Jerk Shrimp Tacos

These Jerk shrimp tacos are the perfect busy mom meal. Especially when you can cook the shrimp in the air fryer in 4 minutes and assemble the remaining ingredients while they are cooking. If you love Tex-Mex food, try this steak enchilada skillet or these Tex-Mex egg rolls.

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ORIGINS OF JERK COOKING

Jerk is a style of cooking native to Jamaica where meat is either dry rubbed or wet marinated in a hot spice mixture called Jamaican jerk spice. The spice mixture is savory, sweet and extremely spicy if you’re not used to foods that pack a certain amount of heat. The heat stems primarily from the scotch bonnet peppers that are used to make the spice. Traditionally, jerk seasoning was used for cooking pork however now it is used on a variety of meats like chicken, seafood and beef. 

If you want to learn more about the history of traditional jerk seasoning, you can read more about it here. 

WHY JERK SHRIMP TACOS

These jerk shrimp tacos are insanely good. Mixed with a bit of that sweet heat and paired with a pineapple salsa and avocado crema to cool things down. It hits all the right flavor combinations to make these tacos explode in your mouth. 

One of the best things about these tacos is that you can control the heat level. If you like things spicy, then you can add more of the jerk seasoning or if using the pre-made there is a spicy version. If you like your heat level a bit more tame, then using the mild version of the pre-made marinade and pairing it with citrus will cut the heat level.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

The main ingredients for this recipe is pretty simple and you will most likely have most of the ingredients on hand. If not, a quick trip to the store is all you will need to pick up a few key items. 

For this jerk shrimp taco recipe you will need:

Tacos:

• Shrimp
• Jerk seasoning
• Corn tortillas

Pineapple salsa:

• Diced pineapples
• Jalapenos
• Orange bell pepper
• Tomato
• Red Onion
• Cilantro
• Lime 

Avocado Crema:

• Avocado
• Plain greek yogurt

Optional:

Lettuce slaw mix

HOW TO MAKE THE TACOS

In a large bowl, peel and devein the shrimp. Add 1.5 tbsp of jerk seasoning and stir to thoroughly coat. Set aside for 10 – 15 minutes for a quick marinade

While the shrimp is marinating, dice your pineapple, orange bell pepper, tomato, red onion, jalapeno and cilantro and stir to combine. Once combined, squeeze ½ lime juice and stir again to evenly distribute the citrus. 

In another small bowl, add ½ the avocado and 1.5 tbsp of plain greek yogurt and juice of ¼ lime wedge and stir until smooth. 

Next, cook the shrimp in the air fryer on 400 degrees for 4 – 6 minutes or until shrimp is pink and cooked through. If you do not have an air fryer, heat a non-stick skillet to medium heat and spray with a high heat oil like avocado oil. Pan fry the shrimp on both sides until the shrimp is pink and firm. 

Optional step, in a smaller non-stick skillet, heat to medium high heat and spray with avocado oil. Heat the corn tortillas on both sides until the tortillas are toasted on both sides.

ASSEMBLING THE JERK SHRIMP TACOS

To assemble the tacos, place your toasted corn tortillas on a large plate. Next add your lettuce slaw mix (if using). Add the air fried jerk shrimp and scoop 1 tbsp of pineapple salsa on top. Lastly, squeeze the avocado crema on top of the tacos and top with extra cilantro.