Spicy Pineapple Shrimp with Lime (Printable)
Zesty shrimp with caramelized pineapple atop crisp cabbage slaw dressed in creamy lime avocado for a refreshing tropical main.
# List of ingredients:
→ Spicy Pineapple Shrimp
01 - 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced small
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
06 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
08 - 1/4 tsp chili flakes
09 - 1/2 tsp salt
10 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
11 - Juice of 1/2 lime
→ Lime Avocado Cabbage Crunch
12 - 3 cups shredded green cabbage
13 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
14 - 1 large carrot, julienned
15 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
16 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - 1 ripe avocado
18 - Juice of 1 lime
19 - 2 tbsp olive oil
20 - 1 tbsp honey or agave syrup
21 - 1/2 tsp salt
22 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Optional Garnish
23 - Extra fresh cilantro, chopped
24 - Lime wedges
25 - Sliced fresh chili
# Steps:
01 - In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, jalapeño, smoked paprika, cumin, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until the shrimp are evenly coated.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
03 - Add the diced pineapple and lime juice to the skillet. Toss and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the pineapple is lightly caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
04 - In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, julienned carrot, sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
05 - In a small bowl, mash the avocado until smooth. Whisk in the lime juice, olive oil, honey or agave, salt, and pepper until you have a creamy, well-blended dressing.
06 - Pour the avocado dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly until all the vegetables are evenly coated.
07 - Divide the cabbage crunch among serving plates. Top generously with the spicy pineapple shrimp. Garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced fresh chili if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The contrast of hot, caramelized shrimp against cool, creamy cabbage slaw is the kind of texture party that makes you slow down and actually taste your food.
- Everything cooks in one skillet and the slaw requires zero cooking, which means you spend more time eating and less time cleaning.
02 -
- Do not walk away from the shrimp while it sears because thirty seconds too long turns rubbery and there is no coming back from that.
- Mashing the avocado separately before adding it to the slaw prevents weird clumps and ensures every bite of cabbage gets evenly coated in creamy dressing.
03 -
- Let the skillet get screaming hot before adding the shrimp because that initial contact with the metal is what creates the golden caramelized crust that carries all the smoky flavor.
- Dress the slaw no more than ten minutes before serving because the avocado dressing will eventually soften the cabbage and you want that aggressive crunch as a contrast to the tender shrimp.