Spicy Tomatillo Shrimp Bowls

Spicy Tomatillo Shrimp Bowls present a vibrant, bold interpretation of classic flavors. At the heart of this dish is a lively tomatillo sauce, complemented by tender, perfectly broiled shrimp for a meal that’s both satisfying and uncomplicated.

The flavor journey starts with the tomatillo sauce. Raw tomatillos are combined with jalapeños, onions, and garlic, then simmered with cilantro and cumin. This process results in a sauce that’s tangy, mildly spicy, and rich in flavor. It strikes a balance between freshness and earthiness, making it an ideal accompaniment for the shrimp.

The shrimp are straightforward yet full of flavor. Dressed lightly with extra virgin olive oil, paprika, and chili powder, they’re broiled until slightly charred, which seals in their juices and adds a smoky twist. The outcome is shrimp that are tender, vibrant, and slightly crispy at the edges.

SUGGESTED RECIPE: Sweet Corn Margarita

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.

To serve, the tomatillo sauce is poured into shallow bowls, creating a base for the shrimp to rest atop. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds brightness, while a dollop of sour cream softens the heat and brings a touch of creaminess. Warm tortillas are served alongside, making it easy to scoop, wrap, or savor each bite.

This dish is versatile enough for a quick dinner but special enough for entertaining. It’s hearty, fresh, and balanced, delivering just the right amount of spice and tang without overpowering. Spicy Tomatillo Shrimp Bowls are an uncomplicated, flavorful way to bring a bit of Mexican-inspired cooking to your table—no fuss, just great taste.

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.