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A vibrant image of Spicy Tomatillo Shrimp Bowls, showcasing juicy broiled shrimp on a bright green tomatillo sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream, accompanied by a side of warm tortillas.
40 minutes Easy

Spicy Tomatillo Shrimp Bowls

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Spicy Tomatillo Shrimp Bowls are a culinary delight. They blend the mild, distinctive taste of tomatillos with the succulence of broiled shrimp. This unique combination is further enhanced by a medley of traditional Mexican ingredients, creating a symphony of flavors that are visually stunning and an accurate representation of Mexican cuisine.

The heart of this dish is its tomatillo sauce, a key element that sets the stage with its tangy, slightly herbal flavor. Tomatillos, a staple in Mexican cuisine, are blended raw with jalapeños, onions, and garlic to create a vibrant puree. This mixture is then simmered with cilantro and cumin, adding earthy and citrusy notes that deepen the sauce’s complexity. The resulting sauce is robust and subtly piquant, providing a refreshing contrast to the savory components of the dish.

The broiled shrimp, the dish’s star, are prepared simply and precisely. Coated with extra virgin olive oil, paprika, and chili powder, these succulent morsels are perfectly broiled to perfection. The high heat of the broiler creates a slight char on the shrimp’s flesh, adding a delightful crispness to their tender, juicy interior. This cooking method preserves the shrimp’s delicate texture and seals in their natural flavors, ensuring each bite is a sensory delight.

To serve, the spicy tomatillo sauce is ladled into bowls, creating a vibrant green canvas upon which the broiled shrimp are generously heaped. A garnish of freshly chopped cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness, while a dollop of sour cream introduces a creamy richness that beautifully contrasts with the sauce’s tang. The dish is accompanied by warm, soft tortillas, allowing diners to scoop up the delicious mixture or wrap their bites, adding a tactile element that enhances the overall dining experience.

More than just a meal, the Spicy Tomatillo Shrimp Bowls are a versatile delight, perfect for any occasion. This dish will impress whether it’s a casual family dinner or a more festive gathering of friends. It invites diners to indulge in a dish that is both comforting and exotic, offering a taste of traditional Mexican flavors with a modern twist. The combination of spicy, tangy, and creamy elements ensures that each spoonful is a discovery of new delights, making it a dish that is likely to satisfy any palate.

Beyond its delicious taste, this dish also offers a nutritional boost, providing a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. It’s a hearty yet healthy option for those who appreciate bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Spicy Tomatillo Shrimp Bowls epitomize the essence of flavorful cooking, where simplicity meets sophistication in a dance of flavors as lively and dynamic as the culture from which they originate.

Spicy Tomatillo Shrimp Bowls

Recipe by Kyle Taylor
5.0 from 1 vote
Course: MainsCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Total time

40

minutes

Spicy Tomatillo Shrimp Bowls feature succulent broiled shrimp atop a tangy, vibrant tomatillo sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro and creamy sour cream, served with warm tortillas for a delightful Mexican-inspired meal.

Ingredients

  • For the Shrimp
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

  • to taste, salt and ground black pepper

  • For the Tomatillo Sauce
  • 1 pound tomatillos, husked and rinsed

  • 1 jalapeno, stemmed and seeded

  • 1 large onion, quartered

  • 3 cloves of garlic

  • 1 cup cilantro leaves, loosely packed

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • For Serving
  • warm flour tortillas

  • freshly chopped cilantro

  • sour cream

Directions

  • Puree the Vegetables:
    Combine the tomatillos, jalapeño, onion, garlic, and chicken broth in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
  • Simmer the Sauce:
    Pour the pureed mixture into a saucepan. Add the cilantro and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Preheat and Prep for Broiling:
    Turn on your oven’s broiler and arrange the rack 4 inches from the heat source.
  • Broil the Shrimp:
    In a bowl, toss the shrimp with extra virgin olive oil, paprika, chili powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Arrange the seasoned shrimp on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place under the broiler and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and slightly charred.
  • Warm the Tortillas:
    While the shrimp is broiling, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for about 30 seconds per side, or wrap them in foil and warm in the oven.
  • Assemble and Serve:
    Spoon some of the spicy tomatillo sauce into each bowl. Top with the broiled shrimp. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream. Serve with the warm tortillas on the side.

A Sweet Corn Margarita would make an exceptional pairing with the Spicy Tomatillo Shrimp Bowls. The natural sweetness of the corn in the margarita beautifully complements the tangy and spicy flavors of the tomatillo sauce, providing a delightful contrast. The refreshing citrus notes of the margarita help cleanse the palate between bites of the savory shrimp, enhancing each flavor without overpowering them. This pairing not only bridges traditional and modern tastes but also adds a playful, summery twist to the meal, making it even more enjoyable.

Introducing Palate Passport™

On this episode, join us on an extensive and unforgettable adventure as we delve deep into the vibrant culinary scene of Mexico City, a metropolis where ancient traditions meet modern innovation. From bustling street food markets to world-renowned restaurants, discover why Mexico City is an essential destination for food lovers around the globe!