If you’re craving a vibrant explosion of tropical flavors wrapped in a warm tortilla, you have to try this Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of spicy, sweet, and tangy notes that come together beautifully—the succulent jerk-seasoned shrimp mingling with fresh pineapple salsa creates a taste escape that’s as colorful as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, these tacos are sure to become an instant favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe uses simple yet impactful ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Fresh shrimp, aromatic spices, and the brightness of pineapple salsa come together to create an unforgettable seafood taco experience.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up the jerk marinade.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the seasonings cling to the shrimp and prevents sticking during cooking.
- 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning: Adds the signature spicy, smoky flavor essential for authentic jerk taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice: Provides a warm, slightly sweet depth to the marinade.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a subtle garlic punch without overpowering the other spices.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A hint of warmth that enhances the complexity of the jerk seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme: Infuses an earthy, herbal note that’s characteristic of Caribbean cooking.
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
- Juice of 1 lime: Adds a bright acidity that lifts all the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to season and bring all ingredients together perfectly.
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced: Sweet and juicy, it pairs beautifully with the spicy shrimp.
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped: Adds a slight sharpness and crunch to the salsa.
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped: Brings fresh, citrusy herbal notes that brighten the salsa.
- 1 small jalapeño, seeds removed and finely chopped (optional): Gives an optional extra kick for those who love some heat.
- Juice of 1 lime: Used again to season the salsa with freshness.
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional): Adds smooth sweetness to balance the tartness and spice in the salsa.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Necessary to season the salsa perfectly.
- 8 small soft corn or flour tortillas: The perfect vessel to hold all those bold flavors together.
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional): Provides creaminess and cools down the spice.
- Lime wedges (for serving): For an extra squeeze of zesty brightness just before eating.
How to Make Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Jerk Shrimp Marinade
Start by combining the 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 that unmistakeable jerk flavor—a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and tanginess that sets the stage for everything to come.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat every piece evenly in the marinade. Let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes so the shrimp can soak up all that bold, delicious flavor—trust me, this step makes all the difference.
Step 3: Make the Pineapple Salsa
While the shrimp marinates, mix together the diced pineapple, finely chopped red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño if you’re using it. This salsa is going to bring a fresh, zingy, and slightly sweet contrast to the spicy shrimp.
Step 4: Season the Salsa
Squeeze the juice of a lime over your salsa mixture, add honey if you want a touch more sweetness, and then season with salt and pepper to taste. Set this vibrant sidekick aside and let those flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re pink, opaque, and perfectly juicy. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can turn rubbery fast—you want just that tender bite.
Step 6: Warm the Tortillas
While the shrimp cooks, warm your tortillas either in a dry skillet or quickly in the microwave. Warm tortillas enhance the texture and flavor experience, making every bite just right.
Step 7: Assemble the Tacos
Place 2-3 shrimp on each tortilla, then top with a generous spoonful of the pineapple salsa. For an extra touch of creaminess, you can add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and finish each taco with a fresh squeeze of lime juice to enhance all those layered flavors.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your freshly assembled tacos immediately, accompanied by lime wedges on the side. Dig in and let the tropical, spicy, and sweet flavors whisk you away—these tacos are pure joy on a plate.
How to Serve Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate your Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe to restaurant-quality. Fresh cilantro sprigs, a scatter of finely chopped red onion, or an extra drizzle of sour cream or Greek yogurt will add texture, coolness, and a pop of color that makes the dish visually irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pairing the tacos with sides that highlight the Caribbean vibe is a great way to round out your meal. Think coconut rice, black beans, or even a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. These sides complement the bold spices of the jerk shrimp and the zesty pineapple salsa perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these at a party or want to impress friends, try creating a DIY taco bar with bowls of toppings like avocado slices, pickled red onions, shredded lettuce, and various salsas. It’s fun, interactive, and lets everyone customize their Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe exactly how they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp and pineapple salsa can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days without losing their vibrant flavors and textures. Keep your tortillas separately wrapped to prevent them from drying out and becoming stiff.
Freezing
While fresh is best for this Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe, you can freeze the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month. Pineapple salsa is best made fresh, so avoid freezing it as it will become watery upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat just until heated through—avoid microwaving for too long as shrimp can get rubbery fast. Warm your tortillas separately, then assemble with fresh pineapple salsa for the best flavor and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating so the flavors stick well and the shrimp cook evenly.
Is there a non-spicy option for the salsa?
Yes! Simply omit the jalapeño from the pineapple salsa and you’ll still have a wonderfully fresh and flavorful topping for your tacos.
Can I prepare the jerk seasoning at home?
Definitely! Making your own jerk seasoning lets you customize the spice levels and flavors. Common ingredients include allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chili powder.
What if I don’t have corn tortillas?
Flour tortillas work just as well and add a softness that pairs wonderfully, though corn tortillas provide a bit more traditional texture and flavor.
How long should I marinate the shrimp?
While 15-20 minutes is enough for great flavor infusion, you can marinate shrimp for up to an hour if you want a bolder taste. Avoid longer than that as the acid in the lime juice can start to cook the shrimp.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe enough if you want a dish that feels like a mini getaway with every bite. It’s easy, fast, and packed with layers of exciting flavors that will make you crave it again and again. So grab those ingredients, fire up your stove, and enjoy a little tropical magic in your own kitchen tonight!
Print
Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Description
These Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa are a vibrant, tropical twist on classic tacos. Featuring succulent shrimp marinated in a spicy jerk seasoning blend and perfectly seared in a skillet, these tacos are topped with a fresh, sweet-and-spicy pineapple salsa and creamy sour cream or Greek yogurt for balance. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is a delightful combination of smoky, sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that bring a taste of the Caribbean to your table.
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, for extra heat)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for added sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly
- 8 small soft corn or flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Jerk Shrimp: In a bowl, combine olive oil, jerk seasoning, ground allspice, garlic powder, cinnamon, 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 and toss to coat evenly. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Make the Pineapple Salsa: In a separate bowl, combine the diced fresh pineapple, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño if using for a bit of heat.
- Add Lime Juice and Sweetener: Squeeze the juice of one lime over the salsa and stir. Add honey if you prefer a sweeter salsa. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Heat the Pan: Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat to get it hot and ready for cooking the shrimp.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the marinated shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become tough.
- Warm the Tortillas: Warm the corn or flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place 2-3 cooked shrimp on each warmed tortilla. Top each with a generous spoonful of the pineapple salsa.
- Add Garnish: Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and a squeeze of lime juice for bright acidity.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for additional zest. Enjoy your flavorful jerk shrimp tacos!
Notes
- Marinate the shrimp for at least 15 minutes but no longer than 1 hour to maintain the texture.
- If you prefer more heat, keep the jalapeño seeds or add extra chili.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor in both the marinade and salsa.
- For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas and ensure the jerk seasoning doesn’t contain gluten.
- Leftover pineapple salsa can be refrigerated for up to 2 days but is best fresh.
