Zesty Cactus and Shrimp Aguachile
Experience the vibrant and refreshing flavors of Zesty Cactus and Shrimp Aguachile—a delightful twist on traditional ceviche. This dish features succulent, fresh shrimp bathed in a zesty blend of lime juice and spices, served over grilled cactus leaves for a unique textural contrast. The addition of choconostle fruit adds a hint of sweetness and acidity, balancing the heat of serrano chili and enhancing the overall flavor profile. Ideal for a summer gathering or a quick, sophisticated meal, this recipe is not only delicious but showcases the best of Mexican cuisine. Prepare it fresh and savor the burst of flavors with every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon (For grilling cactus leaves)
Cactus leaves (nopales)
5 (Grilled)
Choconostle fruit
8 (Peeled)
Limes
4 (Juiced)
English cucumber
1 (Peeled, seeded, and chopped)
Serrano chili
1 (Seeded and diced)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Large shrimp
16 (Shelled, deveined, and sliced in half lengthwise)
Pomegranate seeds
to garnish (For garnish)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by preparing the cactus leaves. Heat a cast-iron pan over high heat until hot.
2
2. Once hot, sprinkle the kosher salt directly on the pan. Place the cactus leaves on the pan and grill for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they become golden brown on both sides.
3
3. Remove the grilled cactus leaves from the pan. Dice 1 cactus leaf and set it aside for garnishing.
4
4. In a blender, combine the choconostle fruit, lime juice, cucumber, and serrano chili. Blend until you achieve a coarse puree. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5
5. To assemble the dish, divide the grilled cactus leaves among 4 plates, creating a beautiful base for the shrimp.
6
6. Arrange the halved shrimp on top of the cactus leaves, ensuring they lay flat and are easily accessible.
7
7. Generously spoon the prepared aguachile mixture over the shrimp, allowing the flavors to meld.
8
8. To finish, garnish the dish with pomegranate seeds and the reserved diced grilled cactus leaf for added color and texture.
9
9. Serve immediately, allowing guests to enjoy this dish fresh and vibrant.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cactus and Shrimp Aguachile?
It is a refreshing Mexican seafood dish featuring shrimp served over grilled cactus leaves with a zesty lime, cucumber, and choconostle puree.
How many cactus leaves are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 cactus leaves, also known as nopales.
How should the shrimp be prepared?
You should use 16 large shrimp that are shelled, deveined, and sliced in half lengthwise.
What is the role of the serrano chili?
One seeded and diced serrano chili is blended into the sauce to provide a balanced heat to the dish.
How long do you grill the cactus leaves?
Grill the cactus leaves on a hot pan for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown.
What ingredients are in the blended aguachile mixture?
The mixture consists of choconostle fruit, lime juice, English cucumber, and serrano chili blended into a coarse puree.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The instructions suggest dividing the ingredients among 4 plates for individual servings.
What flavor does choconostle fruit add?
Choconostle fruit adds a unique blend of sweetness and acidity that balances the heat of the chili.
Is salt used during the grilling process?
Yes, one teaspoon of kosher salt is sprinkled directly onto the cast-iron pan before grilling the cactus.
What are the final garnishes for the dish?
The dish is garnished with pomegranate seeds and reserved diced grilled cactus leaf for color and texture.
What type of pan is recommended for grilling the cactus?
A cast-iron pan is recommended to achieve the best golden-brown finish on the cactus leaves.
How should the cucumber be prepared?
The English cucumber should be peeled, seeded, and chopped before being added to the blender.
How many limes are needed?
The recipe requires 4 limes, which should be juiced for the aguachile mixture.
What is the desired texture of the blended sauce?
The mixture should be blended until it reaches a coarse puree consistency.
Should the dish be served immediately?
Yes, it is best served immediately to ensure the ingredients are fresh and vibrant.
What is the count of large shrimp used?
The recipe specifies using 16 large shrimp.
Is black pepper used in the seasoning?
Yes, freshly ground black pepper is used to season the puree to taste.
What serves as the base of the dish?
The grilled cactus leaves are used as a beautiful and edible base for the shrimp on each plate.
How many choconostle fruits are needed?
The recipe requires 8 peeled choconostle fruits.
Is this dish similar to ceviche?
Yes, it is described as a delightful twist on traditional ceviche featuring unique Mexican ingredients.
What happens to the fifth cactus leaf?
One of the five grilled cactus leaves is diced and used specifically for garnishing the final plates.
Why is kosher salt specified for the pan?
Kosher salt is used to season the cactus leaves directly on the high-heat pan during the grilling process.
What temperature should the pan be for the cactus?
The cast-iron pan should be heated over high heat until it is very hot.
How are the shrimp arranged on the plate?
The halved shrimp should be arranged on top of the cactus leaves so they lay flat and are accessible.
Does the recipe include added sugar?
No, the sweetness comes naturally from the choconostle fruit and pomegranate seeds.
What texture do the pomegranate seeds provide?
Pomegranate seeds provide a burst of color and a fresh, crunchy texture to the finished dish.
Is the serrano chili seeded?
Yes, the instructions specify that the serrano chili should be seeded and diced before blending.
Is there any oil used in the cooking process?
No oil is mentioned; the cactus leaves are grilled on a pan seasoned only with kosher salt.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe consists of 10 distinct ingredients including the garnishes.
What is the overall flavor profile?
The profile is zesty, refreshing, and vibrant, balancing spice, acidity, and a hint of sweetness.