Description
Spicy grilled Mexican shrimp salad combines zesty flavors with fresh ingredients. Crisp vegetables and succulent shrimp create a delightful meal you can easily prepare for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) raw shrimp, large, fresh or thawed from frozen, peeled and deveined
- 4 oz (113 g) queso fresco cheese, crumbled
- 2 ears fresh corn, husks and silk removed
- 6 – 8 cups green leaf lettuce, chopped (butter or romaine lettuce optional)
- 1 large tomato, seeded and chopped
- 1 large avocado, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1.5 tbsps fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh lime zest
- Fresh chopped cilantro for garnishing (optional)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1.5 tbsps ancho chili powder
- 15 oz (425 g) canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- Olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray
- Coarse salt and pepper for seasoning
- Wooden skewers soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions
- Grill Preparation: Fire up the grill to 375-400°F, meticulously scrubbing grates to prevent ingredient adhesion and ensure pristine cooking surfaces.
- Marinade Creation: Whisk extra virgin olive oil, thyme, chili powder, lime zest, and garlic in a ceramic bowl to develop a robust flavor foundation for the shrimp.
- Shrimp Preparation: Thoroughly pat shrimp dry, then delicately coat with prepared marinade and thread onto pre-soaked skewers, seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Corn Roasting: Brush corn with vegetable oil and sea salt, then grill for 14-16 minutes, rotating every 4-5 minutes to achieve a golden-brown char and smoky flavor profile.
- Shrimp Grilling: Cook shrimp on high heat for approximately 1½ minutes per side, ensuring a perfect golden exterior while maintaining tender, succulent interior.
- Salad Assembly: Create a crisp romaine lettuce base, then strategically layer grilled corn kernels, diced tomatoes, black beans, and avocado slices for a vibrant, textural foundation.
- Finishing Touches: Garnish with crumbled queso fresco, scattered cilantro leaves, and crown with perfectly grilled shrimp skewers.
- Serving: Present immediately with a zesty cilantro lime vinaigrette, inviting diners to indulge in this Mexican-inspired culinary masterpiece.
Notes
- Optimize Shrimp Drying: Pat shrimp completely dry to help marinade cling better and create a perfect golden exterior during grilling.
- Master Grilling Temperature: Keep grill consistently between 375-400°F to prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery or undercooked.
- Prevent Skewer Sticking: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.
- Timing is Crucial: Grill shrimp precisely 1½ minutes per side to maintain tenderness and achieve a beautiful golden-brown color without overcooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg