Tex-Mex Grilled Shrimp and Salsa Recipe

Imagine taking your taste buds on a trip to the south of the border with this Tex-Mex Grilled Shrimp and Salsa recipe. Packed with succulent shrimp, smoky spices, and a fiery salsa, this dish will bring the heat to any meal. Perfect for a summer BBQ or a midweek dinner, it's a fantastic way to switch up your usual grill routine.

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Photos of Tex-Mex Grilled Shrimp and Salsa Recipe

While most ingredients for this recipe are easy to find in any supermarket, you may need to check the international aisle for specific spices like chili powder and ground cumin. If fresh shrimp is not available, frozen can be a good substitute. Just remember to thaw them properly before use. Also, the Roma tomatoes used for the salsa are a more oblong variety, chosen for their firm flesh which makes them ideal for grilling.

Ingredients for Tex-Mex Grilled Shrimp and Salsa

Shrimp: The star of the dish, providing protein and a succulent bite.

Olive oil: Used to coat the shrimp and ensuring they don't stick to the grill.

Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor to the shrimp.

Chili powder: Gives the shrimp a spicy kick.

Ground cumin: Provides a warm, earthy flavor.

Roma tomatoes: Their firm flesh is ideal for grilling and they add a fresh, tangy taste to the salsa.

Onion: Adds a sweet depth of flavor to the salsa.

Garlic: Brings a pungent, warm taste to the salsa.

Jalapeno pepper: Adds heat to the salsa. Can be adjusted according to taste.

Lime juice: Provides acidity, balancing the heat of the salsa.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors.

Fresh cilantro: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the salsa.

One reader, Emilia Shockley says:

This tex-mex grilled shrimp and salsa recipe is a game-changer! The shrimp was perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection, and the salsa added a zesty kick. It's a must-try for anyone who loves Tex-Mex flavors. I'll definitely be making this again!

Emilia Shockley

Techniques for Grilling Shrimp Perfectly

How to marinate the shrimp: Gently combine the shrimp, olive oil, paprika, and chili powder in a large bowl, then cover and refrigerate while preparing the salsa.

How to grill the vegetables: Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Grill the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and jalapeno for about 4 minutes on each side until they are blistered.

How to prepare the salsa: After grilling the vegetables, remove the tops of the tomatoes, scrape the skin off the jalapeno, and discard the seeds. Squeeze the garlic cloves from their skins. Place the grilled vegetables in a blender, add lime juice and salt, then blend until smooth. Add cilantro and pulse until evenly blended.

How to grill the shrimp: Transfer the marinated shrimp to the hot grill and cook for 2 minutes on each side.

How to serve: Serve the grilled shrimp with the salsa.

How To Make Tex-Mex Grilled Shrimp and Salsa

Grilled shrimp with a seasoning of paprika, cumin, & chili powder is served with a tomato-jalapeno salsa. It’s a dish that works as an entree and appetizer.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Shrimp:

1lbraw jumbo shrimp,peeled, tails left on
1tbspolive oil
½tsppaprika
½tspchili powder
¼tspground cumin

For Salsa:

4roma tomatoes
½large onion
½headgarlic
1jalapeno pepper
1tbsplime juice
1tspsalt
¼cupfresh cilantro,chopped

Instructions

Combine shrimp, olive oil, paprika, chili powder, and cumin in a large bowl. Gently stir until evenly combined. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the salsa.
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Grill tomatoes, onion, garlic, and jalapeno for 4 minutes. Flip and grill for about 4 minutes more until tomatoes and jalapenos are blistered.
Cut tops off the tomatoes and discard. Cut jalapeno in half, scrape the skin off, and discard seeds. Quarter the onion. Squeeze garlic cloves from their skins.
Place the grilled vegetables in a blender. Add lime juice and salt; blend until smooth. Add cilantro and pulse until evenly blended.
Transfer shrimp to the hot grill and cook for 2 minutes per side. Serve with the salsa.

Nutrition

Calories: 142.78kcal
Fat: 4.83g
Saturated Fat: 0.81g
Trans Fat: 0.02g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.73g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.82g
Carbohydrates: 8.23g
Fiber: 1.57g
Sugar: 2.76g
Protein: 16.76g
Cholesterol: 142.88mg
Sodium: 657.55mg
Calcium: 87.72mg
Potassium: 361.43mg
Iron: 0.81mg
Vitamin A: 104.78µg
Vitamin C: 17.42mg

Pro Tip for Grilling Shrimp with Salsa

When grilling the shrimp, it's important to avoid overcooking as they can become tough and rubbery. Shrimp cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them. They're done as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Also, when blending the salsa, pulse in short bursts rather than blending continuously. This will give you a chunkier texture, which is often preferred in salsas.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Tex-Mex Grilled Shrimp

Prep ahead: Marinate the shrimp the night before to save time on the day of cooking. This allows the flavors to infuse, cutting down on prep time and ensuring a more flavorful dish.

One-pan cooking: Consider grilling the vegetables and shrimp on the same grill to minimize cleanup and streamline the cooking process.

Efficient chopping: Utilize a food processor to quickly chop the vegetables for the salsa, saving time and effort in the preparation process.

Grill in batches: If cooking for a large group, grill the shrimp in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding on the grill. This also allows for better control over the cooking process.

Prep organization: Organize all ingredients and utensils before starting to cook to avoid last-minute scrambling and ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Substitute Ingredients For Tex-Mex Grilled Shrimp and Salsa Recipe

raw jumbo shrimp - Substitute with large prawns: Large prawns are a suitable substitute for jumbo shrimp, offering a similar texture and flavor when grilled.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smokier flavor to the dish, enhancing the grilled elements of the recipe.
chili powder - Substitute with ancho chili powder: Ancho chili powder provides a slightly milder heat with a hint of sweetness, complementing the grilled shrimp and salsa.
ground cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander offers a citrusy, earthy flavor that can replace the warmth and depth of cumin in the recipe.
roma tomatoes - Substitute with vine-ripened tomatoes: Vine-ripened tomatoes have a similar texture and acidity, making them a suitable substitute for Roma tomatoes in the salsa.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a delicate touch to the salsa.
garlic - Substitute with roasted garlic: Roasted garlic offers a rich, caramelized flavor that can enhance the depth of the salsa.
jalapeno pepper - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers provide a similar level of heat and a slightly fruitier flavor, making them a great substitute for jalapenos in the salsa.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can replace lime juice in the salsa, providing a similar level of acidity and brightness.
fresh cilantro - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can offer a similar herbaceous freshness to the salsa, complementing the flavors of the dish.

Presentation Ideas for Grilled Shrimp and Salsa

Elevate the shrimp: Arrange the grilled shrimp in a circular pattern on the plate, slightly overlapping each other to create a visually appealing presentation.
Artfully spoon the salsa: Use a small spoon to carefully place the vibrant salsa in a swoosh pattern on the plate, ensuring it complements the shrimp without overpowering it.
Garnish with fresh cilantro: Sprinkle delicate cilantro leaves over the shrimp and salsa, adding a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Incorporate grilled vegetable puree: Using a squeeze bottle, create a decorative drizzle of the grilled vegetable puree around the edge of the plate, adding a touch of complexity to the presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the beauty of negative space on the plate, allowing the vibrant colors of the dish to stand out and captivate the diners' attention.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Grilling Shrimp

Outdoor grill: An outdoor grill is essential for cooking the shrimp to perfection, giving them a smoky and charred flavor.
Blender: A blender is used to blend the grilled vegetables and other ingredients to make the flavorful salsa.
Large bowl: A large bowl is used to marinate the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, chili powder, and cumin before grilling.
Grilling tongs: Grilling tongs are necessary for flipping the shrimp and vegetables on the grill to ensure even cooking.
Sharp knife: A sharp knife is needed for cutting the tops off the tomatoes, quartering the onion, and preparing the jalapeno for grilling.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing the vegetables and shrimp before grilling.
Citrus juicer: A citrus juicer is used to extract fresh lime juice for the salsa, adding a tangy and zesty flavor to the dish.
Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are essential for accurately measuring the paprika, chili powder, cumin, lime juice, and salt for the recipe.
Grill brush: A grill brush is used to clean the grill grates before cooking the shrimp, ensuring they don't stick to the surface.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Grilled Shrimp

To store leftover grilled shrimp, allow them to cool completely before placing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For the salsa, transfer to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors will meld and intensify over time.
To freeze the shrimp, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen shrimp to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
While it's possible to freeze the salsa, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze the salsa, consider using it as a cooking sauce rather than a condiment. To freeze, transfer the salsa to a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
To reheat the frozen grilled shrimp, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the thawed shrimp on a baking sheet and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can quickly reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

How To Reheat Leftover Grilled Shrimp and Salsa

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the leftover shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the shrimp with a little olive oil and sprinkle with some additional paprika, chili powder, and cumin for extra flavor. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. Serve with the reheated salsa.
For a quick and easy reheat, place the leftover shrimp in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the shrimp from drying out. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until the shrimp are heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as this can cause the shrimp to become rubbery. Serve with the reheated salsa.
If you have a little more time, reheat the shrimp in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. Serve with the reheated salsa.
To reheat the salsa, transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until the salsa is heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the salsa in a small saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature.
For a cold appetizer, serve the leftover shrimp chilled on a bed of mixed greens with the salsa on the side. This refreshing twist on the original dish is perfect for a light lunch or summer gathering.

Interesting Trivia About Grilled Shrimp and Salsa

The salsa in this Tex-Mex grilled shrimp and salsa recipe is a great source of vitamin C, thanks to the tomatoes and lime juice. Vitamin C is essential for the growth and repair of tissues in the body and also helps to boost the immune system. So, not only is this dish delicious, but it also provides a healthy dose of vitamin C!

Is Making Grilled Shrimp at Home Cost-Effective?

The Tex-Mex Grilled Shrimp and Salsa recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as shrimp, tomatoes, and onions, are generally affordable and readily available. The use of simple spices like paprika, chili powder, and cumin adds flavor without significantly increasing the cost. The salsa can be versatile and used in various dishes, adding value. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Is This Tex-Mex Shrimp Recipe Healthy?

This tex-mex grilled shrimp and salsa recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of lean protein, vegetables, and beneficial spices. The shrimp provides a low-calorie, high-protein main component, while the salsa incorporates nutrient-rich ingredients like tomatoes, onions, garlic, and cilantro. The use of olive oil in moderation adds healthy monounsaturated fats, and the lime juice and spices contribute to the overall flavor profile without relying on excessive salt or sugar.

However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to enhance its nutritional value:

Increase the variety of vegetables in the salsa, such as bell peppers or cucumber, to boost the fiber and vitamin content
Opt for a low-sodium salt alternative or reduce the amount of salt used to minimize sodium intake
Serve the shrimp and salsa alongside a whole grain option, like brown rice or quinoa, to incorporate complex carbohydrates and additional fiber
Consider adding a side of leafy greens or a fresh salad to further increase the vegetable content of the meal

Editor's Opinion on This Tex-Mex Shrimp Recipe

The Tex-Mex grilled shrimp and salsa recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors. The marinade infuses the shrimp with a smoky, spicy essence, while the salsa, with its charred tomatoes and jalapenos, adds a vibrant, zesty kick. The balance of heat and acidity in the salsa complements the succulent grilled shrimp perfectly. This dish is a celebration of bold Tex-Mex flavors and is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas. It's a fantastic choice for a summer barbecue or a festive gathering.

Enhance Your Tex-Mex Grilled Shrimp and Salsa Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip with a hint of lime and cilantro, perfect for scooping with tortilla chips

Cornbread: Moist and slightly sweet cornbread muffins, a great complement to the spicy shrimp and salsa

Grilled Vegetables: Colorful and flavorful assortment of grilled bell peppers, zucchini, and onions, adding a healthy and vibrant touch to the Tex-Mex meal

Similar Recipes to Tex-Mex Grilled Shrimp and Salsa

Spicy Beef Tacos: Spice up your taco night with these flavorful and zesty spicy beef tacos. The perfect combination of savory beef, crunchy vegetables, and a kick of heat.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Add a tropical twist to your chicken dinner with this delicious mango salsa. The sweet and tangy flavors of the mango perfectly complement the juicy grilled chicken.

Creamy Avocado Pasta: Indulge in a creamy and luxurious avocado pasta sauce that is both healthy and satisfying. The rich and velvety texture of the avocado pairs perfectly with al dente pasta.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas for a Tex-Mex Shrimp Meal

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these delectable bite-sized treats filled with a savory mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The perfect combination of flavors and textures will leave everyone wanting more.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp: Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with these crunchy, golden-brown shrimp coated in a sweet and savory coconut breading. Dip them in a tangy dipping sauce for an irresistible appetizer that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp, with tender baked apples and a crispy oat topping. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.

Why trust this Tex-Mex Grilled Shrimp and Salsa Recipe:

This recipe guarantees freshness and flavor with jumbo shrimp and a blend of paprika, chili powder, and ground cumin. The salsa features roma tomatoes, onion, and jalapeno pepper, all grilled to perfection. The use of lime juice and fresh cilantro ensures a zesty and aromatic finish. Trust the quality of this recipe, as it promises a delightful Tex-Mex experience with its carefully selected ingredients and expertly crafted cooking methods.

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FAQ:

How long should I marinate the shrimp?

I recommend marinating the shrimp for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and grilling.

Is there a substitute for cilantro in the salsa?

If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can use fresh parsley as a substitute in the salsa.

Can I make the salsa ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the salsa a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

What can I serve with the tex-mex grilled shrimp and salsa?

This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with warm tortillas for a complete Tex-Mex meal.