Blackened Shrimp with Peach Cucumber Relish
Fast blackened shrimp meet a juicy peach cucumber relish for a smoky, sweet, and zingy appetizer.
Prep: 15 · Cook: 10 · Total: 25 · Serves: 4 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.9/5 (104 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
The sweet-and-smoky contrast comes from Gulf Coast seafood plates and peak-season fruit salsas. Lettuce cups keep the shrimp light, crisp, and easy to pass around.
Story
Theo wants appetizers with a little swagger, and these shrimp bring it. The spice crust hits first, then the peach and cucumber relish rolls in with lime and crunch like a cool breeze through an open window. Put them on a big platter and watch them disappear before dinner is ready.
By Theo
Ingredients
- 2 ripe peaches, finely diced
- 1 cup finely diced English cucumber
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 24 small butter lettuce leaves
- 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese
Instructions
- Combine the peaches, cucumber, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt in a bowl; set aside for 10 minutes.
- Pat the shrimp very dry, then toss them with the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Heat a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Cook the shrimp in a single layer for 2 minutes per side, until blackened in spots and opaque at the center.
- Arrange the lettuce leaves on a platter and fill each with a spoonful of peach cucumber relish.
- Top with a shrimp and a little cotija, then serve with lime wedges and the remaining relish.
Chef Tips
- Dry shrimp are the key to a dark spice crust, so blot them thoroughly before seasoning.
- Use peaches that are ripe but still firm enough to dice cleanly.
- For a milder bite, leave out the cayenne and add a pinch of ground coriander.
- The relish is best within a few hours, while the cucumber is still crisp.
Cook's Notes
- **Shrimp:** Pat them dry so the seasoning sears instead of steams.
- **Relish:** Dice the peach and cucumber close to the same size for the best bite.
- **Serving:** Keep the lettuce chilled until the last minute.