If you’re craving a burst of tropical flavor paired with a spicy kick, you’re going to love Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa. This dish packs a punch with succulent shrimp, bold jerk seasoning, and sweet, juicy pineapple, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Perfect for lively weeknight dinners or impressing your friends at a summery get-together, these tacos bring Caribbean flair straight to your kitchen in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa is how it transforms a few simple ingredients into a rainbow of flavor and color. Every item adds a special dimension—whether it’s heat, crunch, freshness, or zest—so don’t skip on sourcing the best produce and shrimp you can find.
- Shrimp: Get large shrimp, peeled and deveined, for juicy bites and easy eating.
- Olive Oil: Helps the jerk seasoning stick and gives the shrimp an extra golden-seared finish.
- Jerk Seasoning: The heart of the dish, delivering those classic Caribbean spices—smoky, spicy, and complex.
- Salt and Pepper: Enhances every other flavor in the tacos.
- Pineapple: Choose fresh, ripe pineapple for max sweetness in the salsa (canned just isn’t the same here!).
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds juicy crunch and beautiful red color.
- Red Onion: For sharp bite and extra crispness in each mouthful.
- Jalapeño: Gives the salsa a gentle heat—leave the seeds in for more spice, or out for less.
- Lime Juice: The citrusy brightness ties everything together and keeps the salsa vibrant.
- Fresh Cilantro: Adds a garden-fresh, herbal lift to the salsa.
- Tortillas: Both flour and corn work—warm them for maximum softness and flavor.
- Lime Wedges: A final squeeze enlivens the whole taco.
- Shredded Cabbage or Lettuce (optional): Perfect for extra crunch or stretching out the tacos for a crowd.
How to Make Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Step 1: Mix Up the Pineapple Salsa
Begin by combining the diced pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, and give it a good stir until everything looks beautifully mixed and juicy. Set the salsa aside—letting it sit for a few minutes helps the flavors meld and taste even better.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry and place them in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, generous jerk seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Toss the shrimp until every single one is thoroughly coated. The spices should cling to the shrimp, promising loads of flavor in each bite.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes on each side, turning once, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and just cooked through. Avoid overcooking—they only need a few minutes to become tender and juicy!
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
While the shrimp are cooking, warm your tortillas. You can heat them in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side, or microwave in a clean towel for soft, steamy tortillas. Warming not only makes them tastier, it keeps them pliable for filling.
Step 5: Assemble Your Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Now comes the fun part. Layer a few sizzling shrimp into each tortilla, spoon over a generous topping of pineapple salsa, and add any optional shredded cabbage or lettuce for crunch. Serve the tacos immediately, with extra lime wedges on the side for anyone who loves a zesty finish.
How to Serve Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Garnishes
To really make your Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa pop, scatter over fresh cilantro leaves, paper-thin radish slices, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for a touch of whimsy and extra texture. Lime wedges are a must—squeeze them right before eating to unlock all the bright flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve your tacos alongside cool sides like coconut rice, creamy avocado slices, or a crisp green salad. Black beans or fried plantains round out the Caribbean-inspired vibe and keep dinner colorful and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Lay your tacos out on a big platter, layered over a banana leaf for pure tropical flare. Or try serving each taco in a taco holder for a festive, party-ready feel. For a patio dinner, set up a taco bar so everyone can build their Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa just how they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftover shrimp or pineapple salsa, store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salsa will last two days and the shrimp up to three—combine them just before serving to keep everything tasting bright and fresh.
Freezing
While the pineapple salsa doesn’t freeze well (the texture turns watery), cooked shrimp freezes beautifully. Spread them out in a single layer to freeze, then transfer to a bag for up to one month. Simply thaw and reheat when you’re ready for tacos again.
Reheating
Reheat your jerk shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave just until warmed through—overheating can make them rubbery. Always add salsa and greens fresh after reheating for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa?
Absolutely! Just thaw them fully, pat dry, and then proceed with seasoning and cooking. Frozen shrimp are convenient and work perfectly for this recipe.
What’s the best jerk seasoning to use?
Your favorite store-bought jerk seasoning works great and saves time. If you love making things from scratch, blend together allspice, thyme, garlic, scotch bonnet (or habanero), cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little brown sugar for homemade flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa are flavorful and spicy, but you can control the heat. Use less jerk seasoning or remove jalapeño seeds for a milder version, or add extra for a hotter kick.
Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?
Definitely! Prepare the pineapple salsa and shrimp in advance (store separately), then quickly assemble the tacos right before serving for maximum freshness and crowd-pleasing color.
What can I substitute for shrimp?
Chicken strips or even tofu cubes work very well—just toss them in jerk seasoning and cook as directed. The salsa and assembly stay the same, so vegetarians or seafood-free friends will still get all the great flavors.
Final Thoughts
Give Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa a try the next time you want to add some sunshine to your table. With their punchy jerk flavors, juicy shrimp, and tropical salsa, they’re pure happiness in a tortilla. Make a batch, gather some friends, and let every bite transport you to the islands!