Caribbean-Spiced Shrimp Fajitas with Tropical Salsa
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with these Caribbean-Spiced Shrimp Fajitas. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, this dish boasts a delightful medley of spicy, sweet, savory, and tangy tastes. Fresh shrimp are marinated in a zesty jerk seasoning and lime juice, then sautéed with colorful bell peppers and onions until tender and fragrant. Topped with a creamy spiced sour cream, your choice of mango or pineapple salsa, and freshly chopped cilantro, these fajitas are sure to impress. Whether enjoyed on a casual weeknight or at a festive gathering, they promise to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to paradise. Feel free to swap the shrimp for chicken or fish, or customize the salsa to your liking for a personalized touch. Enjoy every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
shrimp
1 lb (medium, raw, peeled)
lime juice
2 (juiced)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
jerk seasoning
3 tablespoons (to taste)
regular olive oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
green bell pepper
1 (sliced)
red bell pepper
1 (sliced)
onion
1 (sliced)
wine or water
1 glass (on hand for deglazing)
sour cream
1/4 cup (for sauce)
cayenne pepper
1 dash
milk
2 tablespoons
mango salsa or pineapple salsa
1/4 cup (for topping)
cilantro
3 sprigs (chopped)
large tortillas
6 (burrito size)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl or ziplock bag, combine the raw shrimp, lime juice, minced garlic, jerk seasoning, and 1 tablespoon of regular olive oil. Mix well to coat the shrimp and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2
While the shrimp is marinating, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.
3
Prepare the vegetables by slicing the green and red bell peppers, and onion. Add them to the hot pan, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4
As the vegetables soften and develop a nice brown color, prepare the sour cream condiment. In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, cayenne pepper, and milk until well combined.
5
Chop the cilantro and set aside. Open the jar of your chosen salsa and have it ready for serving.
6
Once the vegetables are nicely caramelized and a fond has developed at the bottom of the pan, add the marinated shrimp mixture to the pan. Stir to combine and cook for about 3-5 minutes until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. If the pan gets too dry, add a splash of wine, beer, or water to deglaze.
7
While the shrimp is cooking, warm the tortillas by covering them with a damp paper towel on a microwave-safe plate and heating for 1 minute.
8
To serve, scoop the shrimp and vegetable mixture onto a warm tortilla. Top with the spiced sour cream, a generous spoonful of salsa, and chopped cilantro.
9
Wrap the fajitas burrito-style and enjoy your Caribbean-Spiced Shrimp Fajitas warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in these Caribbean-Spiced Shrimp Fajitas?
The main protein is 1 lb of medium, raw, peeled shrimp.
How long should the shrimp marinate?
The shrimp should marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
What ingredients are used in the shrimp marinade?
The marinade consists of lime juice, minced garlic, jerk seasoning, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
What vegetables are included in the fajita mixture?
The recipe calls for one green bell pepper, one red bell pepper, and one onion, all sliced.
How do I make the spiced sour cream condiment?
Mix together 1/4 cup of sour cream, a dash of cayenne pepper, and 2 tablespoons of milk.
What type of salsa is recommended for this recipe?
Mango salsa or pineapple salsa is recommended to provide a tropical flavor.
What should I do if the pan gets too dry while cooking the shrimp?
You can deglaze the pan by adding a splash of wine, beer, or water.
How long do the shrimp take to cook?
The shrimp cook in about 3 to 5 minutes until they become opaque.
How should the tortillas be warmed?
Cover them with a damp paper towel on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1 minute.
What size tortillas are used for these fajitas?
The recipe specifies 6 large, burrito-sized tortillas.
Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
Yes, you can swap the shrimp for chicken or fish according to your preference.
What is the primary seasoning used for the Caribbean flavor?
Jerk seasoning is the primary spice used to create the Caribbean flavor profile.
How many garlic cloves are needed for the marinade?
You will need 3 minced garlic cloves.
What herbs are used for garnishing the fajitas?
Freshly chopped cilantro is used as a garnish.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is described as a perfect and satisfying quick weeknight dinner.
What kind of oil should be used for sautéing?
Regular olive oil is recommended, divided for the marinade and the pan.
How are the vegetables prepared before cooking?
The green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and onion should all be sliced.
What flavor profile can I expect from this dish?
The dish offers a medley of spicy, sweet, savory, and tangy tastes.
How much lime juice is required?
The juice of 2 limes is required for the recipe.
What is the purpose of adding milk to the sour cream?
The milk helps thin the sour cream into a pourable or spreadable sauce consistency.
When should the marinated shrimp be added to the pan?
Add the shrimp once the vegetables are nicely caramelized and a fond has developed at the bottom of the pan.
How much jerk seasoning is used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of jerk seasoning, or to taste.
Can I use pineapple instead of mango for the salsa?
Yes, either mango salsa or pineapple salsa works well for this tropical dish.
What does it mean to cook the vegetables until a 'fond' develops?
A fond refers to the browned bits and juices that stick to the bottom of the pan, which provide deep flavor.
How should the fajitas be folded?
The instructions suggest wrapping the fajitas burrito-style.
Is the shrimp cooked separately from the vegetables?
No, the shrimp are added directly to the pan with the sautéed vegetables to finish cooking together.
How much salsa is used per serving?
The recipe suggests a generous spoonful or about 1/4 cup total for the batch.
What is the heat level of this recipe?
It is considered spicy due to the jerk seasoning and the dash of cayenne pepper in the sour cream.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
The recipe specifically calls for raw shrimp to ensure they absorb the marinade and don't become overcooked.
What should the final texture of the shrimp be?
The shrimp should be cooked through until they are opaque and tender.