pat's Recipe

Mexican Shrimp Salad

Category: Beef/poultry/seafood salad

2 1/2 limes, zested, plus 4 lime wedges for serving
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
4 strips (each 2 inches long) orange zest
8 allspice berries (or 1/4 teaspoon ground)
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3/4 pound medium shrimp, shells on
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, plus more if desired
1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
1 medium tomato, coarsely chopped
8 leaves lettuce, such as butterhead, for serving
1 firm, ripe Hass avocado, halved, pitted, peeled, and sliced 1/4 inch thick
Directions
Juice 1 lime into a large saucepan, and add the rind, 1 quart water, 3 tablespoons orange juice and the zest, allspice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and the pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Prepare an ice-water bath. Add the shrimp to simmering water, and cook until pink and opaque, about 3 minutes. Transfer to ice-water bath using a slotted spoon. Let shrimp cool slightly, about 5 minutes, then peel and devein; cut into small pieces.
Juice remaining 1 1/2 limes, and whisk with remaining 1 tablespoon orange juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, the lime zest, tomato paste, and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl (season with more cayenne if desired). Toss in shrimp, onion, and tomato.
Refrigerate, stirring occasionally, at least 30 minutes. Divide lettuce leaves among 4 plates. Top with shrimp and avocado, and serve with lime wedges.

serves 4