Okay, let’s talk tacos! Honestly, is there anything better than a perfectly crafted taco? I mean, especially when it’s bursting with flavor and color like these Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa. Seriously, this recipe is my go-to when I want something that feels special but is actually super easy to whip up. The magic really is in that balance – the kick from the chili-spiced shrimp meeting the cool, sweet burst of fresh mango salsa. It’s like a little party in your mouth! I first made these on a whim one summer afternoon, trying to use up some shrimp and a lonely mango on my counter, and wow, it was an instant hit. Trust me, these tacos are a game-changer for taco night!

Discover Delicious Spicy Shrimp Tacos With Mango Salsa: What You Need

Alright, let’s get down to business! To make these incredible spicy shrimp tacos with mango salsa, you’re going to need a few key players. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward stuff you can probably find at your local grocery store. First up, we need about a pound of the good stuff – large shrimp, and make sure they’re all peeled and deveined. I like to get them raw so I can control how they cook up perfectly. For that amazing spicy kick, we’ll need a tablespoon of olive oil, a teaspoon of chili powder, half a teaspoon of cumin, and just a pinch of cayenne pepper. And of course, a little salt and black pepper to make everything sing! Thinking about shrimp? You might also love trying some garlic butter shrimp sometime, it’s a classic for a reason!

Then there are our stars for the tacos themselves: eight small corn tortillas. I just love corn tortillas for their authentic flavor with shrimp, but honestly, flour works too if that’s your jam. And for that amazing mango salsa? Grab one ripe mango – you want it nice and soft but not mushy. We’ll also need a quarter of a red onion, chopped up super fine, and one jalapeno, seeded and minced. If you like it spicier, just leave some of those seeds in there, cheeky! Finally, a quarter cup of fresh cilantro, chopped, and a tablespoon of fresh lime juice to tie it all together. Oh, and if you’re feeling fancy, some crumbled cotija cheese is totally optional, but I highly recommend it for that salty, creamy finish. And don’t forget some extra lime wedges for serving!

Crafting Your Spicy Shrimp Tacos With Mango Salsa: Step-by-Step

Okay, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic really happens, and honestly, it’s super quick. First things first, grab a medium bowl and toss your beautiful shrimp with that olive oil, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Get them all coated nicely! Give them a good mix so every single shrimp is ready for some spice.

Now, heat up a nice large skillet over medium-high heat. This is where our shrimp get their perfect sear. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook ’em for about 2-3 minutes per side. You’re looking for them to turn pink and opaque, and just be cooked through. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll get a little tough! Once they’re done, zip them out of the skillet and set them onto a plate. Easy peasy! For more quick shrimp ideas, you might enjoy this sheet pan shrimp bake – talk about minimal cleanup!

While the shrimp are resting, let’s get those tortillas ready. Warm them up however you like – a quick zap in the microwave, a few seconds on a dry skillet, or wrapped in foil in the oven. Just make sure they’re warm and pliable so they don’t crack when you fold them. You don’t want a taco disaster on your hands!

In a separate bowl, it’s time for that luscious mango salsa. Combine your diced mango (make sure it’s nice and ripe for the best flavor!), finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeno, fresh cilantro, and that zingy lime juice. Give it all a gentle stir. Taste it! Does it need a little more lime? Maybe a tiny pinch more salt? You’re the boss here.

Now for the grand finale! Grab your warm tortillas and fill each one generously with the spicy shrimp. Don’t be shy! Then, top them off with a heaping spoonful of that vibrant mango salsa. It’s just gorgeous to look at, right? If you’re using the cotija cheese, sprinkle a little bit over the salsa – it adds this amazing salty finish that just ties everything together. If you’re a big taco fan, you absolutely have to try these spicy garlic shrimp tacos too – they’re addictively good!

Serve these beauties up immediately with some extra lime wedges on the side. Squeeze a little extra lime juice over everything right before you take that first bite. Trust me, it makes all the difference in the world. Enjoy your amazing homemade tacos!

Tips for Perfect Spicy Shrimp Tacos With Mango Salsa

Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but let me give you a few little secrets to make these spicy shrimp tacos with mango salsa absolutely *chef’s kiss* perfect every single time. First off, when you’re picking out your mango for the salsa, look for one that gives just a little when you gently press it. It should smell sweet too! A perfectly ripe mango is key to that amazing sweet-tangy balance. If your mango isn’t quite there yet, you can always try another delicious salsa recipe, like this strawberry pineapple salsa – it’s got a great sweet vibe!

Now, about that spice! If you’re a bit nervous about heat, definitely seed your jalapeno. But if you love a good kick, leave some of those little seeds in there – that’s where the real fire lives! Trust me, it makes these tacos sing. And for the shrimp, the big thing is not to overcook them. They cook super fast, so keep an eye on them. As soon as they’re pink and curled up, they’re ready. Overcooked shrimp can get a little rubbery, and we definitely don’t want that. Just a quick sear is all they need!

Variations on Your Spicy Shrimp Tacos With Mango Salsa

Don’t get me wrong, I love these tacos just the way they are, but sometimes it’s fun to shake things up, right? If you’re not a huge shrimp fan, or just want to try something different, you could totally swap the shrimp for some flaky white fish, like cod or tilapia. Just season and cook it the same way! Or, for a totally different vibe, how about trying a creamy, avocado tuna salad as a filling? It’s super refreshing. You could also switch out the mango for diced pineapple or even some fresh peaches when they’re in season for a different fruity twist on the salsa. Endless possibilities!

Serving and Storing Your Spicy Shrimp Tacos With Mango Salsa

Alright, serving these beauties up is pretty simple, but a few little touches make them even better! Of course, those extra lime wedges are a must – a good squeeze right before you dive in really brightens everything up. I also love to have some extra chopped cilantro and maybe a little more of that cotija cheese on the side for people to add if they want. They’re best eaten fresh, right away, so everyone can enjoy that warm tortilla and cool salsa combo. They’re so good, you probably won’t have leftovers, but if you do, just pop any extra shrimp and salsa into separate airtight containers in the fridge. They should hang out okay for a day or two. You can gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet or microwave, and just serve with fresh tortillas and salsa – maybe add a drizzle of this amazing Mexican-style dressing if you want a little extra zest!

Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Shrimp Tacos With Mango Salsa

Got questions about these amazing spicy shrimp tacos with mango salsa? I’ve got answers! Here’s what folks often ask:

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes, you totally can! The salsa is best made a few hours before you plan to serve, so the flavors have time to really meld together. Just pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s great with fresh ingredients, so try not to let it sit for more than a day.

How do I make the shrimp spicier?

Easy peasy! If you really love heat, just leave the seeds in the jalapeno when you mince it for the salsa. You can also add a little extra pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp spice mix. Another trick is to add a dash of hot sauce to your taco right before serving!

What if I don’t have corn tortillas?

No worries at all! Flour tortillas work just fine. They have a slightly different texture and flavor, but they hold all the delicious shrimp and salsa like a champ. Just warm them up the same way!

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Definitely! Just make sure you thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them nice and dry with a paper towel after thawing – this helps them get a better sear and stops them from getting watery. It’s a little step that makes a big difference for your spicy shrimp!

What other toppings go well with these tacos?

Beyond the mango salsa and optional cotija cheese, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of crema can be super yummy to cool things down. Some finely shredded lettuce or even some pickled red onions add a great crunch and tang. Whatever you love on your tacos, give it a try!

Nutritional Information

Just a quick heads-up! The nutritional info below is an estimate for about 2 tacos. This can totally change depending on the exact ingredients you use, like how ripe your mango is or if you add that yummy optional cheese. It’s just a general guide, so don’t stress too much about hitting these numbers exactly!

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

Author: smaakvolle.nl
Total Time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A recipe for spicy shrimp tacos topped with a fresh mango salsa.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and black pepper to taste
8 small corn tortillas
1 ripe mango, diced
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Warm tortillas according to package directions.
In a separate bowl, combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice. Stir to combine.
Fill each tortilla with cooked shrimp. Top with mango salsa.
Garnish with cotija cheese, if desired. Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

For extra spice, leave the seeds in the jalapeno.
You can substitute avocado for the mango for a different flavor profile.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 10 min
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tacos
Calories: 350
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: shrimp tacos, mango salsa, spicy shrimp, easy tacos, quick dinner, seafood tacos