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Irresistible Shrimp Tacos: 30 Minute Magic

Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that tastes like a vacation, you’ve GOT to try these Irresistible Shrimp Tacos With Pineapple Salsa! Seriously, the moment that sweet, tangy pineapple salsa hits those perfectly seasoned shrimp nestled in a warm tortilla… it’s pure magic. I remember making these for the first time, and my family practically inhaled them – no complaints here! It’s just one of those simple, happy meals that always hits the spot and feels a little bit special.

Why You’ll Love These Irresistible Shrimp Tacos With Pineapple Salsa

Seriously, these tacos are a total winner for so many reasons. Here’s why you should make them STAT:

  • They’re lightning fast – think dinner on the table in under 30 minutes!
  • The combination of spicy shrimp and sweet, zesty pineapple salsa is just divine.
  • It’s super fresh and light, perfect for any night of the week.
  • So incredibly easy, even if you’re just starting out in the kitchen.

Gather Your Ingredients for Irresistible Shrimp Tacos With Pineapple Salsa

Alright, time to round up everything you’ll need to make these amazing tacos! Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward stuff.

For the star attraction, the shrimp, you’ll need about 1 pound of large shrimp. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined first – nobody wants to find those little tails! You’ll also grab 1 tablespoon of olive oil to get them nice and sizzly, plus 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, and just a pinch of 1/4 teaspoon of salt and black pepper each for that perfect kick.

For the delicious salsa, grab 1 cup of fresh pineapple, all diced up nice and small. We’ll also need 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion, about 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro for that bright flavour, and the juice of 1 tablespoon of lime juice. If you’re feeling a little adventurous and want some heat, toss in 1/2 a jalapeño, finely minced (seeds removed so it’s not *too* crazy hot, unless you want it that way!).

And of course, you’ll need about 8 small corn tortillas to hold all this deliciousness. Don’t forget a little bit of shredded lettuce for crunch and maybe some sour cream or Greek yogurt for a cool, creamy finish!

Crafting the Perfect Irresistible Shrimp Tacos With Pineapple Salsa: Step-by-Step

Okay, now for the fun part – actually making these incredible tacos! It’s pretty simple, but following these steps will make sure your Irresistible Shrimp Tacos With Pineapple Salsa turn out absolutely perfect. Trust me, it’s easier than you think!

Prepare the Flavorful Shrimp

First things first, let’s get those shrimp ready for their close-up. In a medium bowl, just toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with that little bit of olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re all coated nicely! Now, heat up a big skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, carefully add the seasoned shrimp. They cook super fast – just about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll get tough! Once they’re done, slide them out of the skillet and set them aside for a sec. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try grilling them like in these other great shrimp recipes!

Close-up of two Irresistible Shrimp Tacos With Pineapple Salsa, featuring grilled shrimp and fresh pineapple salsa.

Whip Up the Vibrant Pineapple Salsa

While the shrimp are chilling, let’s make magic happen with our salsa! Grab a small bowl and toss in your diced fresh pineapple, that finely chopped red onion, the fresh cilantro, and fresh lime juice. If you’re adding that jalapeño for a little zing, now’s the time to stir it in. Give it all a good mix so all those wonderful flavors can start mingling. It’s like a party in a bowl already! You can check out another great salsa hint if you want to get fancy, but this combo is already a winner.

Close-up of two Irresistible Shrimp Tacos topped with vibrant pineapple salsa and fresh cilantro.

Warm Your Tortillas and Assemble

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Grab those corn tortillas and warm them up. You can do this a few ways – a quick zap in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel works great, or you can even warm them gently in a dry skillet over low heat for a minute or two per side. Just until they’re soft and pliable! Once they’re warm, start building your tacos. Lay a warm tortilla flat, pile on some of that perfectly cooked shrimp, then spoon over that amazing pineapple salsa. Add a little shredded lettuce for crunch, and finish it off with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to cool things down. And there you have it – pure taco perfection!

Close-up of Irresistible Shrimp Tacos With Pineapple Salsa on a wooden board, featuring grilled shrimp and fresh salsa.

Tips for Success with Your Shrimp Tacos

Alright, let’s make these shrimp tacos absolutely sing! A little trick I’ve learned is making sure your shrimp aren’t swimming in excess liquid before you season them – pat them dry first for a better sear. And while pan-searing is quick, have you ever tried grilling them? It adds this amazing smoky flavor! If you aren’t a fan of spice, just skip the jalapeño entirely in the salsa, or dial it way back. For the freshest salsa, try to use pineapple that’s ripe, not too mushy but definitely sweet. It’s these little touches that make all the difference!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Let’s chat about a couple of things in these tacos. Those small corn tortillas are pretty key for that authentic taste, but if you need gluten-free, just grab any certified gluten-free ones! They’ll work just fine. For the sour cream or Greek yogurt, if you’re keeping it dairy-free, a good drizzle of plain dairy-free yogurt or even some mashed avocado works wonders.

And for the pineapple – fresh is *always* best for that burst of flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, canned pineapple chunks (drained really well!) can totally work. Just give them a quick chop if they’re too big. It’s all about making it easy and delicious for you!

Frequently Asked Questions About Irresistible Shrimp Tacos With Pineapple Salsa

Got questions about these amazing tacos? I’ve got you covered!

Can I make the pineapple salsa ahead of time?

You absolutely can! The salsa is actually even better if it sits for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Give it a good stir before serving!

What other toppings work well with these shrimp tacos?

Oh, the possibilities! Sliced avocado or a quick guacamole is fantastic. Some creamy cotija cheese or even a drizzle of sriracha mayo can add another layer of deliciousness. A little shredded cabbage also works great for extra crunch!

How spicy are these shrimp tacos?

These tacos have a nice little kick thanks to the chili powder on the shrimp and the optional jalapeño in the salsa. Without the jalapeño, they’re pretty mild. If you want them spicier, just leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper!

Nutritional Information

Just a friendly reminder, the nutrition info below is an estimate per serving (that’s about 2 tacos). Things can add up a bit differently depending on exactly what you use!

Serving Size: 2 tacos

Calories: 350

Fat: 12g

Saturated Fat: 3g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 150mg

Sodium: 400mg

Carbohydrates: 35g

Fiber: 4g

Sugar: 10g

Protein: 25g

Print
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Close-up of Irresistible Shrimp Tacos With Pineapple Salsa, featuring grilled shrimp and vibrant salsa.

Irresistible Shrimp Tacos With Pineapple Salsa


  • Author: faironplay.com
  • Total Time: 25 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A recipe for shrimp tacos topped with a fresh pineapple salsa.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the pineapple, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño (if using). Stir to combine.
  4. Warm the tortillas according to package directions.
  5. Fill each tortilla with cooked shrimp, pineapple salsa, shredded lettuce, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can grill the shrimp instead of pan-searing.
  • Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your spice preference.
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tacos
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: shrimp tacos, pineapple salsa, seafood tacos, quick dinner, easy recipe

Recipe rating