If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor, you have to try this Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa Recipe. Imagine tender shrimp seasoned with a perfect blend of spices, grilled to juicy perfection, and then topped with a bright, sweet, and tangy mango salsa that dances on your taste buds. The combination is irresistible and makes for a quick, delightful meal that everyone will rave about. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, these tacos bring fun, color, and a burst of zest to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays an important role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish truly special. From the juicy shrimp to the fresh mango salsa, every component shines in its own way.
- 1 pound shrimp: The star of the dish, bringing a tender and succulent seafood base.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the spices adhere to the shrimp while adding a subtle richness.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds smoky warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Introduces earthy depth to the spice blend.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a mild garlic kick that enhances savory notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Balances and rounds out the seasoning profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Brings a lively heat that wakes up your palate.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle sharpness for extra flavor complexity.
- 1 cup diced mango: The sweet and juicy component that balances the spicy shrimp perfectly.
- 1/4 cup diced red onion: Adds crisp texture and a mild bite.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Brings a bright, herbaceous freshness.
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced: Contributes extra spice and crunch to the salsa.
- 1 lime, juiced: Provides zesty acidity that ties the salsa together.
- 8 small flour tortillas: Soft and warm, the perfect vessel for your taco creation.
- Optional toppings: Avocado slices, sour cream, shredded cabbage add creaminess, tang, and crunch.
How to Make Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Start by heating your grill or grill pan on medium-high heat. This ensures a nice sear on the shrimp that locks in their juiciness and gives those mouthwatering grill marks that just scream “summer feast.”
Step 2: Mix the Spice Blend
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This blend is the magical coating that transforms plain shrimp into a spicy, aromatic delight. Take a moment to savor the aroma—it’s the promise of amazing flavor to come.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Add the raw shrimp to the bowl, tossing until each piece is evenly coated with the spice mixture. This step ensures every bite will deliver a consistent kick and rich taste that make these tacos unforgettable.
Step 4: Prepare the Mango Salsa
In a separate bowl, combine diced mango, red onion, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño, and lime juice. Stir well so the flavors meld together, creating a fresh, sweet, and zesty salsa that contrast beautifully with the spicy shrimp. Let it sit briefly to develop that perfect balance.
Step 5: Grill the Shrimp
Place the shrimp on the preheated grill and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. The goal is shrimp that are perfectly cooked—tender but with just enough charred flavor to hint at the grill’s smoky touch.
Step 6: Warm the Tortillas
While the shrimp cooks, warm the flour tortillas on the grill for approximately 30 seconds per side. Warm tortillas are pliable and soft, making them the perfect partner to hold all those incredible taco fillings without tearing.
Step 7: Assemble the Tacos
Lay a few grilled shrimp onto each tortilla, then generously spoon the fresh mango salsa on top. Add any optional toppings you like for extra creaminess or crunch, such as avocado slices, sour cream, or shredded cabbage. Each taco becomes a little masterpiece of taste and texture.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa Recipe immediately while warm. The vibrant colors and exciting flavors make these tacos a joy to eat and share. Get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate presentation and flavor, consider topping your tacos with extra fresh cilantro leaves, a squeeze of lime, or a drizzle of tangy sour cream. These simple garnishes add freshness and a cooling contrast to the spicy shrimp, making every bite perfectly balanced.
Side Dishes
Pair these tacos with a light side like a crunchy cabbage slaw, black bean salad, or cilantro-lime rice to round out the meal. The key is to choose sides that complement the bold and fruity profile of the tacos without overwhelming them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the tacos on a large platter to create a vibrant taco party spread. You can also offer a variety of salsas and toppings in small bowls so guests can customize their tacos. Another idea is to serve the shrimp and mango salsa deconstructed alongside warm tortillas for an interactive experience that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the shrimp and mango salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping them apart preserves the texture and freshness of both components, ensuring you enjoy them at their best.
Freezing
The seasoned raw shrimp can be frozen before cooking for up to one month. However, it’s best not to freeze the mango salsa to avoid texture changes. When ready to use, thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge and grill just as fresh.
Reheating
Reheat the grilled shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until just warmed through. The salsa is best served cold or at room temperature so give it a quick stir before serving to freshen it up.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and grilling. This helps achieve the best texture and flavor without excess water diluting the spices.
Is flour tortilla the only option for these tacos?
Not at all! Corn tortillas work beautifully here too and add a slightly different flavor and texture. You could even experiment with lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
How spicy are these tacos?
The spice level is moderate thanks to chili powder and cayenne, but the mango salsa provides a sweet balance that tones down the heat. You can always adjust the jalapeño or cayenne pepper to suit your preference.
Can I make the mango salsa in advance?
Yes, the mango salsa can be made up to a day ahead. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a good stir before serving to revive the flavors and freshness.
What are some good drink pairings with Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa Recipe?
Refreshing beverages like a cold beer, margarita, or sparkling water with lime complement the zesty and spicy flavors of these tacos perfectly—adding a fun and festive touch to your meal.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa Recipe is a vibrant, easy-to-make dish that brings big flavor with minimal effort. I hope you give it a try and find it as joyful and delicious as I do. It’s a great way to brighten up dinner time, impress your guests, and indulge in something truly tasty. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 8 tacos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa offer a vibrant and flavorful twist on traditional tacos. Juicy shrimp marinated with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and cayenne are grilled to perfection, then paired with a fresh and zesty mango salsa made with red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice. Served on warm flour tortillas and customizable with optional toppings like avocado slices, sour cream, and shredded cabbage, these tacos deliver a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound shrimp
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Mango Salsa
- 1 cup diced mango
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 1 lime, juiced
Other Ingredients
- 8 small flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: avocado slices, sour cream, shredded cabbage
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the shrimp and warming the tortillas.
- Make Spice Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper thoroughly to create the flavorful marinade for the shrimp.
- Coat Shrimp: Add the shrimp into the spice mixture bowl and toss well until each shrimp is evenly coated with the spices and olive oil.
- Prepare Mango Salsa: In a separate bowl, mix diced mango, red onion, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño, and lime juice to create a fresh and tangy salsa. Set this aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Grill Shrimp: Place the shrimp on the preheated grill and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque, ensuring they are perfectly cooked but still juicy.
- Warm Tortillas: Warm the flour tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds per side to make them soft and pliable for assembling the tacos.
- Assemble Tacos: To assemble, place a few grilled shrimp onto each warmed tortilla, top generously with the mango salsa, and add any optional toppings such as avocado slices, sour cream, or shredded cabbage.
- Serve: Serve your spicy shrimp tacos with mango salsa immediately while warm. Enjoy the vibrant blend of spicy, sweet, and fresh flavors in every bite!
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour tortillas with corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and jalapeño from the salsa.
- These tacos can be prepared using a grill pan if an outdoor grill is not available.
- For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp for 15-20 minutes before grilling.
- Leftover mango salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
