Description
Savor the vibrant flavors of Spicy Shrimp Stacks, featuring marinated shrimp layered with fresh avocado salsa on warm corn tortillas. This dish is perfect for casual dinners or festive gatherings, offering a delightful combination of spice and freshness in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove any residual shell or debris. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until they are evenly coated. Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes. For a more intense flavor, you can marinate them for up to 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the salsa. In a separate bowl, combine the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- Drizzle the lime juice over the salsa mixture and gently toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque. Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, you can warm the corn tortillas. Place them in the skillet for about 30 seconds on each side until they are soft and pliable. Alternatively, you can warm them in a microwave or oven.
- To assemble the stacks, start with a warm corn tortilla as the base. Place a small handful of shredded lettuce on top of the tortilla.
- Add a few pieces of the cooked shrimp on top of the lettuce, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Next, spoon a generous amount of the avocado salsa over the shrimp, allowing the vibrant colors to show through.
- If desired, drizzle some sour cream over the top for added creaminess and flavor.
- For those who enjoy extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce on top of the assembled stack.
- Repeat the stacking process with the remaining tortillas, shrimp, and salsa until all ingredients are used up.
- Arrange the assembled spicy shrimp stacks on a large serving platter. You can garnish with additional cilantro or lime wedges for a fresh touch.
- Serve immediately while the shrimp are warm and the tortillas are soft. These stacks are perfect for a casual dinner or as an impressive appetizer for gatherings.
- Pair with a refreshing beverage, such as a cold beer or a zesty margarita, to complement the spicy flavors of the dish.
- If you have leftovers, store the shrimp and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp can be kept for up to 2 days, while the salsa is best consumed within 1 day to maintain the freshness of the avocado.
Notes
- Adjust the level of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
- Feel free to add other toppings like diced jalapeños or crumbled queso fresco for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes