If you love vibrant, fresh flavors with a little kick, then you are going to adore this Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa Recipe. This dish brings together juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp with a sweet and tangy mango salsa that’s bursting with color and freshness. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser, balancing spice and sweetness in every bite, and best of all, it’s quick and easy to prepare for any weeknight or casual get-together. The combination of tender shrimp, soft tortillas, and bright salsa makes this a taco recipe you’ll want to come back to time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a special role in creating flavor harmony and texture contrast. The freshness of mango and cilantro brightens the dish, while the taco seasoning and cayenne bring just the right amount of heat to the succulent shrimp.
- 1 lb fresh jumbo shrimp: Peeled and deveined for the perfect bite-sized seafood star of the tacos.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the shrimp marinate evenly and adds subtle richness.
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning: Provides that classic Mexican spice blend that gives the shrimp bold flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adjusts the heat level to your preferred spice kick.
- 1 large ripe mango: Diced for a juicy and sweet salsa component that complements the spice.
- ¼ cup red onion: Finely chopped to add sharpness and crunch to the salsa.
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro: Chopped to infuse fresh, herbal notes throughout the dish.
- 1 lime, juiced: Brightens the salsa and balances the flavors with citrusy zing.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the individual flavors.
- 8 soft corn or flour tortillas: The perfect soft and warm wrapper to hold the flavors together.
- Optional toppings: Sliced avocado, sour cream, and queso fresco add creaminess and richness if desired.
How to Make Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mango Salsa
Start by dicing your ripe mango, finely chopping the red onion and cilantro. Combine all in a bowl with fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to marry those vibrant flavors and refrigerate the salsa so it chills nicely while you work on the shrimp. This salsa not only adds a beautiful pop of color but also layers on a sweet and tangy freshness that balances the spicy shrimp perfectly.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
In another bowl, mix together the olive oil, taco seasoning, and cayenne pepper to create a spicy marinade. Toss the peeled shrimp into this flavorful mixture, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Pop the bowl into the fridge and let it marinate anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. This step is essential as it infuses the shrimp with that signature spicy flavor that makes the tacos so addictive.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat up your skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. When it’s nice and hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are slightly charred. That slight char adds a lovely smoky depth, giving the shrimp a delicious edge. Be careful not to overcook to keep the shrimp tender and juicy.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
While the shrimp cooks, warm your tortillas either in a dry skillet or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel. Warm tortillas are essential for soft flexibility and to ensure they don’t break when you’re assembling these flavorful tacos.
Step 5: Assemble Your Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa Recipe
Lay out your tortillas and place about 3 to 4 shrimp on each. Top generously with the refreshing mango salsa, then add any optional toppings like creamy sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of queso fresco for a little extra indulgence. Serve immediately for the best vibrant and fresh experience!
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can really take these tacos to the next level. Think extra cilantro leaves for herbal brightness, lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus, and thinly sliced radishes for crunch and visual appeal. These little touches elevate the dish and add layers of texture and flavor at the table.
Side Dishes
Pair your tacos with simple sides that won’t overpower their bold flavors. A light Mexican street corn salad, black bean salad, or even a crisp green salad with avocado and citrus dressing complement the shrimp and salsa beautifully, making a complete and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests? Serve the shrimp and mango salsa buffet-style, letting everyone build their own tacos. Or create mini taco bites using smaller tortillas for party-friendly finger foods. For a modern twist, try serving the shrimp and salsa over a bed of quinoa or rice for a taco bowl variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers—which may be rare!—store the cooked shrimp and mango salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the salsa fresh and the shrimp from getting soggy. Both should be eaten within 2 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
While shrimp can be frozen, the mango salsa is best enjoyed fresh and shouldn’t be frozen because it will lose its texture. If you want to freeze shrimp, do so before cooking for best results, and thaw completely before marinating and cooking.
Reheating
Reheat cooked shrimp gently in a warm skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. Warm the tortillas separately, and be sure to add fresh mango salsa at serving time to maintain its crispness and bright flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating and cooking to ensure they cook evenly and get nicely charred.
How spicy are these tacos? Can I adjust the heat?
This Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa Recipe offers a pleasant kick, thanks to the cayenne pepper. You can easily dial up or down the heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne or taco seasoning you use.
What kind of tortillas work best?
Both corn and flour tortillas work wonderfully here. Corn tortillas add a traditional touch and slight earthiness, while flour tortillas provide a softer, more pliable wrap. Choose based on your texture preference!
Is the mango salsa difficult to make?
Not at all! The mango salsa is quick to prepare with just a few fresh ingredients combined in a bowl. It’s a simple, no-cook addition that really brightens the dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the shrimp for grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or portobello mushrooms and still enjoy the vibrant mango salsa for a fresh, delicious vegetarian option.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa Recipe enough for anyone looking to add some festive, fresh, and flavorful meals to their repertoire. It’s approachable, speedy, and packed with taste that’ll keep you coming back. Whether for a casual dinner or entertaining friends, these tacos are sure to become a favorite you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
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Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa are a quick and vibrant meal perfect for any weeknight. Juicy shrimp marinated in a flavorful blend of taco seasoning and cayenne pepper are cooked to perfection then paired with a fresh, zesty mango salsa. Served on warm corn or flour tortillas and topped with optional creamy and fresh garnishes, these tacos balance heat and sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 lb fresh jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Mango Salsa
- 1 large ripe mango, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 8 soft corn or flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, sour cream, queso fresco
Instructions
- Prepare the Mango Salsa: Dice the ripe mango, finely chop the red onion and cilantro. Combine these ingredients in a bowl with the lime juice, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate the salsa to let the flavors meld while you prepare the shrimp.
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a separate bowl, mix the olive oil, taco seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Add the peeled shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Let the shrimp marinate in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes to absorb the spices.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and develop a slight char, indicating they are cooked through.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat or microwave them wrapped in damp paper towels until they are warm and pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place 3 to 4 cooked shrimp on each warmed tortilla. Top with a generous spoonful of mango salsa. Add any optional toppings like sliced avocado, sour cream, or queso fresco according to your preference.
- Serve Immediately: Garnish the tacos with extra fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired, and serve right away to enjoy the optimal texture and freshness.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to your preferred spice level.
- To save time, prepare the mango salsa in advance and refrigerate it.
- Jumbo shrimp can be substituted with medium shrimp if preferred.
- For gluten-free tacos, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
- Leftover mango salsa can be served as a side dip or salad topping.
