
Warm Shrimp and Octopus Skewers with Tamarind Glaze, Charred Corn, and Avocado Cream
An original seafood recipe featuring shrimp and octopus skewers seared on a hot pan, brushed with a sweet-tart tamarind glaze, served over sautéed corn with red onion and finished with a smooth avocado cilantro cream. It offers contrasting textures, freshness, and a gentle spicy finish.
Ingredients
- 400 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined (without cola, dry with papel)
- 300 g cooked octopus (cut en trozos large)
- 45 g tamarind paste (for the glaseado)
- 30 ml honey (for equilibrar the acidez)
- 30 ml soy sauce (for the glaseado)
- 12 g garlic, minced (divided)
- 4 g smoked paprika (divided)
- 2 g ground cumin (divided)
- 45 ml olive oil (divided)
- 300 g corn kernels (fresh or descongelados)
- 100 g red onion (chopped diced small)
- 15 g jalapeño (chopped fino, without semillas if desired menos picante)
- 200 g ripe avocado (for the cream)
- 120 g plain yogurt (for the cream)
- 20 g fresh cilantro (leaves and stalks tiernos, divided)
- 2 units lime (zest and juice, divided)
- 6 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 15 g butter (for the maíz)
- 8 units skewers (si son of madera, remojados 20 minutos)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. If using the oven to keep the dish warm, preheat it to 100 °C / 210 °F. In a small bowl, mix the tamarind paste, honey, soy sauce, half of the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 tablespoon olive oil until smooth.
- 2
2. In another bowl, combine the shrimp and cooked octopus with the zest of 1 lime, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, the remaining garlic, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, salt, and black pepper. Let rest for 10 minutes.
- 3
3. Make the avocado cream by blending or mashing the avocado, plain yogurt, half of the fresh cilantro, the juice of 1 lime, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Chill until needed.
- 4
4. Thread the shrimp and octopus pieces alternately onto the skewers to make 8 skewers.
- 5
5. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and cook the skewers for 2 to 3 minutes per side, brushing them with the tamarind glaze during the last 2 minutes, until the shrimp are opaque and the octopus is lightly caramelized.
- 6
6. In another skillet, melt the butter with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the red onion and jalapeño; cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the corn, a pinch of salt, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until lightly charred in spots. Add the remaining fresh cilantro and a few drops of the remaining lime juice.
- 7
7. Spoon the charred corn onto plates. Arrange the hot skewers on top or alongside and finish with dollops of avocado cream. If desired, keep the skewers warm in the oven for 5 minutes at 100 °C / 210 °F before serving.
- 8
8. Serve immediately with the remaining tamarind glaze on the side or lightly brushed over the skewers just before bringing them to the table.
Chef tips
Pat the shrimp and octopus very dry before cooking for better browning. If the glaze feels too thick, loosen it with 1 to 2 teaspoons of water. Do not overcook the shrimp so they stay juicy.
Substitutions
You can swap the octopus for scallops or extra shrimp. The yogurt can be replaced with lactose-free yogurt or unsweetened plant-based cream for a dairy-free version. If you do not have jalapeño, use a mild green chili. For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with gluten-free tamari.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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