Spice Up Your Gatherings with Irresistible Spicy Caribbean Shrimp: A Tropical Escape Appetizer
Transform your next party with these exquisite Tropical Glazed Shrimp, marinated in a vibrant tamarind sauce infused with dark rum and zesty lime. Perfectly pan-seared in a cast iron skillet and served alongside a refreshing pineapple coconut dipping sauce, these Spicy Caribbean Shrimp are the ultimate appetizer. Enjoy them on their own or elegantly presented on slices of buttery toasted baguette.
Say goodbye to predictable party snacks and welcome an explosion of flavor with these incredible Spicy Caribbean Shrimp. They are guaranteed to be the star attraction at your next get-together, captivating your guests with their vibrant taste and stunning presentation.
While classic chip dips certainly have their place, why settle for ordinary when you can truly impress? These succulent shrimp offer a delightful balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy notes, reminiscent of a gourmet barbecue experience. Paired with our creamy, sweet pineapple coconut dipping sauce, each bite will transport you straight to the sun-drenched shores of the Caribbean islands, no matter how cold it might be outside your window.
This post is proudly sponsored by Spice Isle Sauces. All opinions expressed and my genuine affection for their exceptional sauces and seasoning rubs are entirely my own.
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Escape to the Tropics with Every Bite
As the frosty grip of winter tightens its hold here in the Midwest, my thoughts inevitably drift to warmer, sun-kissed days. While a picturesque white Christmas has its charm, by late December, I’m already yearning for the feeling of soft sand between my toes, the invigorating scent of saltwater carried on a gentle breeze, and, of course, a refreshing tropical drink in hand. If a spontaneous trip to the Caribbean isn’t feasible, don’t despair! We can effortlessly recreate that idyllic island ambiance right in our own homes with the magic of flavors. These Spicy Caribbean Shrimp are more than just an appetizer; they’re a mini-vacation for your taste buds, a delicious journey to a tropical paradise.
Discovering Spice Isle Sauces – A Taste of the Islands from Nebraska
It might sound unexpected that these extraordinary tropical sauces originate from Nebraska, my home state. However, the culinary prowess of Steve and Heidi Nolan, the passionate owners of Spice Isle Sauces, is undeniable. Their journey began in Turks and Caicos, where they owned and operated their own restaurant. The demand for their homemade tropical sauces among locals and tourists alike was so overwhelming that they decided to bring these authentic flavors to the United States. Now, they travel across the country, sharing their incredible range of three signature sauces and seasoning rubs at trade shows and culinary events.
I’ve had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with Spice Isle Sauces over the past few months, developing exciting new recipes that highlight the versatility and unique character of each of their product lines. Their commitment to authentic Caribbean flavors is truly impressive, and it shines through in every bottle and rub.
Explore the Exquisite Flavors of Spice Isle Sauces and Seasoning Rubs:
- Tropical Seasoning Rub & Tropical Tamarind Sauce: This pairing brings a sweet and tangy tropical essence, perfect for a wide range of dishes.
- Tropical Jerk Seasoning Rub & Tropical Jerk Sauce: For those craving the bold, aromatic, and distinctly spicy flavors of authentic Jamaican Jerk.
- Tropical Heat Seasoning Rub & Tropical Heat Sauce: Offering a delightful balance of tropical fruitiness with a vibrant, fiery kick.
My culinary adventure with Spice Isle began with these sensational Tropical Chicken Nachos and Tropical Salsa. Using their Tropical Seasoning Rub and Tropical Tamarind Sauce, the chicken achieved an otherworldly depth of flavor that left us utterly obsessed! It’s an unforgettable combination that truly brings the taste of the islands to a classic dish.
Next, I explored the vibrant flavors of this Jamaican Jerk Glazed Chicken over Jamaican Sweet Coconut Rice. For this recipe, I utilized Spice Isle’s Tropical Jerk Seasoning Rub and Tropical Jerk Sauce. The authentic Jamaican jerk flavors achieved with these products are so profound, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything comparable outside of Jamaica itself!
Today’s star, the Spicy Caribbean Shrimp Appetizer, features the dynamic duo of Spice Isle’s Tropical Heat Seasoning Rub and Tropical Heat Sauce. Heidi, one of the owners, perfectly describes this sauce as sharing a similar tropical base to their Tropical Tamarind Sauce, but with the exciting addition of Habanero and Scotch Bonnet Peppers. These peppers deliver that unmistakable Caribbean heat, elevating the flavor profile to a truly exhilarating level.
What is Tamarind Fruit and Why Is It So Special?
Tamarind is a tropical fruit that grows on large, hardwood trees. These trees are native to Africa, India, and Pakistan, but have since been cultivated in many other tropical regions around the world due to the fruit’s popularity. The tamarind tree produces unique, bean-like pods that encase several seeds, all surrounded by a fibrous pulp.
The fruit undergoes a delightful transformation as it ripens. Unripened tamarind pulp is typically green and tart, offering a sharp sour taste often used in savory dishes. However, as it matures, the pulp softens and becomes more paste-like, developing a complex sweet-sour flavor that is highly prized in various cuisines globally. Tamarind is a cornerstone ingredient in many dishes, from refreshing beverages and candies to savory curries and marinades, adding a distinctive tang and depth.
Beyond its culinary appeal, tamarind is also recognized in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits. It’s an excellent source of dietary fiber, contributing to digestive health, and contains a good amount of protein, along with various essential vitamins and nutrients, making it a flavorful and beneficial addition to your diet.
Selecting and Preparing Your Shrimp for Perfection
For this Spicy Caribbean Shrimp recipe, the foundation of a great dish starts with quality ingredients. You’ll want to choose large, uncooked shrimp, often referred to as prawns, for their meaty texture and impressive presentation. When preparing them, you will first devein them and then peel the shells, but it’s crucial to leave the tails intact. Leaving the tails on not only adds an elegant touch to the finished appetizer but also provides a convenient handle for dipping and enjoying.
A Guide to Cleaning & Deveining Shrimp
The term “deveining” shrimp can be a bit misleading; it has nothing to do with removing actual blood vessels. Rather, it’s a polite way of describing the removal of the shrimp’s digestive tract, or intestine. Don’t be deterred by the description; it’s a straightforward and surprisingly easy task, far less “gross” than it sounds.
While specialized shrimp cleaning tools exist, they are entirely optional. You can achieve excellent results with common kitchen implements such as a small, sharp paring knife or, my preferred method, a pair of kitchen shears. Using shears simplifies the process, allowing you to remove both the shell and the intestine efficiently with minimal effort.
To use the shears method, begin by inserting one blade gently along the back of the shrimp, starting from the tail end. Make a cut just deep enough into the flesh to expose the dark “vein” or intestine. As you glide the shears up the shrimp’s back, the vein will often lift right out, much like a snowplow clearing a path. Once the vein is removed, continue the cut through the shell, then simply peel it away, leaving the tail intact.
The depth of your cut along the back of the shrimp can also influence its appearance and cooking time. A deeper cut will cause the shrimp to “butterfly” more prominently when cooked, resulting in a slightly faster cooking time due to increased surface area exposure. Experiment to find your preferred aesthetic and texture.
After you’ve finished cleaning all your shrimp, give them a quick, thorough rinse under cold water to ensure they are pristine and ready for marinating. With this simple prep work done, your clean shrimp are perfectly primed to absorb all the wonderful flavors of the Caribbean marinade.
Crafting the Perfect Tropical Marinade
For these sensational Spicy Caribbean Shrimp, we’ll create a vibrant marinade by combining the robust Tropical Heat Sauce from Spice Isle with the bright acidity of fresh lime juice and the warm, complex notes of dark rum. While the shrimp won’t steep in this marinade for an extended period, even a short soak is enough for the powerful flavors to penetrate the delicate shrimp, infusing them with an incredibly fantastic taste that forms the core of this appetizer.
Searing to Perfection in a Cast Iron Skillet
After their brief but impactful marinade, the shrimp are drained and then introduced to a sizzling hot cast iron skillet. The choice of cast iron is intentional here; its ability to retain and distribute heat evenly is crucial for achieving that perfect sear and a slight char that enhances the overall flavor. Before they hit the pan, we give them a generous dusting of the Tropical Heat Seasoning Rub, which adheres beautifully and creates a flavorful crust. The shrimp cook quickly, turning opaque and pink in just a few minutes – a clear sign of doneness. Be mindful not to overcook, as this can lead to a rubbery texture.
While they cook, brush the shrimp generously with additional Tropical Heat Sauce. This step is key to building multiple layers of flavor and achieving that beautiful caramelization and a slight char that makes them utterly irresistible. The glazing process adds a final touch of tropical sweetness and heat, locking in all the vibrant tastes before they are ready to be served.
The Perfect Counterpoint: Refreshing Pineapple Coconut Dip
While many in my family, including myself, have a high tolerance and deep appreciation for spicy flavors, I understand that not everyone enjoys the same level of heat. That’s why I envisioned a “cool” and tropical dipping sauce to accompany these Spicy Caribbean Shrimp, offering a refreshing counterpoint for those who prefer to temper the spice, or simply to add another dimension of tropical delight.
Creating this dip is wonderfully simple. I gently pulsed some sweetened coconut flakes and crushed pineapple in my mini food chopper until finely combined. This mixture was then folded into creamy sour cream along with a touch of pineapple juice. The result is a lusciously smooth and subtly sweet dip.
This uncomplicated pineapple coconut dip not only provides a lovely cooling sensation against the spicy shrimp but also infuses them with an even greater tropical flair. Its creamy texture and sweet, tangy profile perfectly complement the rich, spicy flavors of the shrimp, creating a harmonious and balanced bite.
Elegant Serving Suggestions
While these delectable shrimp are absolutely fantastic enjoyed on their own as a stand-alone appetizer, a moment of inspiration led me to a truly brilliant serving idea: presenting them on buttery, toasted baguette slices. This elevates the dish from a simple appetizer to an elegant hors d’oeuvre, perfect for any sophisticated gathering.
Imagine a small dollop of the creamy pineapple coconut dip spread delicately on each perfectly toasted baguette slice. Then, a glistening Spicy Caribbean Shrimp is nestled on top. The combination of textures – the crisp baguette, the creamy dip, and the succulent shrimp – along with the symphony of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, is simply divine. And don’t they look incredibly beautiful too, adding a touch of vibrant color and tropical sophistication to your appetizer spread? Remember to remove the tails for easier eating when serving on baguettes!
^Love it? PIN IT!^
Don’t let this incredible recipe slip away! Be sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find and recreate these irresistible Spicy Caribbean Shrimp whenever the craving for a tropical escape strikes!
STAY CONNECTED WITH SPICE ISLE SAUCES AND SEASONINGS ONLINE
Dive deeper into the world of tropical flavors by following Spice Isle Sauces on their social media channels: you can find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Be sure to also explore their official website for more inspiring recipes and culinary tips!
WHERE TO PURCHASE SPICE ISLE SEASONING & SAUCES?
Ready to infuse your cooking with authentic Caribbean zest? You can conveniently order all Spice Isle products directly from the Spice Isle Website. Alternatively, you can also purchase their fantastic sauces and rubs through the Buy Nebraska Website, supporting local businesses!
It’s time to create your new go-to appetizer that will impress everyone! Let’s get started on the recipe for these unforgettable Spicy Caribbean Shrimp!
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Print Recipe
Spicy Caribbean Shrimp Appetizer
Equipment
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KitchenAid Renewed 3.5-Cup Food Chopper
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Spice Isle Sauces LLC
Ingredients
For the Rum Jerk Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled, deveined, tails left on
- 4 ounces dark Rum
- Juice of one large lime save zest for dip
- 3 Tablespoons Spice Isle Tropical Heat Sauce + more for brushing on later
- Generous sprinkling of Spice Isle Tropical Heat Seasoning Rub
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- fresh parsley for garnishing
Pineapple Coconut Dip
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup crushed pineapple + 1/2 Tablespoon pineapple juice
- 2 Tablespoons sweetened flaked coconut
- 1 teaspoon lime zest divided
Instructions
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In a medium sized bowl, combine rum, lime juice, and Spice Isle Tropical Heat Sauce. Add peeled/deveined shrimp, tails still on to the marinade. Place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
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Prepare dip: Puree pineapple and coconut together, combine with sour cream and pineapple juice. (add more juice if you’d like it sweeter, but take care not to add too much so it doesn’t get runny.) Stir in most of the lime zest, reserve just a bit to garnish if desired. Place in the refrigerator.
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Drain marinade from the shrimp. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet until hot.
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Place shrimp in the hot skillet, and sprinkle tops with Spice Isle Tropical Heat Seasoning. Cook for one minute, flip them over and brush on Tropical Heat Sauce, cook 2 minutes. Flip over and brush the sauce on the other side. Cook for about a minute more. Shrimp are done when they are pink. Don’t overcook them or they will be rubbery.
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Serve with Pineapple Coconut Dip. Also delicious on toasted baguette slices, just remember to remove the tails!