Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

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Introduction

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa are the perfect dish to elevate any meal. The combination of juicy shrimp coated in a zesty, spicy seasoning paired with the refreshing sweetness of mango salsa creates a balance of flavors that’s simply irresistible. Each bite brings a punch of heat from the shrimp, followed by a cool, tangy burst from the salsa, creating a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more. These tacos are visually stunning with their vibrant colors and are a true celebration of fresh, bold flavors.

The first time I made these Spicy Shrimp Tacos, I was blown away by how quickly they came together and how much flavor was packed into each bite. The shrimp cooked so quickly, yet the seasoning gave them a deep, flavorful kick, and the mango salsa added a light, sweet counterpoint. As I plated them, the combination of the bright orange shrimp and the vivid, green mango salsa was enough to make anyone’s mouth water.

What I love most about these tacos is their versatility. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but they’re also show-stoppers for a summer party or gathering. You can adjust the level of spice to your liking, making them as mild or as fiery as you want. Plus, the mango salsa can be customized by adding ingredients like avocado, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime to enhance the flavors even further. No matter how you make them, these Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa are guaranteed to be a hit at the table.

Perfect for:

  • Taco Tuesdays
  • Summer cookouts
  • Weeknight dinners
  • Casual gatherings
  • Seafood lovers

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa Recipe

Here’s why Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa are a must-try:

  • Bold, Flavorful Shrimp: The shrimp are coated in a smoky, spicy seasoning that packs a punch, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the mango salsa.
  • Perfect Balance of Heat and Sweetness: The spicy shrimp and the cool, refreshing mango salsa balance each other wonderfully, creating a flavor-packed bite in every taco.
  • Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, these tacos are quick to make, but they deliver big on taste.
  • Fresh and Light: These tacos are light, fresh, and vibrant, making them the perfect meal for warm weather or when you’re craving something flavorful but not heavy.
  • Customizable: The recipe is flexible—add more or less spice, make the salsa as chunky or smooth as you like, and even switch up the toppings for your perfect taco.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings (2 tacos each)
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa:

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to desired spice level)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

Mango Salsa:

  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
  • ½ red bell pepper, finely diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and minced (optional for extra heat)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Salt to taste

Assembling:

  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage (optional)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and are naturally sweet, making them the perfect base for the spicy seasoning in this recipe.
  • Mango: The sweetness of the ripe mango balances the heat of the shrimp and adds a tropical twist to the salsa.
  • Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note to the salsa, brightening up the entire dish.
  • Jalapeño: Adds a kick of heat to the salsa. You can adjust the amount or skip it if you prefer a milder dish.
  • Tortillas: Soft tortillas provide the perfect vehicle for all these vibrant ingredients, whether you choose corn or flour.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa:

Prepare the Shrimp:

  1. Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp in the seasoning mix until they’re well-coated.
  2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Drizzle with lime juice just before removing from the skillet. Set aside.

Make the Mango Salsa:

  1. Prepare the Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, and lime juice. Toss gently to combine and season with salt to taste.

Assemble the Tacos:

  1. Warm the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for about 10-15 seconds until soft and pliable.
  2. Assemble the Tacos: Place 4 shrimp on each tortilla. Top with a generous spoonful of mango salsa. Add a few slices of avocado and a handful of shredded lettuce or cabbage for crunch, if desired.
  3. Serve: Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra zest.

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa are best served with:

  • With Extra Lime: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos right before eating for a bright, zesty flavor.
  • Side of Rice or Quinoa: Serve with a side of cilantro-lime rice or quinoa to make the meal more filling.
  • With Guacamole and Chips: Pair with fresh guacamole and tortilla chips for a delicious, complete meal.
  • On a Serving Platter: Arrange the tacos on a platter for easy sharing at a dinner party or casual gathering.
  • With a Cold Drink: These tacos pair perfectly with a refreshing iced tea, margarita, or cold beer to cool down the heat.

Additional Tips for Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

Here are some helpful tips to make your Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa even better:

  • Use Fresh Shrimp: If possible, opt for fresh shrimp instead of frozen for the best texture and flavor.
  • Adjust the Spice Level: If you like your tacos spicier, increase the cayenne pepper or add more jalapeño to the salsa. For a milder version, reduce the spice in both the shrimp and salsa.
  • Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so be sure to remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink and opaque to avoid a rubbery texture.
  • Make the Salsa Ahead: The mango salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.
  • Add a Creamy Sauce: For a creamy twist, drizzle some cilantro-lime sour cream or a yogurt-based sauce over the tacos for extra richness.

Recipe Variations for Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

Here are 10 variations for Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa:

  • Grilled Shrimp Tacos: Grill the shrimp instead of sautéing them for a smoky flavor.
  • Pineapple Salsa: Swap the mango for fresh pineapple for a tangy twist.
  • Vegetarian Tacos: Replace shrimp with roasted cauliflower or a hearty bean mixture for a vegetarian version.
  • Chipotle Shrimp: Use chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy flavor in the shrimp seasoning.
  • Avocado Crema: Blend avocado with sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt for a creamy topping.
  • Coconut Shrimp: Coat the shrimp in shredded coconut before frying for a tropical crunch.
  • Tacos with Cotija Cheese: Add crumbled cotija cheese to the tacos for a salty, creamy element.
  • Spicy Mango and Pineapple Salsa: Add diced pineapple to the mango salsa for an added layer of sweetness and texture.
  • Lettuce Wraps: Serve the shrimp and salsa in lettuce leaves for a low-carb version.
  • Baja-Style Shrimp: Add a drizzle of spicy mayo to the tacos for a creamy, tangy addition.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: The shrimp can be frozen before cooking. Season the shrimp and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw before cooking.
  • Storage: Store leftover shrimp and salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. The shrimp can be reheated in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Special Equipment for Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa easier:

  • Skillet or Grill Pan: A heavy skillet or grill pan is perfect for cooking the shrimp to perfection.
  • Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for dicing the mango and other salsa ingredients.
  • Tongs: Tongs help you turn the shrimp easily without overcooking them.
  • Zester or Grater: For zesting lime to add a fresh burst of citrus to the tacos.
  • Bowl for Salsa: A medium-sized mixing bowl is perfect for tossing together the mango salsa ingredients.

FAQ Section for Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

  1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
    Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
  2. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
    Absolutely! Both flour and corn tortillas work well with these shrimp tacos.
  3. How can I make the tacos spicier?
    You can add more cayenne pepper to the shrimp seasoning or increase the amount of jalapeño in the salsa.
  4. Can I prepare the salsa ahead of time?
    Yes, the salsa can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge.
  5. What can I substitute for mango?
    Pineapple, papaya, or even a combination of both make great substitutes for mango in the salsa.
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Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

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Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa bring together the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and freshness. These tacos are a delightful combination of juicy shrimp, coated in a flavorful spicy seasoning, topped with a refreshing, sweet, and tangy mango salsa. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a summer party, these tacos are a hit. The vibrant colors and lively flavors make them as visually stunning as they are delicious. Perfect for those who love bold flavors and a little spice in their meals, these shrimp tacos are sure to become a new favorite.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: 30 minutes meals

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to desired spice level)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

For the Mango Salsa:

  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
  • ½ red bell pepper, finely diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and minced (optional for extra heat)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Salt to taste

For Assembling:

  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage (optional)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp:

  1. Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp in the seasoning mix until they’re well-coated.
  2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Drizzle with lime juice just before removing from the skillet. Set aside.

Make the Mango Salsa:

  1. Prepare the Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, and lime juice. Toss gently to combine and season with salt to taste.

Assemble the Tacos:

  1. Warm the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for about 10-15 seconds until soft and pliable.
  2. Assemble the Tacos: Place 4 shrimp on each tortilla. Top with a generous spoonful of mango salsa. Add a few slices of avocado and a handful of shredded lettuce or cabbage for crunch, if desired.
  3. Serve: Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra zest.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tacos
  • Calories: 300-350 kcal
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Protein: 30g

Did you make this recipe?

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Conclusion

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy seafood with a vibrant twist. The spicy shrimp paired with the sweet and tangy mango salsa create a perfect harmony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re serving them for a casual weeknight meal or a special gathering, these tacos are sure to be a hit. Quick to prepare, full of vibrant flavors, and completely customizable, these tacos will become your go-to dish for any occasion. Enjoy the fresh, bold flavors of these shrimp tacos and make every meal feel like a celebration.

I can’t wait to see your taco creations! Be sure to share a photo on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see how you make them your own. Don’t forget to leave a comment and tell me how you enjoyed these tacos. Happy cooking!

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