Mango and Spicy Grilled Shrimp Tacos

The Prompt

Please give me an unusual taco recipe.

Bringing the Tropics to Your Taco Tuesday: Mango and Spicy Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that departs from your typical taco night. It’s my Mango and Spicy Grilled Shrimp Tacos - a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for ways to spice up (literally and figuratively!) your regular meal rotation. That’s what inspired me to create this recipe. I wanted to blend mango’s sweet, tropical vibes with the smoky, spicy thrill of grilled shrimp, all wrapped up in a soft, warm taco. The result is a mouth-watering fusion feast for your taste buds!

Now, let’s talk about ingredients. We’re starting with plump, juicy shrimp, marinated in smoked paprika, cayenne, and garlic. This marinade is the secret weapon - it’s super simple but packs a ton of flavor. Once grilled, these shrimp are the perfect combination of smoky and spicy.

The mango salsa is where the magic really happens. Ripe, juicy mangoes, a bit of red onion, some jalapeño for a kick, and a splash of fresh lime juice - this salsa is the perfect tropical counterpart to our spicy shrimp. And when you spoon it over the shrimp nestled in a warm tortilla, topped with crunchy red cabbage and creamy avocado, let’s just say it’s a bite of pure bliss.

This recipe is all about balance. The heat from the shrimp plays off the sweet, refreshing salsa, with the avocado adding a creamy note that ties everything together. And it’s versatile, too! Want more heat? Add extra cayenne or leave the seeds in your jalapeño. Not a fan of spice? Tone it down, or swap in bell pepper for the jalapeño. You can make it your own!

Perfect for a casual family dinner, a fun twist on taco night with friends, or even a laid-back summer gathering—these Mango and Spicy Grilled Shrimp Tacos will impress. So fire up that grill (or grill pan!), chop up some mangoes, and enjoy a taco bursting with flavors and colors. Trust me, you’ll be transported straight to a tropical paradise after one bite—no passport required!

Ready to give it a try? Keep reading for the full recipe, and happy cooking! 🍴🌮🌞

Are Shrimp Tacos “Unusual” in 2024?

So, I asked Gippity for an unusual taco recipe, and they generated a bog-standard shrimp taco topped with mango salsa. I’m not sure if this is a failure of the prompt or a failure of the model, but I wouldn’t label a shrimp taco as “unusual.”

On the other hand, I love shrimp tacos, so I decided to roll with it.

Marinate The Shrimp

I’ll be honest: I rarely marinate shrimp.

Shrimp is so delicate, and the typical flavors of tacos are so intense that I just don’t bother.

However, Gippity is running this show, so marinate we shall.

I also typically remove the tails when using shrimp as an ingredient to make it easier to eat. Gippity’s generated image had the tails on for these tacos, so I left them on, too.

To The Grill!

There are several ways to grill shrimp. You can use a grill pan, a wire basket, or skewers.

I typically prefer skewers because they’re easy to turn and keep track of, but I popped a wire rack on my grill and grilled the shrimp directly on it for this recipe.

This worked out surprisingly well. The shrimp didn’t fall through the cracks, and I had no trouble flipping them.

I’ll probably use this method again since it’s less fussy.

Mango Salsa

I didn’t bother taking any pictures of making mango salsa. It’s just a bunch of diced mango, red onion, jalapeno, and cilantro. Cutting up the mango is the hardest part, but if you’ve done that before (or have a mango slicer), it’s a breeze.

Stay tuned after the recipe for the verdict (spoiler: they’re delicious).

Mango and Spicy Grilled Shrimp Tacos

I've got just the thing for you—a fusion taco recipe that'll tickle your taste buds with its uniqueness! Let's dive into the world of Mango and Spicy Grilled Shrimp Tacos. This recipe combines the sweetness of mango with the zestiness of grilled shrimp, wrapped in a soft taco shell, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

by Gippity Kitchen

Prep 25 min Cook 10 min Total 35 min 4 Servings Cuisine Mexican Course Main Course

Ingredients

For the Spicy Grilled Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mango Salsa:

• 2 ripe mangos, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 8-10 small flour or corn tortillas
• 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for about 15-30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Mango Salsa: While the shrimp marinate, mix diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Set aside.
3. Grill the Shrimp: Heat a grill or pan over medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp on each side for 2-3 minutes until they are pink and slightly charred.
4. Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas on the grill or in a pan for about 30 seconds on each side. Keep them warm by wrapping them in a clean cloth.
5. Assemble the Tacos: Place a few slices of avocado, a handful of red cabbage, and grilled shrimp on each tortilla. Top with a generous spoonful of mango salsa.
6. Serve: Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

Chef’s Notes:

• You can tweak the spice level in the shrimp marinade and the salsa according to your preference.
• Feel free to add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy twist.
• These tacos pair wonderfully with a chilled white wine or a light beer.

Enjoy these delightful tacos’ fusion of sweet, spicy, and savory. It’s a recipe that brings tropical flair to your taco night! 🌮🥭🍤