Old Bay Shrimp Burrito: A Spicy Seafood Delight

Old Bay Shrimp Burrito: Prepare to embark on a flavor journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-kissed shores of the Chesapeake Bay! Imagine succulent, perfectly seasoned shrimp, bursting with the iconic zest of Old Bay, nestled in a warm, comforting tortilla alongside your favorite fresh fillings. This isn’t just a burrito; it’s an experience.

While the burrito itself hails from Mexico, the addition of Old Bay seasoning gives this dish a distinctly American, Mid-Atlantic twist. Old Bay, a blend of herbs and spices created in Baltimore, Maryland, has become synonymous with seafood feasts and summertime gatherings. Its unique flavor profile elevates the humble shrimp to new heights, creating a symphony of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet notes that dance on your palate.

People adore this Old Bay Shrimp Burrito for its incredible taste and ease of preparation. It’s the perfect weeknight meal – quick to assemble, satisfyingly delicious, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. The combination of tender shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and that unmistakable Old Bay kick is simply irresistible. Plus, who can resist the convenience of a handheld meal packed with flavor? Get ready to roll your way to burrito bliss!

Ingredients:

• For the Shrimp:
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• For the Cilantro-Lime Rice:
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Black Bean Salsa:
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely diced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional, for extra heat)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup water (or more, to reach desired consistency)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Other:
• 4 large flour tortillas
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, hot sauce

Preparing the Old Bay Shrimp

Okay, let’s get started with the star of our burrito – the Old Bay shrimp! This is super easy and quick, so you’ll have perfectly seasoned shrimp in no time.

1. Prep the Shrimp: Make sure your shrimp are peeled and deveined. Pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear when cooking.
2. Season the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated with the spices. I like to use my hands to really get the seasoning in there.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, or the shrimp will steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.
4. Cook Time: Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll become rubbery.
5. Remove and Set Aside: Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

Making the Cilantro-Lime Rice

Next up, let’s make the flavorful cilantro-lime rice. This adds a fresh and zesty element to the burrito that complements the Old Bay shrimp perfectly.

1. Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, olive oil, and salt.
3. Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not lift the lid during this time!
5. Fluff and Flavor: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.
6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the rice and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Preparing the Black Bean Salsa

Now, let’s whip up the black bean salsa. This adds a fresh, vibrant, and slightly spicy kick to the burrito. It’s a great way to add some texture and flavor.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the rinsed and drained black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, minced jalapeno (if using), and chopped cilantro.
2. Dress the Salsa: Add the lime juice and olive oil to the bowl.
3. Season: Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Mix Well: Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
5. Chill (Optional): For best flavor, cover the salsa and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. However, you can use it immediately if you’re short on time.

Making the Creamy Avocado Sauce

This creamy avocado sauce is the perfect finishing touch for our burrito. It adds a cool, smooth, and rich element that balances the spice and acidity of the other ingredients.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the avocado, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chopped cilantro, water, and garlic powder.
2. Blend: Blend until smooth and creamy. Add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Season: Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more lime juice, salt, or pepper as needed.
5. Keep Cool: If not using immediately, store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce.

Assembling the Burritos

Alright, we’ve got all our components ready to go! Now comes the fun part – assembling the burritos. This is where it all comes together, and you get to create your perfect Old Bay Shrimp Burrito.

1. Warm the Tortillas: Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or until they are pliable. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds. This makes them easier to roll without tearing.
2. Layer the Ingredients: Lay a warm tortilla on a flat surface. Spread a generous amount of the creamy avocado sauce in the center of the tortilla, leaving about an inch of space around the edges.
3. Add the Rice: Top the avocado sauce with a layer of cilantro-lime rice.
4. Add the Black Bean Salsa: Spoon a generous amount of the black bean salsa over the rice.
5. Add the Shrimp: Arrange the Old Bay shrimp on top of the salsa.
6. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or your favorite cheese) over the shrimp.
7. Add Optional Toppings: If desired, add any additional toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or hot sauce.
8. Fold the Burrito: To fold the burrito, fold in the sides of the tortilla towards the center. Then, fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up and over the filling, tucking it in tightly. Roll the burrito forward until it is completely sealed.
9. Seal the Burrito (Optional): To seal the burrito, you can heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Place the burrito seam-side down in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. This helps to keep the burrito from falling apart.
10. Serve: Serve the Old Bay Shrimp Burrito immediately. You can cut it in half for easier eating. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Old Bay Shrimp Burrito recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it! The combination of succulent, perfectly seasoned shrimp, the creamy avocado, and the zesty lime crema all wrapped up in a warm tortilla is simply irresistible. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. I truly believe this will become a staple in your recipe rotation. But why is this particular burrito a must-try? It’s all about the balance. The Old Bay seasoning brings a unique, savory depth that you won’t find in your average shrimp burrito. It’s not just spicy; it’s complex, with hints of celery salt, paprika, and other spices that complement the sweetness of the shrimp beautifully. Then, the cool, creamy avocado and the bright, tangy lime crema cut through the richness, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Looking for serving suggestions? These burritos are fantastic on their own, but they also pair perfectly with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple green salad. For an extra kick, add a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try grilling the burritos for a few minutes on each side to create a crispy, golden-brown exterior. And speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you could easily substitute grilled chicken, black beans, or even seasoned tofu. Want to add more veggies? Bell peppers, onions, and corn would all be delicious additions. You could also experiment with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a sprinkle of cotija cheese. For a spicier version, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the shrimp marinade. I’ve personally made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit. I’ve tweaked it, experimented with different ingredients, and perfected it to my liking, and I’m confident that you’ll love it just as much as I do. The key is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to not be afraid to experiment with different flavors and textures.

Ready to give it a try?

I truly hope you do! I’m so excited for you to experience the deliciousness of this Old Bay Shrimp Burrito. Once you’ve made it, please, please, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you thought, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Did you add a special ingredient? Did you find a new way to serve it? Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating and sharing recipes that you’ll love. So, grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to make some magic in the kitchen. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Happy cooking! And don’t forget to tag me in your photos on social media – I can’t wait to see your creations! Let’s get cooking and share the burrito love!

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