Old Bay Shrimp Burritos

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 pound small shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground pepper

Preparation:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced green bell pepper, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the sliced garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
2. Shrimp Transformation: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp to the skillet, sprinkling them with ground cumin, paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper. Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Rest and Ready: Remove the skillet from the heat. Let the filling cool slightly, allowing the flavors to settle and intensify.

Assembling the Burrito: A Symphony of Components

The final step in our culinary ballet involves bringing together all the components in perfect harmony, wrapped in the embrace of a warm flour tortilla.

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas, warmed
• 1 cup cooked long-grain white rice
• 1 cup cooked black beans, rinsed and drained
• 3/4 cup shredded Mexican cheese
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup pico de gallo, drained
• 1 avocado, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives, plus more for garnishing

Assembly:

1. The Foundation: Lay out the warmed flour tortillas on a clean surface. Spread a generous amount of Old Bay Aioli across the center of each tortilla.
2. Layer and Build: On top of the aioli, layer the white rice, black beans, shrimp filling, shredded cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, and avocado slices. Sprinkle chopped chives over the top.
3. Roll and Secure: Carefully fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom up, ensuring the contents are securely enveloped within.
4. The Final Touch: Garnish the burritos with additional Old Bay seasoning and chopped chives. If desired, lightly grill the burritos on a panini press or skillet to add warmth and texture.

Culinary Reflections

The Old Bay Shrimp Burritos stand as a testament to the beauty of culinary fusion, where every bite is a journey through flavors both familiar and novel. This dish not only satisfies hunger but also stirs the soul, inviting you to explore the depths of flavor and the heights of gastronomic pleasure.

Through the meticulous preparation of each component, we’ve woven a tapestry of taste that celebrates the richness of the sea, the warmth of Mexican cuisine, and the joy of shared meals. Whether enjoyed in the comfort of home or shared among friends, these burritos promise an experience that is both enriching and profoundly satisfying.

In crafting this recipe, we’ve embarked on a journey that transcends mere cooking, venturing into the realm of culinary artistry. Here, every ingredient plays a vital role, each step is a gesture of passion, and the final dish is a masterpiece to be savored and remembered.