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Are you ready for a flavor burst? Spicy Mango Salsa Shrimp Tacos are a must-try! I’ll guide you through fresh ingredients, easy steps, and tasty tips to make the perfect taco feast. With juicy shrimp and a sweet-spicy salsa, these tacos will become your new favorite. Let’s dive in and discover how to wow your friends and family with this vibrant dish!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Flavorful: This recipe combines the sweetness of ripe mango with the heat of jalapeño, creating a vibrant and refreshing salsa that elevates the shrimp tacos.
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, these tacos are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a spontaneous gathering with friends.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or add extra toppings like cheese or pickled onions to suit your taste preferences.
- Healthy and Satisfying: These tacos are packed with protein from the shrimp and loaded with fresh fruits and veggies, making them a nutritious choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Spicy Mango Salsa Shrimp Tacos
To make these tasty tacos, gather these key ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 small corn tortillas
– 1 ripe mango, finely diced
– 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, deseeded and minced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 fresh lime
– Ripe avocado, sliced for topping
These fresh items bring bright flavors and a colorful look to your meal.
Seasonings and Marinade Details
For the shrimp, you’ll need these simple seasonings:
– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
These spices add depth and warmth to the shrimp. The olive oil helps the spices stick and keeps the shrimp juicy.
Optional Toppings and Sides
You can add extra flavors with these optional toppings:
– Creamy sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving
These toppings give your tacos a creamy contrast. They also cool the heat from the jalapeño if you want a milder bite.
Feel free to serve these tacos with lime wedges on the side. They add a zesty kick to every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Shrimp
Start by marinating the shrimp. In a medium bowl, mix the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to coat the shrimp well with the spices. This step adds flavor and keeps the shrimp tender.
Cooking the Shrimp
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about two to three minutes on each side. Look for the shrimp to turn bright pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat.
Preparing the Spicy Mango Salsa
While the shrimp cook, prepare the spicy mango salsa. In another bowl, combine diced mango, chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Stir well to mix the ingredients. Let the salsa sit for a few minutes, so the flavors blend nicely.
Warming the Corn Tortillas
To warm the corn tortillas, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Heat each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side. They should be warm and easy to fold. This step helps to enhance their flavor.
Assembling the Tacos
Now it’s time to assemble the tacos. Take a warm tortilla and lay it flat on a plate. Add a generous portion of the cooked shrimp on top. Then, spoon on a hearty amount of the fresh mango salsa. For extra creaminess, add a slice of avocado on each taco.
Presentation Tips
To make your tacos look amazing, stack them neatly on a colorful platter. Garnish with extra cilantro leaves for a bright touch. Serve lime wedges on the side for an extra splash of freshness. This presentation makes the dish pop and invites everyone to dig in!
Tips & Tricks
How to Perfectly Cook Shrimp
To cook shrimp just right, heat your skillet until it’s hot. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn bright pink and opaque when done. This quick cooking keeps them tender and juicy.
Making Ahead: Can You Marinate Shrimp?
Yes, you can marinate shrimp ahead of time. Combine the shrimp with olive oil and spices. Let them sit for 15-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in. You can prepare the shrimp a few hours before cooking, but avoid marinating them overnight. This keeps them fresh and tasty.
Serving Suggestions for Tacos
When serving your tacos, stack them neatly on a colorful platter. Add lime wedges for a zesty kick. You can also top them with extra cilantro. For a rich touch, add creamy avocado slices. If desired, serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a cool contrast. Enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Perfect Shrimp Cooking Time: Keep a close eye on the shrimp while cooking; they only need about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking can make them rubbery.
- Fresh Ingredients for Salsa: Use ripe, fresh mango and fresh cilantro for the best flavor in your salsa. This will elevate the taste of your tacos.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of jalapeño in the salsa according to your heat preference. You can also add more spices to the shrimp for an extra kick.
- Warm Tortillas Properly: Make sure the tortillas are warm and pliable before assembling the tacos. This prevents them from cracking and enhances the overall texture.

Variations
Substitutes for Shrimp
You can swap shrimp for chicken or fish. Chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Fish like tilapia or cod also suit the tacos. If you want a vegetarian option, try black beans or grilled veggies. These choices add new flavors and textures. The key is to season them well to match the spice of the shrimp.
Mango Salsa Variations
You can change the mango salsa to suit your taste. Try adding diced pineapple for a sweet twist. For a spicier kick, add more jalapeño or even serrano peppers. You can also mix in diced bell peppers or cucumber for crunch. If you want a zing, add a splash of orange juice. Each variation keeps it fresh and fun.
Gluten-Free Tortilla Options
For gluten-free tortillas, look for corn tortillas. They are naturally gluten-free and work great. You can also find many brands of gluten-free flour tortillas. Just check the label to ensure they are safe. These options let everyone enjoy the tacos without worries about gluten.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Tacos
Store leftover tacos in an airtight container. Keep the shrimp and salsa separate from the tortillas. This helps keep everything fresh. Place the shrimp and salsa in the fridge. They will stay good for up to two days. Wrap the tortillas in foil or plastic wrap. They can last about one day in the fridge.
Freezing Instructions for Shrimp and Salsa
You can freeze the shrimp and salsa too. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. The shrimp can freeze for up to three months. For the salsa, use a separate container. It can also freeze for about three months. Just remember to leave some space in the container. The salsa may expand when frozen.
Reheating Tips for Best Flavor
To reheat shrimp, place them in a skillet. Heat over medium heat for about five minutes. Stir often until they are warm. For salsa, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can warm it gently in a pan if you prefer it warm. Warm tortillas can be made in a dry skillet. Heat them for about 30 seconds on each side. This keeps them soft and tasty. Enjoy your tacos fresh again!
FAQs
What’s the best way to cook shrimp for tacos?
The best way to cook shrimp is in a hot skillet. First, marinate the shrimp in olive oil and spices. Then, heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for bright pink and opaque shrimp when done. This method gives you juicy shrimp full of flavor.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15 minutes. After thawing, pat them dry before marinating. Frozen shrimp can taste great, too, if cooked right. The key is to ensure they are not overcooked.
What other fruits can be used in salsa?
You can use many fruits in salsa. Pineapple adds sweetness and a tropical twist. Peaches bring a juicy, fresh flavor. Mango is sweet, but berries like strawberries work well too. Each fruit gives a unique taste. Mix and match to find your favorite blend.
How can I make these tacos spicier?
To make the tacos spicier, add more jalapeño to the salsa. You can also try some hot sauce. Another option is to use spicy chili powder in the marinade. If you like heat, feel free to experiment with different peppers. Adjust the spice level to your taste!
In this blog post, we explored how to make spicy mango salsa shrimp tacos. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for perfect shrimp. You learned about fun variations, how to store leftovers, and answers to common questions.
Making these tacos is easy and fun. You’ll impress your friends and family with fresh flavors. Try different toppings and enjoy all the tasty options. Happy cookin
Spicy Mango Salsa Shrimp Tacos
Delicious shrimp tacos topped with a fresh and spicy mango salsa.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- to taste sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 ripe mango, finely diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper deseeded and minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 fresh lime, juiced
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced for topping
- optional creamy sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving
Begin by marinating the shrimp: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with the olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix until the shrimp are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn bright pink and opaque. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
While the shrimp are cooking, prepare the spicy mango salsa: In another bowl, mix together the diced mango, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and let the salsa rest to allow the flavors to meld.
To warm the corn tortillas, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Heat each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side, or until they are warm and pliable.
Assemble the tacos: Lay each warm corn tortilla on a plate. Add a generous portion of cooked shrimp to each tortilla, then top with a hearty spoonful of the fresh mango salsa. Finish each taco with a slice of creamy avocado for added richness.
For an optional finishing touch, serve the tacos with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side for those who desire a tangy contrast.
Stack the tacos neatly on a vibrant platter and garnish with additional cilantro leaves for a pop of color. Serve with lime wedges for an extra splash of freshness!
Keyword mango salsa, shrimp tacos, spicy
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