Caribbean Tapas

Ingredients

While Spanish tapas are known for their use of ingredients like olives, cured meats, and cheeses, Caribbean Tapas take a different approach. This adaptation incorporates the bold flavors of the Caribbean, including tropical fruits, fiery spices, and fresh seafood. The dishes are also influenced by the cooking techniques and ingredients commonly found in Caribbean cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Tapas, so you can check it out.

• 1 pound (450g) fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 pound (450g) fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) Caribbean jerk seasoning 2 tablespoons (30ml) Caribbean jerk seasoning
• 1 ripe mango, diced 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) honey 1 teaspoon (5ml) honey
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 12g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Caribbean jerk seasoning until well coated. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
2. 2.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, combine the diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine and set aside.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side, until cooked through and slightly charred.
5. 5.
   Remove the shrimp from the skewers and serve with the mango salsa. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Make sure to devein the shrimp properly to remove any grit or sand.
• Caribbean jerk seasoning — Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. Add more for a bolder flavor or reduce for a milder taste.
• Mango — Choose a ripe mango for the salsa to ensure a sweet and juicy flavor.
• Lime juice — Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a tangy and refreshing element to the dish.
• Cilantro — Use fresh cilantro leaves for garnish to add a burst of freshness to the tapas.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a dash of hot sauce or finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper to the mango salsa.
• Serve the Caribbean Tapas with plantain chips or toasted coconut flakes for added crunch.
• If you don't have access to a grill, you can also cook the shrimp on a stovetop grill pan or under the broiler.
• Experiment with different tropical fruits in the salsa, such as pineapple or papaya, to add variety to your tapas spread.
• To make it a complete meal, serve the Caribbean Tapas with a side of coconut rice and black beans.

Serving advice

Serve the Caribbean Tapas as an appetizer or as part of a tapas-style meal. Arrange the grilled shrimp on a platter and spoon the mango salsa over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for an extra pop of color. Provide small plates and cocktail picks for easy serving and enjoying.

Presentation advice

For an eye-catching presentation, use a colorful platter or wooden board to serve the Caribbean Tapas. Arrange the grilled shrimp in a neat row and place a small bowl of mango salsa in the center. Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over the dish for a vibrant touch. Serve with a side of plantain chips or toasted coconut flakes for added visual appeal.