These spicy shrimp tacos bring a burst of flavor to your plate! With juicy shrimp seasoned just right, topped with fresh mango salsa, they are a real treat!
Eating these tacos feels like a mini fiesta! I love how the sweet mango cools down the spicy shrimp—it’s a perfect match. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime for that extra zing! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect here. If you have a shellfish allergy or want a different protein, chicken or tofu work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps the spices stick. You can substitute it with avocado oil or any neutral oil you prefer.
Spices: Chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne give heat. If you want it milder, skip the cayenne or replace it with paprika for color without too much heat.
Mango: Fresh mango provides sweetness. If it’s out of season, canned mango (in juice, not syrup) or chopped pineapple can also be tasty alternatives.
Tortillas: Corn is traditional, but flour tortillas are also great. Gluten-free tortillas can be used for those avoiding gluten.
How Do I Properly Cook Shrimp Without Overdoing It?
Cooking shrimp perfectly is key to keeping them juicy. Overcooking can make them rubbery! Here’s how to get it right:
- Use medium-high heat for a quick cook. This helps them firm up without drying out.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are opaque. Keep an eye on them!
- Remove them from the heat as soon as they’re cooked through. They’ll continue to cook a bit even after being taken off the stove.
You’ll have deliciously tender shrimp ready for your tacos!
Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Fresh Mango Salsa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mango Salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt, to taste
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes to cook the shrimp. Total, you’re looking at about 25 minutes before these spicy tacos are ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mango Salsa:
In a medium bowl, mix together the diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Give it a good stir to combine all ingredients, then set it aside in the fridge while you prepare the shrimp. This lets all those flavors marry together nicely!
2. Season the Shrimp:
In a large bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, and a dash of salt and pepper. Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning for that spicy flavor punch!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll become tough. Once done, remove from heat!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
To warm the tortillas, you can either heat them in a dry skillet for a minute on each side or wrap them in foil and place them in a warm oven. Warming makes them soft and pliable for those delicious tacos!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Start with a warm tortilla. Place a few shrimp in the center, then add some shredded lettuce or cabbage if you’re using it. Top it generously with the fresh mango salsa. If you like a little creaminess, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top. Yum!
6. Serve:
Serve the tacos warm with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze a little lime juice over the top for that extra zing! Enjoy your flavorful Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Fresh Mango Salsa right away!
Bon appétit! Enjoy the deliciousness of every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, ensure they’re fully thawed before cooking. To thaw, place them in the refrigerator overnight or soak them in a sealed bag in cold water for about 30 minutes.
How Spicy Will These Tacos Be?
The heat level depends on the cayenne pepper and the jalapeño used. If you prefer milder tacos, you can omit the cayenne altogether or reduce the amount. You can also seed the jalapeño to take down the heat.
Can I Make the Mango Salsa Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mango salsa a few hours in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop even more!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
If you have leftovers, store the shrimp and mango salsa separately from the tortillas in airtight containers in the fridge. The shrimp is best eaten within 2 days, while the salsa can last up to 3 days. Reheat the shrimp in a pan and warm the tortillas again before assembling.
