Are you craving a burst of flavor in your meals? Look no further than these Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa! With fresh shrimp, creamy avocado, and sweet mango, these tacos bring a party to your plate. I’ll guide you through easy steps to whip up this delightful dish. Get ready to impress friends and family with a meal that’s not just tasty but also colorful and satisfying!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Spicy Shrimp Tacos
– 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
– 8 small corn tortillas
Mango Salsa Ingredients
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– ½ medium red onion, finely chopped
Spices and Seasonings
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For these spicy shrimp tacos, start with high-quality shrimp. Fresh shrimp makes all the difference. You want shrimp that is firm and smells like the sea. The olive oil adds a nice richness to the shrimp. It helps the spices stick and gives great flavor.
Next, the corn tortillas are key. I prefer small corn tortillas because they hold the shrimp and toppings well. They also add a nice texture.
The mango salsa brings a burst of sweetness. Ripe mango enhances the dish and balances the spice. The avocado adds creaminess, while the red onion gives a mild crunch. You can dice everything ahead of time for easy assembly.
Spices are essential for flavor. Smoked paprika gives a warm, earthy taste. Cumin adds depth, while cayenne brings the heat. Adjust the cayenne to suit your taste. You can always add more if you love spice.
For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions to make these tasty tacos. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Shrimp
To start, gather your shrimp and a medium bowl. Combine the shrimp with 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. You can adjust the cayenne for more or less heat. Next, squeeze in 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Add sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Gently toss the shrimp until they are fully coated in the spices. Let them marinate for 10 minutes to really soak in those flavors.
Making the Mango Salsa
While the shrimp marinates, we can make the mango salsa. In a separate bowl, mix 1 ripe diced mango, 1 diced avocado, and ½ medium finely chopped red onion. Add 1 minced jalapeño pepper, but remember to remove the seeds if you want a milder taste. Toss in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped cilantro as well. Finally, fold in 1 tablespoon of lime juice. This adds freshness to the salsa. Set it aside to let the flavors develop while you cook the shrimp.
Cooking the Shrimp
Now it’s time to cook the shrimp. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this helps them sear properly. You want that nice, tasty crust!
For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Shrimp
To make tasty shrimp, avoid overcrowding the pan. If you add too many shrimp, they will steam instead of sear. This makes them less flavorful. Cook in batches if needed.
Adjust the cayenne pepper to fit your heat level. If you want a milder taco, use less cayenne. For more heat, add extra. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
Tortilla Preparation
Warm your tortillas without making them crispy. You can use a dry skillet over low heat. Heat them for about 15-30 seconds on each side. This keeps them soft and pliable, perfect for filling.
I recommend using fresh corn tortillas. They have a sweet flavor that pairs well with spicy shrimp. Store-bought options can work, but fresh ones add more taste.
Enhancing Your Mango Salsa
For an extra zing, add lime zest to your salsa. This gives it a bright flavor that really pops. You can use a microplane to zest the lime easily.
Incorporate diced bell peppers for added crunch. They bring color and texture to the salsa. Choose red or yellow for sweetness, or green for a fresh taste.
These tips will elevate your Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa and make your meal unforgettable. For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Variations
Alternate Proteins
You can switch up the protein in your tacos. Try grilled chicken or fish instead of shrimp. Both options work well with the spices and salsa. If you want a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or grilled vegetables. These choices are hearty and full of flavor.
Salsa Variations
Mango salsa is delicious, but you can mix it up. Substitute mango with pineapple for a tropical twist. The sweet and tart flavor of pineapple brightens the dish. You can also add black beans for extra protein and texture. They add a nice bite to the salsa and make it more filling.
Spice Level Adjustments
Not everyone likes it spicy. For a family-friendly version, use milder spices. You can skip the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount. If you want more heat, add sriracha or hot sauce. This gives your tacos a flavorful kick without overwhelming the taste.
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Tacos
To keep leftover tacos fresh, store the filling and tortillas separately. This way, the tortillas won’t get soggy. Place the shrimp and salsa in airtight containers. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, warm the tortillas in a pan. Then, fill them with the shrimp and salsa.
Salsa Storage Tips
For mango salsa, use a glass container with a tight lid. This helps keep the salsa fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen over time. If you want the best taste, eat it within 24 hours.
Freezing Options
Yes, you can freeze cooked shrimp. To do this, let the shrimp cool. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can. You can store them for up to 3 months. For tortillas, wrap them in foil or plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can last for about 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge before use. For the full recipe, check the details above.
FAQs
How do I choose the best shrimp for tacos?
For shrimp tacos, I recommend using fresh, wild-caught shrimp. Look for shrimp that are pink and firm. Avoid shrimp that smells fishy. The size matters, too. Choose medium to large shrimp for a good bite. Generally, shrimp labeled as “U15” means there are under 15 shrimp per pound. This size is perfect for tacos.
Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mango salsa ahead of time. Just mix all the salsa ingredients as mentioned in the recipe. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 2 to 3 days. The flavors will blend and taste even better after sitting for a bit. Just give it a stir before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free if you use corn tortillas. Most corn tortillas do not contain gluten. Always check the label to be sure. If you are sensitive to gluten, stick with pure corn tortillas. They add a nice flavor and texture to the tacos.
These spicy shrimp tacos are easy and fun to make. You start with fresh shrimp, marinate them, and cook them quickly. The mango salsa brings a tasty twist, adding flavor and color. You can even change the protein or spice levels to suit your taste. Store leftovers properly for later enjoyment.
Try this recipe for a tasty meal. By mixing ingredients and spices, you get a dish full of flavor. Enjoy the process and share it with friends!
