If you are craving something vibrant, zesty, and bursting with tropical flavors, you will absolutely fall in love with this Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe. It combines the smoky, spicy heat of jerk-seasoned shrimp with the sweet, tangy freshness of pineapple salsa all wrapped up in a soft, warm tortilla. Every bite is a delightful dance of bold spices and juicy sweetness that feels like a beach vacation on your plate. Trust me, once you try these tacos, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to dishes for easy entertaining or spicing up a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe plays an important role, from the fiery jerk spices that build deep flavor to the bright pineapple salsa that adds juicy contrast and color. The best part? Most are simple pantry staples or fresh produce you can find year-round, so whipping these up is easy and totally satisfying.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish with a naturally sweet, delicate flavor perfect for absorbing the jerk marinade.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the seasoning cling to the shrimp and keeps them juicy while cooking.
- 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning: Brings the signature Caribbean spice blend full of heat and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice: Adds warm, slightly sweet notes that perfectly complement the shrimp.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts savory depth without overpowering other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides subtle warmth and a hint of sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme: Offers an earthy herbal undertone typical of jerk seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar: Balances the heat with a touch of caramelized sweetness.
- Juice of 1 lime (for marinade): Adds brightness and helps tenderize the shrimp.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced: Sweet, juicy pineapple is key for that tropical pineapple salsa punch.
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped: Adds a crisp bite and mild sharpness to the salsa.
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped: Brings fresh herbaceous notes that brighten the salsa.
- 1 small jalapeño, seeds removed and finely chopped (optional): For those who love a little extra heat in the salsa.
- Juice of 1 lime (for salsa): Provides tangy lift to the pineapple salsa’s flavors.
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional): A little sweetener helps round out the salsa and soften the acidity.
- Salt and pepper to taste (for salsa): Balances all the fresh salsa ingredients perfectly.
- 8 small soft corn or flour tortillas: Choose your favorite to wrap up the flavors; warming them makes all the difference.
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional): Adds creamy coolness to contrast with the spicy shrimp and tangy salsa.
- Lime wedges (for serving): Squeezing fresh lime juice just before eating heightens every vibrant flavor.
How to Make Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Jerk Shrimp Marinade
Start by mixing olive oil, jerk seasoning, allspice, garlic powder, cinnamon, thyme, brown sugar, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This marinade is the magical blend that coats and infuses the shrimp with layers of warm spices and tangy brightness. Stir it well to make sure all those flavors will evenly cover the shrimp.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade bowl and toss everything together so every shrimp is beautifully coated. Let them sit for 15 to 20 minutes to soak up the flavor. This short marination time is just perfect to let the spices penetrate without making the shrimp tough.
Step 3: Make the Pineapple Salsa
While the shrimp marinates, combine diced pineapple, chopped red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño in a separate bowl. Squeeze in the juice of one lime and toss everything together. If you want a touch more sweetness, stir in a tablespoon of honey. Add salt and pepper to taste to find that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy that makes the salsa shine.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Place the marinated shrimp on the pan and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a lovely pink color and opaque flesh—overcooking will make the shrimp rubbery, so keep a close eye. As soon as they’re done, take them off the heat and get ready to assemble.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave just until soft and pliable—this makes folding and rolling your tacos a breeze and enhances their flavor.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
Place 2 to 3 shrimp on each tortilla, then pile on a generous spoonful of the pineapple salsa. For an extra creamy layer, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice to make every bite sparkle with brightness.
How to Serve Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped cilantro leaves, extra lime wedges, or a sprinkle of thinly sliced jalapeños amplify the fresh, vibrant flavors. Adding a small drizzle of hot sauce also gives a nice kick if you love your tacos spicy. These finishing touches bring visual appeal and elevate every single bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these tacos with light, complementary sides like a crisp green salad, black beans and rice, or even grilled corn on the cob. These sides won’t overpower the bold shrimp and salsa but enhance the tropical, casual feel of the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these at a gathering, consider setting up a taco bar with extra toppings like diced avocado, chopped red cabbage for crunch, and various salsas. Lay out all the ingredients so guests can build their own perfect Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa. It’s interactive, fun, and makes the meal feel super special without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, keep the shrimp and pineapple salsa separate in airtight containers in the fridge. The shrimp will stay delicious for up to 2 days, while the salsa can last about 3 days, maintaining its fresh, tangy flavor.
Freezing
Freezing cooked jerk shrimp is possible but not ideal for the pineapple salsa, as freezing will affect its texture and freshness. If freezing shrimp, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and use within 1 month for the best flavor.
Reheating
To reheat cooked shrimp, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat just until warmed through to avoid toughness. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep their firm yet tender texture. Serve immediately after reheating with freshly prepared or reserved pineapple salsa for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp—just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating. This helps the marinade cling better and ensures even cooking.
Is jerk seasoning very spicy?
Jerk seasoning can be spicy, but the heat level varies by brand or recipe. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less seasoning and adjust to taste. The pineapple salsa helps balance the heat nicely.
Can I make the pineapple salsa ahead of time?
Absolutely. The pineapple salsa can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated to let the flavors meld. Just give it a gentle stir before serving.
What type of tortillas work best for these tacos?
Either soft corn or flour tortillas work well; it comes down to personal preference. Warming softens them and makes folding easier without cracking.
Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
Sure! Chicken or firm white fish can be great alternatives, but cooking times may vary. Make sure to marinate and cook thoroughly for the best flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe is a joyful celebration of flavors that’s easy enough for a quick dinner but impressive enough for guests. The balance of smoky, spicy shrimp with bright, sweet pineapple salsa wrapped in a soft tortilla creates such a satisfying and vibrant meal. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a cherished favorite to keep on rotation. I truly hope you enjoy every flavorful bite as much as I do!
Print
Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 tacos per serving)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Description
These Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa are a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a quick, tropical-inspired meal. Succulent shrimp are marinated in a spicy jerk seasoning blend, then pan-seared to perfection and served in soft tortillas topped with a refreshing pineapple salsa. Garnished with creamy sour cream or Greek yogurt and zesty lime wedges, these tacos offer a delicious balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors that make for an impressive yet easy-to-make dinner.
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, ground cinnamon, ground thyme, brown sugar, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture well to create the marinade.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade bowl and toss to coat all the shrimp evenly. Let them marinate for at least 15 to 20 minutes to absorb the bold flavors.
- Make the Pineapple Salsa: In a separate bowl, mix diced fresh pineapple, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño if using. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the salsa ingredients and stir well.
- Season the Salsa: Add honey if desired for additional sweetness, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the salsa aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
- Warm the Tortillas: While the shrimp cook, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a soft and pliable texture.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place 2 to 3 cooked shrimp on each tortilla, then top with a generous spoonful of pineapple salsa for a sweet and tangy crunch.
- Add Garnish: Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to add creaminess, and squeeze some fresh lime juice over the tacos for a zesty finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the jerk shrimp tacos immediately with extra lime wedges on the side to brighten each bite. Enjoy your tropical, flavor-packed tacos!
Notes
- For extra heat, keep the jalapeño seeds in the salsa or add more jalapeño.
- If you don’t have jerk seasoning on hand, you can make a quick blend using paprika, cayenne, thyme, and allspice.
- Use soft corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, or flour tortillas for a softer texture.
- Marinating the shrimp longer than 20 minutes is fine, but avoid marinating more than 1 hour as the acid from lime juice can start to cook the shrimp.
- Sour cream can be replaced with Greek yogurt for a healthier, protein-packed alternative.
