These spicy shrimp tacos are a fun twist on taco night! They’re loaded with flavorful shrimp and topped with fresh, zesty mango salsa for that perfect sweet and spicy combo.
Who doesn’t love tacos? They’re easy to make, and the mango salsa brightens them up like a sunshine on a plate. I always make extra salsa because it’s just so good! 🌮
I love serving these tacos with a squeeze of lime on top; it adds a refreshing kick! Grab your favorite tortillas, and get ready for a tasty fiesta at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp is perfect for these tacos. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you can use frozen shrimp—just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. For a plant-based alternative, try using firm tofu or tempeh seasoned similarly.
Mango: Fresh ripe mango brings the best sweetness. If you’re in a hurry, canned mango chunks work too, but drain them well. Pineapple also makes a nice swap if you want a different tropical taste.
Spices: Chili powder adds warmth, but feel free to switch it with taco seasoning for a different flavor. If you don’t have cayenne, use hot sauce for added spice or smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional for tacos, but flour tortillas are softer and easier to fold. If you need gluten-free options, look for corn tortillas or lettuce wraps.
How Can I Ensure My Shrimp is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp needs a little attention to avoid overcooking. Here’s how to do it right:
- For best results, use a skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer before adding shrimp.
- Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. They’re done when they form a C shape.
- Remove them from the heat immediately to keep them juicy!
Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have perfectly cooked shrimp tacos that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking!
Spicy Shrimp Tacos With Fresh Mango Salsa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Fresh Mango Salsa:
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
For Assembly:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or lettuce (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes chopping and mixing the salsa, followed by about 10 minutes cooking the shrimp. You can warm the tortillas while the shrimp cooks, and before you know it, you’ll be ready to enjoy your tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mango Salsa:
Start by combining the diced mangoes, chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Mix it gently to combine all the flavors. Pop it in the fridge while you prepare the shrimp to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
2. Season the Shrimp:
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Make sure every shrimp is coated nicely with the seasoning—this is where the flavor comes from!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them! Once done, remove the skillet from heat.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
To warm your tortillas, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until they are warm and pliable. If you prefer, you can wrap them in foil and put them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes instead.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to build your tacos! If you’d like, start by placing a small handful of shredded cabbage or lettuce on each tortilla. Add a few shrimp on top, followed by a generous spoonful of that tasty mango salsa. Yum!
6. Serve:
Garnish your tacos with fresh lime wedges and extra cilantro if you’d like. Serve right away and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite!
Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful spicy shrimp tacos with fresh mango salsa!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. The best way to thaw shrimp is to place them in the refrigerator overnight or put them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Mango in the Salsa?
If mango isn’t available, you can use diced pineapple for a tropical twist or try diced peaches for a sweet touch. Both will complement the shrimp nicely!
How Do I Make the Tacos Spicier?
You can adjust the spiciness by adding more cayenne pepper to your shrimp seasoning or using a hotter variety of jalapeño in the salsa. For an extra kick, drizzle some hot sauce over the assembled tacos!
Can I Prepare the 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 fridge. It tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld!
