Go Back
- Medium shrimp - Extra virgin olive oil - Corn tortillas - Ripe mango - Red onion - Fresh cilantro - Smoked chili powder - Garlic powder - Fresh lime juice When making spicy shrimp tacos, choose fresh medium shrimp. The shrimp should be peeled and deveined for a clean taste. I love using extra virgin olive oil to keep the shrimp moist and flavorful. For the base, corn tortillas add a wonderful texture. They warm up beautifully and hold all the delicious layers. For the mango salsa, get a ripe mango. The sweetness of the mango pairs so well with the spice. A finely chopped red onion adds crunch and a slight bite. Fresh cilantro brings a bright note that makes everything pop. For seasoning, smoked chili powder offers a deep flavor. Garlic powder is a must for that savory touch. Finally, a splash of fresh lime juice brightens everything. It enhances the shrimp and salsa, making each bite a fresh delight. You can find the full recipe in the article. Enjoy crafting these tasty tacos! To make a fresh mango salsa, start by gathering your ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the following: - 1 perfectly ripe mango, finely diced - 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced - 1 fresh jalapeño, deseeded and minced - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped Next, squeeze in the juice of one lime. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Let the salsa chill in the fridge while you prepare the shrimp. Chilling helps the flavors blend together nicely. In a mixing bowl, toss together the shrimp and spices. Combine: - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 teaspoons smoked chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for desired heat) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated with the spice mixture. This step brings out the best flavor in the shrimp, making your tacos exciting and tasty. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know the shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. This shows they are fully cooked. When done, remove the skillet from the heat. Warm your corn tortillas in the same skillet or on a separate griddle. Heat them for about 30 seconds on each side. This will make them soft and easy to fold. Now, take each warmed tortilla and layer it with: - Cooked shrimp - A handful of shredded red cabbage - A few slices of avocado Finally, spoon a generous amount of the chilled mango salsa over each taco. This adds a vibrant touch and a sweet contrast to the spicy shrimp. Enjoy your fresh delight! For detailed information, check the Full Recipe. How to choose the perfect shrimp When picking shrimp, look for firm and shiny shells. They should smell like the ocean, not like fish. Choose medium-sized shrimp for a nice bite. If buying frozen, check that they are not stuck together. Identifying ripe mangoes A ripe mango feels slightly soft when you press it. It should have a sweet smell near the stem. Look for skin that is yellow or red, but avoid any dark spots. A good mango adds sweetness to your tacos. Best skillet methods for shrimp Use a large skillet for even cooking. Preheat the skillet on medium-high heat before adding the shrimp. This helps them cook fast and stay juicy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Avoiding overcooking shrimp Cook the shrimp for just 2-3 minutes per side. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery. Keep an eye on the color for perfect shrimp every time. Ideas for taco toppings Try adding toppings like shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or zesty lime wedges. Sliced jalapeños add extra heat. You can also use sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess. Be creative with your toppings! Pairing side dishes with tacos Serve your tacos with a side of rice or beans for a complete meal. A fresh salad pairs well too. You can also offer tortilla chips and salsa for a nice crunch. Enjoy these tasty combinations! {{image_4}} You can swap shrimp for chicken or fish. Chicken works great if you marinate it like the shrimp. Use the same spices to keep it tasty. For fish, go with firm varieties like cod or halibut. Cook them the same way as the shrimp. If you want a vegetarian option, use black beans or grilled veggies. These add flavor and texture to your tacos. Feel free to mix up the salsa too. Pineapple salsa is a sweet twist. Just replace mango with diced pineapple. It pairs well with the shrimp. Another option is avocado salsa. Mash ripe avocados and mix them with lime juice, salt, and diced onion. This creamy salsa gives a smooth contrast to the crunchy taco. Not everyone likes spice. You can make mild salsa by skipping the jalapeño. Just use more mango and onion for a fresh taste. For the shrimp, cut back on cayenne pepper. This keeps the shrimp flavorful without too much heat. Adjusting these elements helps you cater to everyone’s tastes. Try these variations to keep your spicy shrimp tacos exciting and new! For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. To keep your tacos fresh, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This helps keep the moisture in. Place them in an airtight container for added protection. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat. This way, the tortillas stay crisp while warming the shrimp. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the tacos soggy. For salsa, store it in a glass jar or airtight container. Make sure to press a piece of plastic wrap against the surface. This prevents air from causing browning. In the fridge, salsa lasts about 3-5 days. Use it as a topping for grilled chicken or as a dip for chips. Prep shrimp and mango salsa a day ahead. This saves time when you are ready to eat. Chop your veggies and store them in separate containers. When it’s time to serve, warm the tortillas and assemble the tacos. This way, they stay fresh and tasty! To make spicy shrimp tacos, follow these easy steps: 1. Start with fresh shrimp. Peel and devein them. 2. Toss shrimp in olive oil and spices. Use smoked chili powder and cayenne. 3. Cook shrimp in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side. 4. Warm corn tortillas for a few seconds in a skillet. 5. Layer cooked shrimp on tortillas with red cabbage and avocado. 6. Top with mango salsa for a fresh kick. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Yes, you can prep this recipe ahead of time. Here’s how: - Make the mango salsa a day in advance. Keep it in the fridge. - Cook the shrimp a few hours before serving. Store them in an airtight container. - Warm tortillas just before serving for the best taste. If you want to switch up the tortillas, here are some great options: - Flour tortillas for a softer bite. - Lettuce wraps for a low-carb choice. - Whole wheat tortillas for extra fiber. To control spice in your shrimp, try these tips: - Use less cayenne pepper for milder shrimp. - Add more chili powder for a smoky flavor without too much heat. - For extra heat, include diced jalapeños in the shrimp mix. Adjust spices to fit your taste! In this blog, we explored the joyful process of making tasty shrimp tacos. We discussed key ingredients like fresh shrimp and ripe mangoes. The step-by-step guide made cooking easy, while tips helped you choose and prepare ingredients well. You can impress friends with various taco options and salsas. Remember, cooking can be fun and creative! Enjoy your tacos, and don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors. Your culinary adventures can lead to delicious results!

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

Dive into the flavors of Zesty Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa! This vibrant recipe features succulent shrimp seasoned with smoky spices and topped with a refreshing mango salsa that adds the perfect kick. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this delicious dish that’s perfect for gatherings or a fun weeknight dinner. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your taco night with these irresistible flavors!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons smoked chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for desired heat)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

8 small corn tortillas

1 cup finely shredded red cabbage

1 ripe avocado, sliced into thin wedges

For the Refreshing Mango Salsa:

1 perfectly ripe mango, finely diced

1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped

1 medium red bell pepper, diced

1 fresh jalapeño, deseeded and minced (modify based on spice preference)

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Juice of 1 fresh lime

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Mango Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, chopped red onion, diced red bell pepper, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro.

    Add fresh lime juice, then season with salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and allow the salsa to chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the shrimp.

      Season the Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, smoked chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and a generous sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Ensure all shrimp are evenly coated with the spice mixture.

        Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they’re fully cooked. Once done, remove the skillet from heat.

          Warm the Tortillas: In the same skillet or on a separate griddle, warm the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until they are pliable and lightly toasted. This enhances their flavor and texture.

            Assemble the Tacos: Take each warmed tortilla and layer it generously with the cooked shrimp, a handful of shredded red cabbage, and a few slices of avocado.

              Top with Salsa: Spoon a generous amount of the chilled mango salsa over each taco, allowing the vibrant colors to shine through.

                Serve Immediately: Enjoy your zesty spicy shrimp tacos right away, accompanied by lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 (2 tacos per serving)

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the tacos on a colorful platter with lime wedges and additional cilantro sprigs for garnish, creating an inviting and appetizing display.