Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa are a delightful fusion of fresh, vibrant flavors and textures. This dish combines succulent shrimp with a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy mango salsa, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer gathering, these tacos are sure to impress. Below, you’ll find a detailed guide to preparing these delicious tacos, including ingredients, instructions, tips, and variations.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Juice of 1 lime
For the Mango Salsa:
– 2 ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and diced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 2 limes
– Salt to taste
For the Tacos:
– 8 small flour or corn tortillas
– 1 avocado, sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
– Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Preparing the Shrimp:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
– In a large bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Let the shrimp marinate for 15-20 minutes.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
– Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Making the Mango Salsa:
3. Prepare the Salsa:
– In a medium bowl, combine the diced mangoes, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Mix well to combine. Adjust seasoning with more salt or lime juice if needed. Set aside.
Assembling the Tacos:
4. Warm the Tortillas:
– Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until pliable. Alternatively, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
– Place a few shrimp in the center of each tortilla. Top with a generous spoonful of mango salsa, a few avocado slices, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese if using.
6. Serve:
– Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa are perfect, keep these tips in mind:
1. Choose Ripe Mangoes:
– For the best flavor, make sure your mangoes are ripe. They should be slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet aroma.
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
– Don’t skip the marinating step. It infuses the shrimp with flavor and ensures they stay juicy and tender when cooked.
3. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:
– Shrimp cook very quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. Keep an eye on them and remove from heat as soon as they turn opaque and pink.
4. Adjust the Heat:
– If you prefer a milder salsa, reduce the amount of jalapeño or remove the seeds. For extra heat, leave the seeds in or add a second jalapeño.
5. Prep Ahead:
– You can prepare the mango salsa ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
Variations
Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
1. Grilled Shrimp Tacos:
– Instead of cooking the shrimp in a skillet, grill them for a smoky flavor. Skewer the shrimp and grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side.
2. Spicy Chipotle Shrimp Tacos:
– Add 1-2 tablespoons of chipotle sauce or chopped chipotle peppers in adobo to the shrimp marinade for a smoky, spicy kick.
3. Shrimp and Pineapple Tacos:
– Substitute pineapple for mango in the salsa, or use a combination of both for a tropical twist.
4. Creamy Avocado Sauce:
– Blend avocado, lime juice, cilantro, and a splash of water until smooth to create a creamy avocado sauce to drizzle over the tacos.
5. Lettuce Wraps:
– For a low-carb option, serve the shrimp and mango salsa in large lettuce leaves instead of tortillas.
Pairing Suggestions
To complete your meal, consider serving Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa with one or more of these complementary dishes and drinks:
- Side Dishes:
– Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
– Black beans or refried beans
– Grilled corn on the cob or elote (Mexican street corn) - Drinks:
– A chilled margarita, mojito, or a refreshing beer
– Agua fresca, such as watermelon or cucumber lime - Dessert:
– Churros with chocolate dipping sauce
– Fresh fruit salad with a hint of lime and mint
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving of Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa (assuming 2 tacos per serving):
– Calories: 350-400
– Protein: 20-25 grams
– Fat: 15-20 grams
– Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
– Fiber: 5-7 grams
– Sugar: 10-15 grams
Conclusion
Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa are a delightful and vibrant dish that brings together the best of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you’re preparing a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a summer gathering, these tacos are sure to be a hit. With fresh ingredients, simple preparation, and endless customization options, this recipe is a must-try for taco lovers everywhere.
Enjoy the perfect blend of juicy shrimp, tangy mango salsa, and warm tortillas in every bite. Happy cooking!
