Caribbean Shrimp & Rice

While most people are probably enjoying some traditional Memorial Day weekend BBQ food like cheeseburgers and hot dogs, I'm standing in my kitchen looking at a pound of raw shrimp with no game plan.  My first thought whenever I see shrimp is scampi...a buttery garlic heaven, one of my all-time favorite dishes served over pasta. Today is different though, the weather is nice and something is telling me to make a dish out of the ordinary...an entree my husband won't expect because I know for sure while he sits on the patio he's thinking I'm inside the kitchen making none other than my classic shrimp scampi. Well surprise, surprise!  I am not a one trick pony when it comes to shrimp!  I see a can of pineapple chunks in the pantry and I think Caribbean shrimp.  Minus the turquoise water and white sand beach it turned out very close to island cuisine with a little kick from the red pepper flakes and sweetness from the pineapple it was a success. here's my recipe:

1 lb raw shrimp, peeled
1 can pineapple chunks (8 oz)
1 red pepper, chopped
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 tsp olive oil
8-10 cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 garlic clove, pressed
1/2 lime
1 cup brown rice
1 cup frozen peas
2 tsp Caribbean jerk seasoning
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
salt & pepper to taste

Cook rice according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet saute the garlic, onions and red pepper in olive oil until softened.  Add pineapple chunks (reserve juice).  Brown the pineapple.  Add the shrimp and sprinkle with Caribbean seasoning, red pepper flakes and salt & pepper, squeeze lime juice over the shrimp.  Cook shrimp for about 4 minutes on each side until they turn orange in color. Steam the peas in the microwave for 2 minutes, drain water.  Add rice, pineapple juice, peas and tomatoes.  Serve & enjoy!

makes 2 servings

I don't know if there's anyone out there reading this blog but I wanted to update this and let you know I made this recipe again tonight (7/8/2013) and I added a can of black beans...it was a great addition!!