Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa Recipe

Introduction

Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa are the perfect combination of fresh, flavorful ingredients and vibrant colors that are sure to impress anyone at your dinner table. These tacos bring together succulent shrimp, grilled to perfection, with a sweet and tangy mango salsa, creating a delightful mix of savory, citrusy, and tropical flavors. Served in soft tortillas with optional toppings, these tacos are a delicious and light choice for a weeknight dinner, weekend cookout, or even a summer fiesta.

The shrimp are seasoned with a simple yet bold blend of spices and grilled to a perfect tender texture, while the mango salsa offers a refreshing and slightly sweet contrast that complements the smoky shrimp. Topped with a variety of fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and a drizzle of creamy sauce, these tacos are not only bursting with flavor but are visually stunning as well. This guide walks you through every step of the recipe, providing tips, variations, and storage suggestions to ensure your grilled shrimp tacos are a hit every time.

Why You’ll Love Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

• Delicious and Flavorful: The combination of grilled shrimp with the vibrant mango salsa creates an unforgettable balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. The shrimp are juicy and tender, while the salsa adds a fresh, tropical sweetness.
• Light and Healthy: These tacos are light and packed with fresh ingredients, making them a great option for a healthy meal. The shrimp are low in calories, and the mango salsa is full of vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to make these tacos. The recipe calls for simple pantry staples and fresh produce, so you can easily recreate this dish at home.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or looking for a refreshing meal during warmer months, these shrimp tacos are versatile enough for any occasion.
• Customizable: With various topping options and the ability to adjust the spice level, you can tailor these tacos to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a milder salsa or extra heat, these tacos are flexible and adaptable.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30-40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (for grilling shrimp)
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings (2 tacos per serving)
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on toppings and portion size.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 10-12g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 4-6g
• Sugar: 12-15g

Ingredients

For the Grilled Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Mango Salsa:

• 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for spice)
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Assembling the Tacos:

• 8 small soft corn tortillas (or flour tortillas)
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
• Sour cream or crema, for topping (optional)
• Lime wedges, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp

Start by preparing the shrimp. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a smooth marinade.

Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss them in the marinade, ensuring that each shrimp is coated evenly with the spice mixture. Allow the shrimp to marinate for about 10-15 minutes to let the flavors soak in. While the shrimp is marinating, you can prepare the mango salsa and other taco toppings.

2. Make the Mango Salsa

While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the mango salsa. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced mangoes, red onion, red bell pepper, minced jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro. Add the lime juice and stir gently to combine all the ingredients.

Taste the salsa and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer more spice, feel free to add extra jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes. The salsa should have a nice balance of sweetness from the mango, tanginess from the lime, and a slight heat from the jalapeño, if added.

Cover the salsa and refrigerate it while you grill the shrimp. This will allow the flavors to meld together and stay fresh until ready to serve.

3. Grill the Shrimp

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, lightly grease the surface with a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Once the grill is hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink, opaque, and cooked through. The shrimp should have nice grill marks and a slight char on the edges. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.

Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the grill and set them aside to rest for a couple of minutes.

4. Warm the Tortillas

While the shrimp is resting, warm the tortillas. You can do this by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30-60 seconds on each side or wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for 20-30 seconds.

Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and enhances their flavor, creating a better base for your taco fillings.

5. Assemble the Tacos

To assemble the tacos, place 2-3 grilled shrimp in the center of each warmed tortilla. Spoon a generous amount of mango salsa over the shrimp, ensuring each taco gets a good balance of sweet and savory toppings.

Add a few slices of avocado for a creamy texture and extra flavor. If you like, top with a dollop of sour cream or crema for a rich, tangy contrast. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges on the side for a burst of citrus.

6. Serve the Tacos

Serve the grilled shrimp tacos immediately while they’re warm. The tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but you can serve them with a side of rice, beans, or a light salad for a complete meal. Squeeze a lime wedge over the tacos right before taking a bite for added brightness.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so be sure to grill them just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking shrimp can make them rubbery and dry.
• Use Fresh Mangoes: For the best flavor, use ripe, fresh mangoes. They should be slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. If fresh mangoes are out of season, you can substitute frozen mango chunks, though fresh is preferred for the best taste.
• Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder taco, omit the jalapeño or reduce the amount used in the salsa. If you enjoy heat, feel free to add extra chili powder, hot sauce, or more jalapeños to suit your taste.
• Grill the Shrimp on Skewers: If you have wooden skewers, consider threading the shrimp onto them before grilling. This makes flipping them easier and helps prevent them from falling through the grill grates.
• Fresh Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous flavor to the tacos. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley or simply omit it.

Variations of Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

• Grilled Fish Tacos: Swap the shrimp for firm white fish like tilapia or mahi-mahi. The fish can be seasoned and grilled just like the shrimp, and the mango salsa pairs wonderfully with fish as well.
• Tropical Salsa Variation: For a fun twist on the classic mango salsa, you can add additional tropical fruits such as pineapple or papaya. These fruits will add even more sweetness and a juicy texture to the salsa.
• Spicy Shrimp Tacos: If you love spice, try marinating the shrimp with a dash of cayenne pepper, or add a spicy habanero pepper to the salsa for an extra kick. A drizzle of spicy chipotle sauce or hot sauce can take these tacos to the next level.
• Vegetarian Tacos: For a vegetarian version, swap the shrimp for grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. These veggies will soak up the seasoning and grill flavor, making them a great meat alternative.

Storage and Shelf Life

Grilled shrimp tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store the components separately to maintain their freshness.

• Shrimp: Store any leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, be gentle to avoid overcooking.
• Mango Salsa: The salsa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The mango may soften a bit, but it will still taste great.
• Tortillas: Tortillas should be stored in a sealed bag at room temperature for a few days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

For longer storage, you can freeze the grilled shrimp and thaw them in the refrigerator when ready to use.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

Pair these tacos with complementary side dishes to create a well-rounded meal:

• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayo, lime, chili powder, and cotija cheese makes a fantastic side dish for these tacos.
• Black Beans: A side of seasoned black beans adds extra protein and pairs wonderfully with the tropical flavors of the shrimp tacos.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: A bowl of cilantro lime rice complements the fresh flavors of the tacos and adds a light, zesty side.
• Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: Serve up some guacamole with crispy tortilla chips for an appetizer or snack before enjoying your tacos.

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Conclusion

Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa are a delicious, healthy, and refreshing dish that is sure to impress. The combination of perfectly grilled shrimp and vibrant mango salsa offers a sweet, savory, and spicy burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re grilling for a summer cookout or preparing a weeknight dinner, these tacos are a fantastic choice. With their simple ingredients, customizable toppings, and quick preparation, they will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the bright, tropical flavors of these shrimp tacos, and let them transport you to a sunny beach with every bite!