As a self-proclaimed lover of Mexican food (which is an understatement), I have to admit something that may be shocking and/or disappointing. I don’t actually know what Pico de Gallo is. I know, I know. I have failed as a dedicated, Mexican-cuisine-obsessed fan. With today’s recipes, we’re going to find out what has burrito lovers everywhere going crazy, with this recipe for Shrimp Pico de Gallo.
Traditionally, pico de gallo (pronounced “pee-co dee guy-o”), or salsa fresca, is a spicy, bold salsa containing fresh, chopped tomato, onion, cilantro, fresh serrano peppers, salt and key lime juice. The literal Spanish translation of pico de gallo is “rooster’s beak,” but don’t worry, pico doesn’t actually involve any parts of a rooster.
It’s a great addition to any dish, no matter how simple or complex it is. It goes great with some tortilla chips or alongside some fresh seafood. After trying this recipe, I can’t believe I’ve gone this long with being introduced to pico de gallo. Today’s recipe, of course, uses watermelon, which gives the pico a nice summer sweetness.
SHRIMP PICO DE GALLO
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon minced, seeded jalapeno
3 tablespoons minced, fresh shallots
1 tablespoon minced, fresh garlic
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3 limes (juice squeezed from the limes)
2 cups minced watermelon
2 cups chopped, cooked shrimp
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 cup diced roasted red pepper
dash ground black pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat the oil in a heavy non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Saute the jalapeno, shallots and garlic until golden and toasted around the edges. Remove from heat and add soy sauce and cumin. Cool.
Scrape the cooled ingredients into a bowl and toss with lime juice, watermelon, shrimp, parsley and roasted pepper. Season with pepper to taste. Serve with chips and margaritas, fish tacos or atop grilled salmon.
For more recipes using watermelon, check out the “Recipes” section of the National Watermelon Promotion Board website.
UP NEXT: How to store a watermelon carving
Remember: All comments left on the blog this month are entered to win our THREE weekly National Watermelon Month July prizes, so comment as often as you’d like!
————
Don’t forget to enter our 2015 Watermelon Carving Contest! We still need plenty of entries in the “Beginner” category, so all you new carvers should definitely enter for a chance to win. The deadline for entries is 11:59 PM on August 3. There are $4,000 in prizes and the first 25 entrants will receive a Dexas watermelon cutting board. Check out the official contest web page for categories, judging criteria and how to enter!