Jerk Shrimp with Caribbean Quinoa
Try this Jerk Shrimp with Caribbean Quinoa recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Jerk Shrimp with Caribbean Quinoa recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- salt & pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 green onion chopped
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 cup dry quinoa rinsed very well under cold water
- 1-1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1-1/2 lbs peeled & de-veined shrimp
- 2-1/2 tablespoons jerk seasoning blend
- 1/2 cup each chopped strawberries mandarin oranges, green grapes, and canned pineapple tidbits packed in natural juices (drained and juices reserved)
- 3 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice
- Carbohydrate 3.47518437364154 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 8.06666562499648 g
- Fiber 0.118437501626176 g
- Protein 0.136462499954181 g
- Saturated Fat 1.11352187499979 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (43g)
- Sodium 145.907187499842 mg
- Sugar 3.35674687201537 g
- Trans Fat 0.220329062498313 g
- Calories 83 calories
Step-by-step
- Rinse quinoa very well under running water, then combine with chicken broth in a pot.
- Bring to a boil then place a lid on top, turn heat to low, and simmer until broth has been absorbed and quinoa is cooked, about 15 minutes.
- Spread quinoa out onto a big plate to cool.
- Meanwhile, pat shrimp dry with paper towels then place in a large bowl.
- Add olive oil and jerk seasoning blend, then toss to coat.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, spray with non-stick spray, then cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes a side, or until cooked all the way through.
- May need to work in batches. Set shrimp aside.
- Combine Caribbean Vinaigrette ingredients in a jar or bowl, then shake or whisk to combine.
- Place chopped fruit, green onions, and cilantro in a large bowl then add cooled quinoa and dressing.
- Stir well then taste and add more salt & pepper, if necessary.
- Spoon quinoa onto plates and top with cooked shrimp.
A Taste of the Caribbean in My Kitchen
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can be a real challenge. But sometimes, even amidst the chaos of work deadlines and school pickups, I crave a vibrant, flavorful dish that transports me to a sun-drenched paradise. This Jerk Shrimp with Caribbean Quinoa recipe has become my go-to for exactly that. It's a quick, easy, and unbelievably satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. The sweet and savory notes of the jerk shrimp perfectly complement the light and fluffy quinoa, while the medley of tropical fruits adds a delightful burst of freshness.
The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. I often adjust the fruits based on what's in season or what I happen to have on hand. Sometimes I swap out the strawberries for mangoes or add some chopped papaya. The possibilities are endless! I've even experimented with different types of shrimp - spot prawns, wild-caught shrimp – and the recipe always turns out fantastic. The beauty of this dish is its adaptability; you can easily customize it to your liking and create a truly unique culinary experience.
The Magic of Jerk Shrimp
The star of this show, undoubtedly, is the jerk shrimp. The jerk seasoning blend adds a beautiful depth of flavor that’s both spicy and aromatic. I usually buy a pre-made blend, saving me precious time, but if you're feeling ambitious, making your own from scratch is a rewarding experience. The process of marinating the shrimp in the blend allows the flavors to truly permeate, resulting in succulent, flavorful shrimp that are absolutely addictive.
I often find myself making extra shrimp because everyone in my family loves it so much. It's equally delightful served as an appetizer or snack, paired with some crusty bread or tortilla chips. I've even added it to salads for an extra protein boost. The versatility of this recipe is one of the many reasons I keep coming back to it. It's a dependable recipe I can always count on, providing a healthy and exciting meal.
Caribbean Quinoa: A Flavorful Base
The Caribbean Quinoa is the perfect counterpoint to the bold flavors of the jerk shrimp. It's light, fluffy, and subtly sweet, providing a refreshing base for the other ingredients. The addition of the tropical fruits elevates the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. The blend of strawberries, mandarin oranges, green grapes, and pineapple adds a vibrant pop of color and a refreshing sweetness that balances the spice of the jerk seasoning perfectly. This quinoa is incredibly healthy and a great source of protein and fiber, ensuring a satisfying and nutritious meal.
I love how easy it is to prepare the quinoa. Simply rinse the quinoa thoroughly, combine it with chicken broth, and let it simmer until cooked through. The entire process takes less than 15 minutes – a huge time saver for busy weeknights. I often prepare the quinoa ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a quick and easy meal prep solution.
Bringing it All Together
The final touch is the Caribbean vinaigrette. A simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and reserved pineapple juice, it adds a bright, tangy flavor that ties all the components together beautifully. A little salt and pepper to taste, and you've created a masterpiece. The vinaigrette adds a refreshing element that prevents the dish from becoming too heavy or rich.
This Jerk Shrimp with Caribbean Quinoa recipe is more than just a meal; it's a culinary journey. It’s a taste of paradise, a moment of escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. It's a testament to the power of simple ingredients, creatively combined, to create something truly extraordinary. And for a busy mom like me, that's exactly what I need – a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that satisfies both my taste buds and my time constraints. It's a recipe I'll be making again and again.
