Sheet Pan Jalapeño Pineapple Shrimp Tacos – Easy, Flavor-Packed Dinner

Are you ready to elevate your taco game? If you’re craving a dish that’s bold, vibrant, and packed with flavor, look no further than Sheet Pan Jalapeño Pineapple Shrimp Tacos. This dish combines the smokiness of chipotle-spiced shrimp, the tanginess of a fresh cilantro garlic sauce, and the sweetness of pineapple salsa. Plus, it’s all made on one sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze. These tacos are not only quick and easy to prepare but also bursting with vibrant flavors that will leave your taste buds begging for more.

Whether you’re hosting a taco night, craving a fresh twist on your usual shrimp recipe, or looking for a lighter meal option, these Jalapeño Pineapple Shrimp Tacos are the perfect choice. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and satisfying meal from start to finish.

Why You’ll Love These Sheet Pan Jalapeño Pineapple Shrimp Tacos

These tacos are not only incredibly delicious but also versatile and easy to make. Here’s why you’ll want to add Sheet Pan Jalapeño Pineapple Shrimp Tacos to your weeknight dinner rotation:

1. Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 25 minutes, these tacos are perfect for busy nights when you want a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
2. Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoky shrimp, tangy lime, spicy jalapeños, and sweet pineapple creates a flavor profile that will keep you coming back for more.
3. Healthy and Light: Shrimp is a great source of lean protein, and the dish features a fresh, nutrient-packed cabbage slaw and salsa, making it a healthy, light option for any meal.
4. One Sheet Pan: No need for multiple pots and pans. Everything is roasted on one sheet pan, saving you time and cleaning up less afterward.
5. Customizable: Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of jalapeño or cayenne pepper. You can also substitute ingredients like Greek yogurt for a dairy-free version.

Now, let’s break down the recipe step-by-step so you can make these tacos at home and impress your friends and family with your cooking skills.

Ingredients for Sheet Pan Jalapeño Pineapple Shrimp Tacos

For the Shrimp:

• 1 ½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp chipotle chili powder
• 1 tsp allspice
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Garlic Cilantro Sauce:

• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2–3 tbsp fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• ½ cup fresh cilantro
• Salt to taste

For the Salsa:

• 1–2 jalapeños
• 1 cup diced pineapple
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of ½ orange (about ¼ cup)
• Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
• Salt to taste

For Serving:

• 2–3 cups shredded green cabbage
• Warm tortillas

Instructions for Making Sheet Pan Jalapeño Pineapple Shrimp Tacos

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high heat ensures that your shrimp get a nice roast, keeping them tender and juicy while also creating a little bit of caramelization on the pineapple and jalapeños.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, chipotle chili powder, allspice, ground ginger, dried thyme, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Toss the shrimp well, ensuring they are evenly coated with the spices. The chipotle chili powder and cayenne pepper provide a smoky, spicy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the pineapple.

Once the shrimp is coated, spread it evenly on a baking sheet. For added flavor, add garlic cloves and jalapeños to the same sheet. These will roast along with the shrimp, infusing the dish with rich, savory flavors.

Step 3: Roast the Shrimp

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the shrimp for about 6–8 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. If you want a slightly charred finish, you can switch the oven to broil during the last minute of cooking. Once done, remove the shrimp from the oven and set it aside to rest.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Cilantro Sauce

While the shrimp is roasting, prepare the garlic cilantro sauce. First, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and place them in a blender or food processor. Add Greek yogurt, lime juice, green onions, fresh cilantro, and salt. Blend everything until smooth and creamy. This sauce adds a creamy, tangy element that balances the heat from the shrimp and the spiciness of the jalapeños.

Step 5: Prepare the Cabbage Slaw

In a separate bowl, toss the shredded green cabbage with about ⅓ cup of the garlic cilantro sauce. The slaw will add a fresh, crunchy texture to the tacos, making them even more satisfying.

Step 6: Make the Pineapple Salsa

To make the pineapple salsa, first deseed and chop the roasted jalapeños (you can remove the seeds for a milder salsa or leave them for extra heat). In a bowl, combine the chopped jalapeños, diced pineapple, chopped cilantro, orange juice, lime juice, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated. The salsa will bring a burst of fresh sweetness and spice to the tacos.

Step 7: Assemble the Tacos

To assemble the tacos, warm your tortillas. Then, layer each tortilla with a spoonful of the cabbage slaw, a few pieces of roasted shrimp, a generous scoop of the pineapple salsa, and a few slices of creamy avocado. Drizzle some of the remaining garlic cilantro sauce on top for added flavor.

Tips for Perfect Sheet Pan Jalapeño Pineapple Shrimp Tacos

• Customize the spice: Adjust the amount of jalapeños, chipotle chili powder, and cayenne pepper based on your preferred spice level. You can make the tacos as mild or as fiery as you like.
• Use corn tortillas: For a more authentic flavor, serve these tacos on corn tortillas. They have a slightly nutty taste that complements the shrimp and salsa beautifully.
• Add avocado for extra creaminess: Avocado slices add a creamy texture that balances the heat and adds a rich flavor to the tacos.
• Make it gluten-free: If you’re gluten-sensitive, simply use gluten-free tortillas to make the entire meal gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this recipe without a sheet pan?
While a sheet pan is the easiest and most convenient method, you can also roast the shrimp and vegetables on any baking dish or oven-safe pan. Just make sure the shrimp is spread out evenly for proper cooking.

2. Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can easily substitute with chicken breast, tofu, or fish fillets. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for different proteins.

3. How can I make the garlic cilantro sauce dairy-free?
To make the garlic cilantro sauce dairy-free, substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative or coconut yogurt. This will provide a similar creamy texture without the dairy.

4. Can I prepare the tacos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the individual components (shrimp, salsa, slaw, and sauce) ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Simply assemble the tacos when you’re ready to serve.

5. Can I freeze the shrimp?
You can freeze the cooked shrimp, but it’s best to enjoy them fresh for the best texture and flavor. If you do freeze them, be sure to store them in an airtight container and thaw them before reheating.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sheet Pan Jalapeño Pineapple Shrimp Tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings bold flavors and fresh ingredients to your dinner table. The combination of smoky shrimp, tangy garlic cilantro sauce, and sweet pineapple salsa creates a mouthwatering taco experience that is sure to impress. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or hosting a taco night, these tacos will satisfy your craving for something flavorful, healthy, and exciting. Don’t forget to customize the spice level and toppings to suit your tastes. Enjoy this delightful dish, and happy cooking!

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