Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Lime Slaw (Printable)
Chili-spiced shrimp with caramelized pineapple served over crisp lime avocado slaw.
# List of ingredients:
→ Spicy Pineapple Shrimp
01 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
06 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
11 - Juice of 1/2 lime
→ Lime Avocado Slaw
12 - 2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
13 - 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
14 - 1 large carrot, julienned
15 - 1 ripe avocado, diced
16 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
17 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - Juice of 2 limes
19 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
20 - 1 teaspoon honey or agave (optional, for sweetness)
21 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
22 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
# Steps:
01 - In a large bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, carrot, avocado, green onions, and cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey if using, salt, and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss gently to combine. Set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and jalapeño, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add shrimp, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until shrimp begin to turn pink.
04 - Add diced pineapple to the skillet and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until shrimp are opaque and pineapple is lightly caramelized. Squeeze lime juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with cilantro. Remove from heat.
05 - Divide the lime avocado slaw among serving plates. Top with hot spicy pineapple shrimp. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The sweetness of caramelized pineapple against smoky chili shrimp is the kind of contrast that makes you close your eyes at the first bite.
- Everything comes together in under thirty minutes, which means it is realistic for a weeknight but impressive enough for last minute guests.
02 -
- If your skillet is crowded the shrimp will steam instead of sear, so cook in two batches if necessary and never apologize for doing it right.
- Toss the slaw dressing in just before serving because the lime juice will break down the avocado and soften the cabbage if it sits too long.
03 -
- Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels before they hit the pan because moisture is the enemy of a good sear.
- Taste a piece of raw pineapple before cooking because if it is not sweet on its own, no amount of caramelization will save it.