Name: Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb medium shrimp, thawed, peeled, deveined; 1 ½ tsp olive oil; 1 ½ tsp chili powder; ¾ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp oregano; pinch of salt; 1 mango, peeled and diced; 1 roma tomato, diced; 1 avocado, diced; ¼ cup cilantro, minced; 1 Tbsp lime juice (about ½ lime); pinch chipotle powder; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; ⅓ cup sour cream; juice of 1 lime; 1 tsp hot sauce; ½ tsp garlic powder; 1 Tbsp olive oil or butter; pinch of salt and pepper; ½ cup shredded cabbage (purple or green); tortillas (corn or flour)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These tacos pack the perfect balance of flavors: smoky, spiced shrimp, sweet and tangy mango salsa, and a cool, zesty sauce to tie everything together. They’re easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. Plus, they’re customizable—you can make them as mild or as spicy as you like and add your favorite toppings for endless variety.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the shrimp
1 lb medium shrimp, thawed, peeled, deveined
1 ½ tsp olive oil
1 ½ tsp chili powder
¾ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp oregano
pinch of salt

For the mango salsa
1 mango, peeled and diced
1 roma tomato, diced
1 avocado, diced
¼ cup cilantro, minced
1 Tbsp lime juice (about ½ lime)
pinch chipotle powder

For the taco sauce
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
⅓ cup sour cream
juice of 1 lime
1 tsp hot sauce
½ tsp garlic powder

For assembling tacos
1 Tbsp olive oil or butter
pinch of salt and pepper
½ cup shredded cabbage (purple or green)
tortillas (corn or flour)

Directions

Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss with olive oil and all seasoning ingredients until evenly coated. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine mango, tomato, avocado, cilantro, lime juice, and chipotle powder. Mix gently.
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, sour cream, lime juice, hot sauce, and garlic powder until smooth. Set aside.
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp in a single layer, about 2 minutes per side, until pink and curled into an “O” shape. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
Warm tortillas over the stove or in a dry skillet. Assemble tacos by layering shredded cabbage, shrimp, mango salsa, and taco sauce. Finish with a squeeze of lime and any additional toppings you like.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10 tacos (3 shrimp per taco).
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Tropical twist: Add pineapple or papaya to the salsa for extra sweetness.
Spicy upgrade: Mix fresh jalapeños into the salsa or add more hot sauce to the taco sauce.
Low-carb option: Swap tortillas for lettuce wraps.
Cheesy version: Sprinkle queso fresco or cotija on top.
Grilled shrimp: Instead of pan-searing, grill the shrimp for a smoky flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Shrimp tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but components can be stored separately. Keep cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Salsa and sauce can also be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble tacos just before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning.

How do I know when shrimp are done?

They should be opaque, pink, and curled into a loose “O” shape. Avoid overcooking, as they’ll turn rubbery.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap the yogurt and sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt.

What tortillas work best?

Both corn and flour tortillas work—corn gives an authentic flavor, while flour is softer and more pliable.

Can I prep the salsa in advance?

Yes, but add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.

What toppings go well with shrimp tacos?

Cabbage, radishes, pickled onions, cotija cheese, extra cilantro, or guacamole are all delicious options.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 8–10 minutes until pink and cooked through.

Are these tacos very spicy?

They’re mildly spicy as written, but you can increase or decrease the spice level depending on your taste.

Can I grill the shrimp on skewers?

Absolutely—grill over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side.

Can I use store-bought salsa instead of mango salsa?

Yes, though the mango salsa adds a special sweet-spicy balance. Store-bought salsa is a quick substitute.

Conclusion

Spicy Shrimp Tacos are a fast, flavorful, and fun meal that combines juicy shrimp with fresh mango salsa and creamy sauce. Perfect for Taco Tuesday or entertaining friends, these tacos are versatile, colorful, and full of bold flavors. Once you try them, they might just become a weekly tradition.