Charred Mariscos KC-Style Shrimp with Spicy Salsa Bar Sauce
Plump shrimp chargrilled and tossed in a spicy, smoky salsa inspired by Kansas City's vibrant seafood scene, perfect for a flavorful appetizer or main. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 16 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, smoked paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 medium, finely diced tomato
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, toss 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground chipotle chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until fully coated.
- Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, mix 1 medium finely diced tomato, 1 small minced jalapeño, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1/2 tsp salt in a small bowl to make a fresh, spicy salsa.
- Step 4: Toss grilled shrimp with half of the salsa mixture and serve the remaining salsa on the side for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charred Mariscos KC-Style Shrimp with Spicy Salsa Bar Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 16 minutes (10 min prep + 6 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Charred Mariscos KC-Style Shrimp with Spicy Salsa Bar Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Mariscos KC-Style Shrimp with Spicy Salsa Bar Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Charred Mariscos KC-Style Shrimp with Spicy Salsa Bar Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Charred Mariscos KC-Style Shrimp with Spicy Salsa Bar Sauce?
Latin American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
