkle some crumbled feta or cotija cheese on top.
Grilled Shrimp Option: If you love grilled shrimp, feel free to throw them on the grill instead of cooking them in the pan for an extra smoky flavor.
Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the shrimp and salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp in a pan, and assemble fresh tacos when you’re ready to eat.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
A1: Yes! If you prefer chicken, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces, marinate them in the jerk seasoning, and cook them until golden brown.
Q2: Can I make the salsa ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! The salsa can be made a few hours in advance or the day before. Just store it in the fridge to keep it fresh.
Q3: Can I freeze the shrimp?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the marinated shrimp before cooking. Just place the shrimp in a freezer bag and store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight and cook as usual.
Q4: Can I make this a vegetarian dish?
A4: Yes! Swap the shrimp for grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian taco option.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftover shrimp and salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp gently in a pan or microwave before assembling fresh tacos.
Q6: Can I serve these tacos with a different type of salsa?
A6: Absolutely! If pineapple salsa isn’t your thing, you can swap it for mango salsa, tomato salsa, or a classic avocado salsa instead.
Q7: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
A7: While fresh shrimp will give the best flavor and texture, you can use pre-cooked shrimp in a pinch. Just be sure to warm them through before adding them to the tacos.
Q8: How can I make these tacos spicier?
A8: If you love heat, add some extra jalapeños to the salsa or use a hotter variety of jerk seasoning. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the tacos before serving!
Q9: Can I use store-bought jerk seasoning?
A9: Yes, if you don’t have time to make your own, store-bought jerk seasoning works great for these tacos. Just make sure it has the right balance of heat and flavor.
Q10: How can I make these tacos gluten-free?
A10: To make these tacos gluten-free, simply swap out the flour tortillas for corn tortillas, which are naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
These Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa are a fresh, flavorful, and fun dish that’s perfect for any taco night. With a spicy-sweet combination of flavors and a quick, easy prep, they’re sure to become a favorite in your rotation. Whether you’re craving something tropical or just looking to try something new, these tacos will not disappoint!
Print
Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Description
Spicy and flavorful, these Jerk Shrimp Tacos bring together the heat of jerk-seasoned shrimp, the sweetness of grilled pineapple salsa, and the crunch of fresh slaw. Topped with a creamy, rummy piña colada crema, this tropical-inspired dish is perfect for easy dinner recipes, healthy recipes lunch, and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients
For the Tacos:
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1 pound (16-20 count) shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1/2 cup jerk marinade
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2 cups cabbage, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup piña colada crema (see below)
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12 small corn tortillas, warmed
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2 cups grilled pineapple salsa (with 1/2 red pepper, diced)
For the Piña Colada Crema:
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup coconut milk
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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1 tablespoon pineapple juice
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1 tablespoon rum (optional)
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1/2 teaspoon honey
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1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
For the Piña Colada Crema:
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In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, coconut milk, lime juice, pineapple juice, rum (if using), honey, and salt.
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Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
For the Shrimp:
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Marinate the shrimp in the jerk marinade for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight.
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Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
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Skewer the shrimp and grill for 1-3 minutes per side, until fully cooked. Remove from skewers.
For the Tacos:
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Toss the cabbage with half of the piña colada crema to create the slaw.
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Assemble the tacos by layering slaw on warm tortillas, followed by grilled pineapple salsa and shrimp.
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Drizzle with the remaining piña colada crema and serve immediately.
Notes
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Adjust the spice level by using mild or spicy jerk marinade.
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The shrimp can also be cooked in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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For extra flavor, toast the tortillas on the grill before assembling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tacos
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 190mg