Spicy Pineapple Shrimp with Slaw (Printable Version)
Sweet and spicy shrimp with pineapple over cool avocado lime slaw — a fresh, vibrant summer dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Shrimp & Marinade
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 tablespoon honey
06 - 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - Juice of 1 lime
→ Lime Avocado Crunch Slaw
12 - 3 cups shredded green cabbage
13 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
14 - 1 large carrot, julienned or grated
15 - 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
16 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - 1 ripe avocado, diced
18 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
19 - Juice of 2 limes
20 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
21 - 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
22 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
23 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
# How To Make:
01 - In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, diced pineapple, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, sriracha, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly and let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, julienned carrot, sliced red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and sliced green onions.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey or agave syrup, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss gently to coat all the vegetables. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
04 - Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and pineapple in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through and the pineapple is caramelized.
05 - Divide the slaw among serving plates and top generously with the spicy pineapple shrimp. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The contrast of fiery, sticky shrimp against cool, creamy avocado slaw is the kind of flavor clash that keeps you going back for another bite.
- Everything comes together in thirty minutes, which means it works for a Tuesday but feels like a weekend treat.
- It is naturally gluten free and dairy free, so you can serve it to almost anyone without a second thought.
02 -
- Overcrowding the pan is the fastest way to steam your shrimp instead of searing them, so cook in batches and give each piece room to breathe.
- Avocado oxidizes quickly once cut, so dice it right before folding it into the slaw and toss it with the lime dressing immediately to preserve its bright green color.
03 -
- Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels before adding them to the marinade, because excess moisture is the enemy of a good sear.
- Let the skillet get genuinely hot before the shrimp goes in, then resist the urge to move them around for the first two minutes so a real crust can form.