Shrimp & Refried Bean Naan Bites Recipe – Tomatillo & Coca-Cola Twist

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Shrimp & Refried Bean Naan Bites Recipe – Tomatillo & Coca-Cola Twist

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s a total flavor bomb and surprisingly easy to make. I first whipped these up for a little get-together with friends, and they were gone in minutes. The combination of spicy shrimp, creamy beans, and that bright tomatillo sauce is just…chef’s kiss! Plus, the little Coca-Cola Zero Sugar twist? Trust me on this one. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Shrimp & Refried Bean Naan Bites are the perfect appetizer or light meal. They’re packed with flavor, have a wonderful textural contrast, and are seriously addictive. Think of warm, chewy naan bread loaded with a fiesta of tastes – it’s a little bit Indian-inspired, a little bit Mexican-influenced, and 100% delicious. And honestly, who doesn’t love food you can eat with your hands?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing bites:

• 1 batch Homemade Naan bread dough (about 300-400g)
• 1 can (approximately 400g) refried beans
• 1 cup (about 170g) cooked pinto beans
• 3 pickled jalapenos, finely chopped
• 1 ear of roasted corn (or about 1 cup frozen, thawed)
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup (about 80g) sliced red onion
• 1 cup (about 120g) queso fresco, crumbled
• 1 pound (about 450g) deveined shrimp
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
• 3 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 2 garlic cloves, unpeeled
• 1 Serrano pepper
• White onion (about ¼ medium, roughly chopped)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few things will really make this recipe shine:

• Homemade Naan: Seriously, if you have the time, making your own naan is worth it. The texture is just so much better. But store-bought naan works in a pinch!
• Refried Beans vs. Whole Pinto Beans: I love the creaminess of refried beans as a base, but using whole pinto beans adds a nice textural element. Feel free to adjust the ratio to your liking.
• Queso Fresco: This crumbly, fresh cheese is perfect for adding a salty, tangy bite. If you can’t find it, feta is a decent substitute, but queso fresco is really the star here.
• Tomatillos: These little green tomatoes are key to the vibrant tomatillo sauce. They have a slightly tart, citrusy flavor that’s amazing. You can usually find them at Latin American grocery stores or sometimes in the produce section of larger supermarkets.
• Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Pairing: Okay, this might sound weird, but the subtle sweetness and caramel notes of the Coca-Cola Zero Sugar really complement the spicy shrimp and tangy tomatillo sauce. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – this will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Roll out your naan dough into a roughly 1/8-inch (3mm) thick rectangle. Use a fork to poke holes all over the dough. This prevents it from puffing up too much in the oven.
3. Brush the naan dough with olive oil. Now, spread a generous layer of refried beans, followed by the cooked pinto beans.
4. Top with pickled jalapenos, roasted corn, diced avocado, sliced red onion, and a generous sprinkle of queso fresco.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the naan is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
6. While the naan is baking, let’s make the tomatillo sauce. Roast the tomatillos, onion, garlic cloves, and Serrano pepper at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the tomatillos are slightly charred.
7. Let the roasted vegetables cool slightly, then blend them with a pinch of salt until smooth.
8. Next, marinate the shrimp in lime juice, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and chopped cilantro for about 30 minutes.
9. Roast the marinated shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 8-9 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.
10. Slice the baked naan into bite-sized pieces and serve immediately with the tomatillo sauce and a chilled Coca-Cola Zero Sugar.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! Give the naan bites enough space so they bake evenly.
• For a more intense tomatillo flavor, broil the tomatillos for the last few minutes of roasting. Watch them closely so they don’t burn!
• Make sure the shrimp are fully cooked before serving. Nobody wants undercooked shrimp.

Variations

• Spice Level Adjustment: If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce the amount of Serrano pepper in the tomatillo sauce or omit the jalapenos altogether. For extra spice, leave the seeds in the Serrano pepper!
• Gluten-Free Naan Option: Use gluten-free naan bread for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
• Vegan Adaptation – Bean & Veggie Focus: Skip the shrimp and queso fresco. Add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a hearty vegan bite.
• Festival/Game Day Appetizer: These are perfect for parties! Make a big batch and set them out with the sauce and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar for easy snacking. My family requests these every single time we have a get-together.

Serving Suggestions

These naan bites are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad. And, of course, don’t forget that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar!

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. The naan will lose some of its crispness, but it will still be delicious.

FAQs

• Can I make the tomatillo sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! The tomatillo sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• What is the best way to prevent the naan from getting soggy? Poking holes in the dough with a fork and brushing it with olive oil helps to create a barrier against the moisture from the beans and toppings.
• Can I use different beans in this recipe? Yes, feel free to experiment with black beans, kidney beans, or any other bean you like.
• Is queso fresco a necessary ingredient? What can I substitute? While queso fresco adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with feta cheese, cotija cheese, or even shredded Monterey Jack.
• What does the Coca-Cola Zero Sugar add to the dish? It might sound strange, but the subtle sweetness and caramel notes of the Coca-Cola Zero Sugar balance the spice and acidity of the dish, creating a surprisingly harmonious flavor combination.