These Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos are packed with zesty flavors and topped with sweet mango salsa. Perfect for a warm day or any dinner, they bring a fun fiesta vibe to your table!
Who can resist juicy shrimp and a dash of lime? I love how quick they are to prepare, making it easy to enjoy an awesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh, medium shrimp are ideal for these tacos. If unavailable, frozen shrimp work just fine—just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using marinated tofu or grilled vegetables for an equally satisfying texture.
Mango: A ripe, sweet mango adds a fresh pop to the salsa. If you can’t find mango, you can substitute with peach or pineapple for a similar sweetness. Adjust the lime juice to balance the flavors as needed.
Tortillas: I love using flour tortillas for their softness, but corn tortillas lend a nice texture, too. If you’re avoiding gluten, corn tortillas are a perfect gluten-free option.
Sour Cream: For a lighter twist, you can use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. It brings a similar creaminess while adding extra protein. Try a dairy-free yogurt if you’re keeping it plant-based!
How Do You Get Succulent Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp requires your attention to avoid overcooking. Follow these tips for perfectly cooked shrimp:
- Heat your skillet until hot, giving a nice sear to the shrimp.
- Cook shrimp just until they’re pink and opaque (around 2-3 minutes per side). They’ll continue to cook slightly after you remove them from the heat.
- Avoid crowding the skillet; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Assemble Tacos?
Assembling tacos can be a fun part! Here’s how to do it right:
- Spread a layer of sour cream or crema on the warm tortilla to create a base.
- Add a handful of arugula or greens for a fresh crunch.
- Place a few shrimp on top, followed by a generous scoop of mango salsa.
- Top it off with a drizzle of the optional green sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Enjoy your tacos immediately to keep everything fresh and vibrant!
Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mango Salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt, to taste
For the Tacos:
- 6 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas)
- 1 cup fresh arugula or mixed greens
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
For the Green Sauce (optional):
- 1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 small avocado
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water as needed to thin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 15 minutes preparing and marinating the shrimp and making the salsa, plus some time for cooking and assembling everything. Perfect for a quick yet delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp, giving them a good toss to ensure they’re well-coated in the marinade. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Make the Mango Salsa:
While the shrimp is marinating, mix together the diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, and minced jalapeño (if using) in a separate bowl. Add the chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a sprinkle of salt to taste. Set this aside to allow the flavors to blend together.
3. Prepare the Green Sauce (optional):
If you’d like to add a tasty green sauce, combine the cilantro leaves, avocado, lime juice, Greek yogurt, garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, adding water a little at a time if you want it to be thinner for drizzling.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the marinated shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
Gently heat the tortillas on a dry skillet, cooking them just until they’re warm and pliable, with slight char marks forming. This makes them easier to fold without breaking.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
To put them together, spread a layer of sour cream or crema over each tortilla. Top it with a handful of arugula or mixed greens, then add about 3-4 shrimp on top. Spoon generously with the mango salsa, drizzle with the optional green sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped chives.
7. Serve Immediately:
Serve these scrumptious Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos fresh and warm for the best experience. Enjoy the delightful contrast of zesty shrimp, sweet mango salsa, and creamy toppings!
Indulge in these vibrant tacos that beautifully balance spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors. Happy eating!
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Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to fully thaw them before marinating. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want to amp up the heat, add more minced jalapeño to the mango salsa, or include a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp marinade. You can also serve your tacos with a spicy hot sauce or garnish with sliced fresh chili peppers.
How Should I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The shrimp, mango salsa, and tortillas can each be kept for up to 2 days. To reheat the shrimp, warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, and enjoy the tacos fresh!
Can I Make the Salsa Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The mango salsa can be prepared a few hours ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. However, it’s best to eat it within a day or so to keep the mango fresh and vibrant!
