Ah, summer grilling season! This is the time of year that gets me all giddy. There’s something magical about throwing fresh ingredients on the grill, watching them transform into a delicious meal, and enjoying it with good company. One of my all-time favorite recipes that perfectly captures this magic is my Mexican Grilled Shrimp with Corn Salsa.
This dish is more than just a meal for me; it’s a celebration! I remember the first time I made it for a barbecue at my friend’s backyard – the smell of the marinated shrimp sizzling on the grill had everyone flocking over, their taste buds tantalized with excitement. The colors of the corn salsa, with its vibrant yellows and reds, felt like a warm hug of summer on a plate. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll want to cherish it as part of your culinary repertoire too!
What’s in Mexican Grilled Shrimp with Corn Salsa?
Let’s chat about what goes into this fabulous dish. Each ingredient plays its own special role, bringing unique flavors and nutrients to the table.
Shrimp: For this recipe, I recommend using large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. They grill beautifully and absorb all those spicy, zesty flavors.
Olive Oil: A must for marinating! Extra virgin olive oil gives a lovely richness and helps keep the shrimp moist.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Chili Powder: This spice is where the magic begins, giving the shrimp that delightful kick synonymous with Mexican cuisine.
Cumin: It adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the other spices beautifully.
Smoked Paprika: This one brings a slightly smoky undertone, enhancing the grilled flavor of the shrimp.
Lime Juice: The acidity brightens everything up, making it all taste fresh and vibrant.
Corn: Fresh, frozen, or canned – corn is the star of the salsa, bringing sweetness and crunch!
Tomato, Red Onion, and Cilantro: These fresh ingredients add color, flavor, and a refreshing crunch to the salsa.
Jalapeño: If you like a little heat, toss some in! If not, the dish is still fabulously flavorful without it.
And don’t forget the **lime wedges** and extra **cilantro** for garnish! They give that perfect finishing touch.
Is Mexican Grilled Shrimp with Corn Salsa Good for You?
Oh, absolutely! Not only does this dish burst with flavor, but it’s also a healthy choice:
Shrimp: They are low in calories yet high in protein, making them a great option for anyone looking to eat healthily.
Corn: Corn is a whole grain, packed with fiber which makes it good for digestion.
Fresh Veggies: The tomatoes, red onions, and jalapeños not only add visual appeal but also antioxidants and vitamins, giving a good boost to your immune system.
Now, a tiny consideration – shrimp have cholesterol. While they’re generally safe to eat in moderation, if you’re keeping an eye on cholesterol levels, just be aware.
Ingredients
This recipe serves about 4 people. Here’s what you’ll need:
– **For the Grilled Shrimp**:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– **For the Corn Salsa**:
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
– 1 medium tomato, diced
– 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– **Garnish**:
– Lime wedges
– Extra cilantro
How to Make Mexican Grilled Shrimp with Corn Salsa?
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to whip up this delicious dish step by step:
1. **Prepare the Shrimp Marinade**: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat well. Allow to marinate for about 15-30 minutes to soak in all those beautiful flavors.
2. **Make the Corn Salsa**: In another bowl, mix the corn, diced tomato, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and adjust the seasoning to taste. Set it aside – the flavors will meld beautifully while the shrimp grill.
3. **Preheat the Grill**: Get your grill nice and hot on medium-high heat while the shrimp are marinating.
4. **Grill the Shrimp**: Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers (soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before helps prevent burning). Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are pink and opaque.
5. **Serve**: Once your shrimp are cooked perfectly, remove them from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Shower the shrimp with the corn salsa and garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro for that extra zing!
6. **Enjoy**: Serve warm, alongside additional lime wedges for squeezing over the shrimp – your taste buds will thank you!
Grill Like a Pro!
Just a few additional tips to elevate your grilling game:
– If you don’t have a grill, you can also use a grill pan or broil them in the oven. Just keep an eye on them!
– Want to make it even heartier? Serve the shrimp over a bed of rice or a lettuce wrap for a delightful twist.
– Feel free to adjust the spice level! Add more jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for those who love it fiery.
So, my friend, whatcha waiting for? Grab those shrimp, fire up the grill, and let the summer vibes flow! I truly believe your friends and family will fall in love with this dish just as mine did that memorable day. Plus, I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Happy grilling!
