Imagine a salad that transports you straight to the sun-drenched beaches of Mexico with every single bite! This Achiote Marinated Shrimp Salad is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that combines the bold, earthy flavors of achiote with succulent, perfectly seared shrimp and fresh, crisp greens. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality dish at home, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and tantalize your senses in ways you never expected.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons achiote paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1 lime, juiced
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix achiote paste with olive oil to create a smooth marinade, ensuring the paste is completely dissolved and evenly combined.
- Place peeled and deveined shrimp in a shallow dish and pour the achiote marinade over them. Gently toss to coat each shrimp completely. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Ensure the pan is hot before adding shrimp to achieve a nice sear.
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and develop a slight char. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
- While shrimp are cooking, prepare the salad base by arranging mixed greens on a large serving platter.
- Slice red onion thinly and arrange over the greens. Add sliced avocado in an attractive pattern.
- Once shrimp are cooked, immediately transfer them to the prepared salad bed while still warm.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the entire salad to brighten flavors and add a citrusy tang.
- Serve immediately, ensuring the warm shrimp contrast with the cool, crisp greens.
Tips
- Achiote Paste Pro Tip: Make sure to thoroughly mix the achiote paste with olive oil to create a smooth, even marinade. This ensures every shrimp is perfectly coated with flavor.
- Marinating Magic: Don't marinate the shrimp for too long (15 minutes max) as the acidic components can start to "cook" the delicate seafood.
- Heat is Key: Ensure your skillet or grill pan is properly heated before adding shrimp. This guarantees a beautiful sear and prevents sticking.
- Shrimp Cooking Hack: Watch for the color change - shrimp are done when they turn from translucent to a bright, opaque pink.
- Freshness Matters: Use the freshest shrimp possible and slice your avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- Lime Juice Trick: Add lime juice at the very end to preserve its bright, citrusy flavor and prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 180mg
