Name: Old Bay Shrimp Burrito: A Spicy Seafood Delight!
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 burritos
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat); Juice of 1/2 lime; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups water; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; Juice of 1/2 lime; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned); 1/2 red bell pepper, diced; 1/4 red onion, finely chopped; 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional, for extra heat); 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; Juice of 1 lime; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced (plus 1 teaspoon adobo sauce); Juice of 1/4 lime; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt to taste

Old Bay Shrimp Burrito: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that marries the vibrant flavors of the Chesapeake Bay with the comforting embrace of a warm tortilla! Forget your usual weeknight dinner routine because this recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine succulent, perfectly seasoned shrimp, kissed with the iconic Old Bay spice blend, nestled amongst your favorite burrito fillings.

While the burrito itself boasts a rich history rooted in Mexican cuisine, the addition of Old Bay seasoning brings a distinctly American twist. This beloved spice blend, born in the heart of Maryland, has long been a staple for seafood lovers, adding a zesty and savory kick to everything it touches. It's a taste of the coast, bottled and ready to elevate your meal.

What makes this Old Bay Shrimp Burrito so irresistible? It's the perfect harmony of textures and tastes. The tender shrimp, the creamy avocado, the zesty lime, and the satisfying crunch of fresh vegetables – all wrapped in a soft, warm tortilla. Plus, it's incredibly versatile! Customize it with your favorite toppings and fillings to create a truly personalized culinary masterpiece. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, this burrito is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. So, grab your Old Bay and let's get cooking!

Ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Juice of 1/2 lime
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cilantro-Lime Rice:

1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups water
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Juice of 1/2 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, diced
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional, for extra heat)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Chipotle Sauce:

1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced (plus 1 teaspoon adobo sauce)
Juice of 1/4 lime
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt to taste

Other:

4 large flour tortillas
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or your favorite cheese)
Optional toppings: avocado slices, shredded lettuce, hot sauce

Preparing the Shrimp:

In a medium bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with Old Bay seasoning, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and lime juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss well to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated.
Let the shrimp marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together and penetrate the shrimp.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the shrimp instead of searing them. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.
Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Cilantro-Lime Rice:

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with water, olive oil, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the water has been absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time, as this can release steam and affect the cooking process.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become fluffy.
Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Preparing the Black Bean Salsa:

In a medium bowl, combine the rinsed and drained black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeno (if using), and chopped cilantro.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the dressing over the black bean mixture and toss well to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Let the black bean salsa sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps the salsa to become more flavorful.

Making the Creamy Chipotle Sauce:

In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (plus 1 teaspoon of the adobo sauce), lime juice, and garlic powder.
Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more chipotle pepper or adobo sauce for extra heat and flavor.
Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps the sauce to thicken slightly.

Assembling the Burritos:

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 will make them easier to roll without tearing.
Lay a warm tortilla on a flat surface. Spread a thin layer of the creamy chipotle sauce over the center of the tortilla, leaving about an inch of space around the edges.
Top the sauce with a layer of cilantro-lime rice, followed by a generous portion of the Old Bay shrimp.
Add a scoop of the black bean salsa over the shrimp.
Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or your favorite cheese) over the salsa.
If desired, add any additional toppings, such as avocado slices, shredded lettuce, or hot sauce.
To roll 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. Continue rolling the burrito away from you until it is completely sealed.
Repeat steps 2-7 for the remaining burritos.
If desired, you can grill the assembled burritos for a few minutes per side to warm them through and melt the cheese. To do this, heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the burritos in the skillet or grill pan, seam-side down, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serve the Old Bay Shrimp Burritos immediately. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Old Bay Shrimp Burrito recipe isn't just another meal; it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen, a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the coast! I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a little bit of a kick. The combination of the sweet shrimp, the zesty Old Bay seasoning, the creamy avocado, and the tangy lime crema is simply irresistible. It's quick, it's easy, and it's guaranteed to impress. Why is this Old Bay Shrimp Burrito a must-try? Because it's more than just a burrito; it's a complete flavor experience. The Old Bay seasoning elevates the shrimp to a whole new level, adding a savory, slightly spicy, and utterly addictive taste. The fresh vegetables provide a delightful crunch and a burst of freshness, while the lime crema adds a creamy, tangy counterpoint that ties everything together perfectly. It's a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it's incredibly versatile!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Looking for ways to customize your Old Bay Shrimp Burrito? Here are a few ideas to get you started: * Spice it up! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp marinade or a few slices of jalapeño to the burrito for an extra kick. * Go vegetarian! Substitute the shrimp with black beans or grilled halloumi cheese for a delicious vegetarian option. * Add some grains! Incorporate some cooked quinoa or brown rice for a heartier and more filling burrito. * Make it a bowl! Skip the tortilla altogether and serve the shrimp and toppings over a bed of rice or lettuce for a lighter, bowl-style meal. * Try different cheeses! Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a sprinkle of cotija cheese. * Serve with sides! Pair your burrito with a side of tortilla chips and salsa, guacamole, or a refreshing Mexican salad. * Make it ahead! You can prepare the shrimp and lime crema ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the burritos. This makes it a perfect option for a quick and easy weeknight meal. I've personally made this recipe countless times, and it's always a hit. I've served it at parties, brought it to potlucks, and even enjoyed it as a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Every time, I get rave reviews. The secret, I think, is the quality of the ingredients and the generous use of Old Bay seasoning. Don't be afraid to experiment and adjust the recipe to your own liking. That's the beauty of cooking – it's all about creating something that you love! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to make the best Old Bay Shrimp Burrito you've ever tasted. I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. And once you've tried it, I'd love to hear about your experience! Share your photos, your variations, and your thoughts in the comments below. Let's create a community of Old Bay Shrimp Burrito lovers! I can't wait to see what you come up with. Happy cooking!