These easy spicy shrimp tacos are a blast! Juicy shrimp with just the right kick, topped with fresh mango salsa make every bite feel like a summer party.
Your taste buds will thank you! I love to load up my tacos with extra salsa—who doesn’t want more fruity goodness? 🍤🥭
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are great for these tacos. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using scallops or fish like tilapia instead. Just adjust the cooking time for different seafood.
Seasonings: The spice mix gives a nice kick. If you want it less spicy, reduce the cayenne. You could also swap in taco seasoning for added flavor if that’s what you have on hand.
Mango: Fresh mango makes the salsa deliciously sweet, but you can use peaches or pineapples for a different twist. Canned mango can work too, just drain it well.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional for tacos, but you can use flour tortillas or even lettuce wraps if you’re looking for a healthier option.
How Do You Make Sure Your Shrimp Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp is quick, and it’s important not to overdo it. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat, which helps the shrimp cook evenly without becoming rubbery.
- For cooking, make sure the shrimp are in a single layer—this ensures they cook through. Keep an eye on them; they cook fast, usually about 2-3 minutes per side.
- When they turn pink and opaque, they’re done! Remove them right away to avoid overcooking.
Trust me, perfect shrimp make all the difference in these tacos!
Easy Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Fresh Mango Salsa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Fresh Mango Salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 1 ear), lightly charred or grilled if desired
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced (adjust for heat preference)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- Salt, to taste
For Serving:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Optional: lime wedges and extra cilantro for garnish
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and another 10 minutes for cooking, making it a quick 25-minute meal. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
In a bowl, mix together the chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp to the bowl along with the olive oil, and toss until they are well coated with the spice mixture. Let the shrimp sit for about 5-10 minutes to marinate and soak up the flavors.
2. Make the Mango Salsa:
In another mixing bowl, combine your diced mango, charred corn, chopped red onion, diced jalapeño, and cilantro. Drizzle the mixture with fresh lime juice and sprinkle in some salt to taste. Gently mix everything together, then set it aside for a few minutes so the flavors can blend.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Now, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook! Once done, remove the shrimp from heat.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
To bring out the best flavor, lightly char the tortillas over an open flame or in a dry skillet. This should take just a minute or so until they’re warm and slightly smoky, making them perfect for tacos.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! Divide the cooked shrimp evenly among the tortillas. On top of each taco, add a generous spoonful of the fresh mango salsa. There will be plenty of flavor in every bite!
6. Serve Immediately:
Garnish your tacos with extra cilantro and lime wedges if you like. Serve them hot and enjoy this vibrant, flavorful dish straight away!
FAQ for Easy Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Fresh Mango Salsa
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Pat them dry before seasoning to ensure the spices adhere well.
How Do I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the shrimp seasoning. Alternatively, you can increase the amount of smoked paprika to bring in richness without adding heat. For additional spice, consider adding more jalapeño in the salsa!
Can I Make the Mango Salsa Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the salsa a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together. Just give it a quick stir before serving to refresh it!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover shrimp and salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, and assemble the tacos fresh for the best texture!
