Spicy Pineapple Shrimp With Lime Avocado (Printable)

Spiced shrimp with caramelized pineapple topped with fresh lime avocado salsa

# List of ingredients:

→ Shrimp & Marinade

01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
05 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
09 - 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

→ Lime Avocado Salsa

10 - 1 large ripe avocado, diced
11 - 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
12 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
13 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
14 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
15 - Juice of 2 limes
16 - 1/4 tsp salt

→ For Serving

17 - Lime wedges
18 - Extra cilantro

# Steps:

01 - Combine shrimp, olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for 10 minutes.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine avocado, red onion, jalapeño, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Gently mix and set aside.
03 - Heat a large nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add pineapple cubes and cook for 2–3 minutes until caramelized, turning once. Remove from pan and set aside.
04 - In the same pan, add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque.
05 - Add caramelized pineapple to the shrimp and toss to combine. Remove from heat. Serve spicy pineapple shrimp topped with lime avocado salsa. Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The charred pineapple creates these little caramelized pockets that balance the heat perfectly
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something from a restaurant
  • The salsa stays bright and creamy while the shrimp get this gorgeous smoky crust
02 -
  • Dry your shrimp thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning or they will steam instead of sear
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the pineapple or shrimp because the temperature will drop and you will lose that caramelization
  • The salsa can be made up to an hour ahead but add the avocado at the last minute to prevent browning
03 -
  • Cut your pineapple and avocado into similar sized cubes so every forkful gets the same balance of flavors
  • Let your prepped shrimp come to room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking so they sear evenly

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