Mexican Shrimp Salad

mld104423_0509_shrimp2_l.jpg
Servings:
4

Lettuce leaves, chopped tomato, and slices of avocado give a dose of fiber to this Mexican-inspired twist on shrimp cocktail.

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ limes, zested, plus 4 lime wedges for serving

  • ¼ cup fresh orange juice

  • 4 strips (each 2 inches long) orange zest

  • 8 allspice berries (or ¼ teaspoon ground)

  • ½ teaspoon coarse salt

  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

  • ¾ pound medium shrimp, shells on

  • 2 teaspoons tomato paste

  • teaspoon cayenne pepper, plus more if desired

  • ½ medium red onion, finely chopped

  • 1 medium tomato, coarsely chopped

  • 8 leaves lettuce, such as butterhead, for serving

  • 1 firm, ripe Hass avocado, halved, pitted, peeled, and sliced ¼ inch thick

Directions

  1. Juice 1 lime into a large saucepan, and add the rind, 1 quart water, 3 tablespoons orange juice and the zest, allspice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and the pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 10 minutes.

  2. Prepare an ice-water bath. Add the shrimp to simmering water, and cook until pink and opaque, about 3 minutes. Transfer to ice-water bath using a slotted spoon. Let shrimp cool slightly, about 5 minutes, then peel and devein; cut into small pieces.

  3. Juice remaining 1 1/2 limes, and whisk with remaining 1 tablespoon orange juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, the lime zest, tomato paste, and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl (season with more cayenne if desired). Toss in shrimp, onion, and tomato.

  4. Refrigerate, stirring occasionally, at least 30 minutes. Divide lettuce leaves among 4 plates. Top with shrimp and avocado, and serve with lime wedges.

Related Articles