Get ready for a burst of fresh, vibrant flavor with these Easy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa! This recipe features tender cooked shrimp marinated in a simple yet flavorful blend of paprika, garlic, lime, and olive oil, piled into warm tortillas and topped with a bright, sweet, and tangy mango-bell pepper salsa. I absolutely love making Shrimp Tacos when the weather is nice – they feel light, healthy, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, especially now during these beautiful mid-April days! This version is incredibly simple and focuses on fresh ingredients.
Why You’ll Love These Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
- Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of marinated shrimp, sweet mango salsa, and fresh cilantro is incredibly vibrant.
- Quick and Easy: Simple steps for cooking shrimp, making salsa, and assembling the tacos.
- Healthy Option: Features lean shrimp and lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Perfect for Spring/Summer: Light, bright flavors that are ideal for warmer weather entertaining.
- Customizable: Easily adjust seasonings or add your favorite taco toppings.
Ingredients for Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
Here’s what you’ll need to make these fresh and flavorful tacos. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Marinated Shrimp
- Shrimp, shells removed, peeled and deveined (Shellfish)
- Paprika (or to taste) (Spice)
- Garlic, minced (Aromatic)
- Olive oil (Oil)
- Lime juice (Acid)
- Salt (Seasoning)
- Pepper (Spice)
Mango Salsa
- Mango, diced (Fruit)
- Red bell pepper, diced (Vegetable)
- Lime juice (Acid)
- Salt (Seasoning)
- Pepper (Spice)
Tacos Assembly
- Wheat or corn tortillas (Wraps)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) (Herb)
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Variations
I love the fresh simplicity of these Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa, but here are some tasty variations:
- Grilled Shrimp: Instead of boiling, grill the marinated shrimp for a smoky flavor.
- Spicy Shrimp: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the shrimp marinade for extra heat.
- Different Salsa: Use a pineapple salsa, corn salsa, or a classic pico de gallo instead of mango salsa.
- Add Avocado: Include diced avocado in the salsa or serve slices on top of the tacos.
- Creamy Sauce: Drizzle the tacos with a cilantro-lime crema or a chipotle aioli.
- Add Slaw: Top with a simple coleslaw mix for extra crunch.
How to Make Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
Let me show you how easy it is to make these vibrant Shrimp Tacos:
Cook and Marinate Shrimp
- (Note: This recipe uses a slightly unusual method of boiling then marinating cooked shrimp). First, I bring salted water to a boil in a large pot.
- I add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook them just until they turn pink and opaque – this shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes!
- Immediately, I turn off the heat and drain the shrimp in a colander. I rinse them briefly under cold water to stop the cooking.
- While the shrimp cool slightly, I mix all the ingredients for the marinade together in a large bowl: the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- I add the cooked shrimp to the marinade and toss well to coat.
- I cover the bowl and let the shrimp marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to blend.
Make the Mango Salsa
- While the shrimp marinates, I prepare the fresh mango salsa. In a medium bowl, I combine the diced mango and diced red bell pepper.
- I add the lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- I stir gently to combine and set aside.
Assemble the Tacos
- When ready to serve, I warm the wheat or corn tortillas according to my preference (briefly in a skillet, microwave, or over a gas flame).
- To assemble the Shrimp Tacos, I start by placing several pieces of the marinated shrimp into a warm tortilla. I sometimes include a little of the marinade drippings for extra flavor.
- Then, I top the shrimp generously with the fresh mango salsa.
- I garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
- Serve!
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Shrimp Tacos
Here are my secrets for making these Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa truly exceptional:
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Whether boiling or grilling, shrimp cooks very quickly. Cook just until pink and opaque to keep them tender and juicy.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Essential for both the marinade and the salsa for that bright, tangy flavor.
- Ripe Mango: Use a mango that is ripe but still slightly firm, so the diced pieces hold their shape in the salsa.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste both the marinade and the salsa before assembling and adjust salt, pepper, lime juice, or paprika as needed.
- Warm Tortillas: Gently warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and pleasant to eat.
How to Serve
These Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa are best served immediately after assembly! Serve them:
- For Taco Night: A fresh and lighter alternative to heavier meat fillings.
- As a Light Dinner: Perfect for a quick and healthy spring or summer meal.
- For Parties: Arrange the components separately and let guests build their own tacos.
- With Sides: Serve with a side of black beans, cilantro-lime rice, or chips and guacamole.
Make Ahead and Storage
These tacos are best assembled fresh, but components can be prepped ahead:
- Shrimp: Cooked and marinated shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Salsa: The mango salsa can be made up to a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator. The flavors might meld even more!
- Assembly: Assemble tacos just before serving to prevent tortillas from getting soggy.
FAQs about Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
- Can I grill or pan-sear the shrimp instead of boiling?
- Absolutely! Marinate the raw shrimp as directed for 30 minutes, then grill or pan-sear over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through. This is a more common method and adds great flavor.
- Can I use frozen mango for the salsa?
- Fresh mango provides the best texture, but you can use thawed, diced frozen mango if needed. Drain any excess liquid well.
- What type of tortillas are best?
- Small flour or corn tortillas work well. Choose your favorite! Corn tortillas are more traditional for many taco styles but benefit from warming properly.
Enjoy these fresh, flavorful, and easy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa! They’re a perfect taste of sunshine.
Print
Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Description
These Shrimp Tacos feature cooked shrimp marinated in a flavorful blend of paprika, garlic, and lime, served in tortillas with a fresh, sweet mango and red pepper salsa.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Shrimp & Marinade:
- 1 pound (450g) raw medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 teaspoons fresh lime juice (from about 1 lime), divided
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Mango Salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For Tacos & Garnish:
- 8–10 Wheat or corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make Mango Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, diced red bell pepper, 1 tablespoon lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine. Set aside (or refrigerate) to allow flavors to meld while preparing the shrimp.
- Cook Shrimp: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook just until they turn pink and opaque, about 1-2 minutes depending on size. Do not overcook. Immediately drain the shrimp in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Make Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, 3 teaspoons lime juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate Cooked Shrimp: Add the cooked and drained shrimp to the bowl with the marinade. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Warm Tortillas (Optional): If desired, warm the tortillas briefly in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven just before serving.
- Assemble Tacos: Fill the warmed tortillas with the marinated shrimp. Top generously with the mango salsa.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Shrimp Cooking Method: This recipe calls for boiling the shrimp before marinating. Alternatively, you could marinate the raw shrimp and then quickly sauté or grill them until cooked through.
- Marinade: Marinating the cooked shrimp adds flavor; ensure shrimp are cooled before marinating if making ahead significantly.
- Mango: Use a ripe but firm mango.
- Salsa Additions: Feel free to add finely diced red onion or minced jalapeño to the mango salsa for extra flavor and heat.
- Storage: These tacos are best assembled and enjoyed immediately. Leftover marinated shrimp and salsa can be stored separately in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.