Zesty Lime Shrimp Tacos with Refreshing Mango Salsa: A Taste of Paradise!

These Lime Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa are a flavor explosion! The succulent, tangy shrimp paired with the sweet and vibrant mango salsa creates a symphony of tastes that will transport you to a tropical paradise. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or a summer barbecue, these tacos are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is easy to follow and customizable, so you can adjust the spice level and ingredients to your liking. Get ready to experience a fiesta in your mouth!

## Why You’ll Love These Tacos

* **Flavorful:** The combination of lime-marinated shrimp and sweet mango salsa is simply irresistible.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these tacos come together in under 30 minutes.
* **Healthy:** Shrimp is a great source of protein, and the mango salsa adds vitamins and antioxidants.
* **Customizable:** Adjust the spice level, toppings, and type of tortilla to suit your preferences.
* **Versatile:** Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a party appetizer.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Lime Shrimp:

* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

### For the Mango Salsa:

* 1 ripe mango, diced
* 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
* 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
* 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
* 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
* 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste

### For the Tacos:

* 12 small corn or flour tortillas

### Optional Toppings:

* Shredded cabbage or lettuce
* Avocado slices
* Sour cream or Greek yogurt
* Hot sauce
* Lime wedges
* Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cotija)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Marinate the Shrimp:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. Do not marinate for longer than 30 minutes, as the lime juice can start to “cook” the shrimp and make it tough.

### 2. Prepare the Mango Salsa:

While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the mango salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeno (if using), and cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and olive oil. Pour the dressing over the mango mixture and toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate the salsa until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together.

### 3. Cook the Shrimp:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the shrimp from the marinade and discard the marinade. Add the shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp is pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it will become rubbery.

### 4. Warm the Tortillas:

While the shrimp is cooking, warm the tortillas according to your preferred method. You can warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds per side, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds, or warm them in the oven wrapped in foil at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

### 5. Assemble the Tacos:

To assemble the tacos, place a few pieces of shrimp in each tortilla. Top with a generous spoonful of mango salsa and any other desired toppings, such as shredded cabbage, avocado slices, sour cream, hot sauce, or lime wedges.

### 6. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the tacos immediately and enjoy the delicious flavors of the lime shrimp and mango salsa!

## Tips for the Best Lime Shrimp Tacos

* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh lime juice, ripe mangoes, and vibrant cilantro will make a huge difference in the flavor of your tacos.
* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp is tough and rubbery. Cook the shrimp just until it turns pink and opaque.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp marinade or use a jalapeno in the mango salsa. If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the cayenne pepper and jalapeno.
* **Warm the Tortillas Properly:** Warm tortillas are more pliable and taste better than cold tortillas. Make sure to warm them properly before assembling the tacos.
* **Customize the Toppings:** Feel free to add your favorite toppings to the tacos, such as shredded cheese, guacamole, or pickled onions.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the mango salsa and marinate the shrimp ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook and assemble the tacos.
* **Grilling the Shrimp:** For a smoky flavor, grill the shrimp instead of cooking it in a skillet. Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
* **Different Types of Shrimp:** While this recipe calls for large shrimp, you can use any size shrimp you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Serving Suggestions:** Serve these tacos with a side of black beans and rice, Mexican street corn, or a refreshing salad.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Grilled Chicken Tacos:** Substitute the shrimp with grilled chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces. Marinate the chicken in the same lime marinade as the shrimp.
* **Fish Tacos:** Use flaky white fish like cod or mahi-mahi instead of shrimp. Grill or pan-fry the fish until cooked through.
* **Vegetarian Tacos:** Replace the shrimp with grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.
* **Pineapple Salsa:** Substitute the mango salsa with a pineapple salsa made with diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
* **Avocado Crema:** Instead of sour cream, top the tacos with a creamy avocado crema made with avocado, sour cream, lime juice, and cilantro.
* **Spicy Mayo:** Drizzle the tacos with a spicy mayo made with mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice.
* **Different Tortillas:** Experiment with different types of tortillas, such as whole wheat, gluten-free, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

## Recipe Card

**Lime Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa**

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 10 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 6 servings (2 tacos per serving)

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* 1 ripe mango, diced
* 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
* 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
* 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional)
* 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
* 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 12 small corn or flour tortillas
* Optional toppings: shredded cabbage, avocado slices, sour cream, hot sauce, lime wedges, shredded cheese

**Instructions:**

1. In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add shrimp and marinate for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. While shrimp marinates, prepare mango salsa: combine mango, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeno (if using), and cilantro in a bowl. Whisk together lime juice and olive oil, then pour over mango mixture. Season with salt and pepper, cover, and refrigerate.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove shrimp from marinade (discard marinade). Cook shrimp in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
4. Warm tortillas according to your preferred method.
5. Assemble tacos: place shrimp in tortillas, top with mango salsa and desired toppings.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)

* Calories: 350-400
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 30-35g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Let’s Get Cooking!

These Lime Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa are a guaranteed hit for any occasion. The bright, fresh flavors are perfect for warm weather, and the easy preparation makes them a great weeknight meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your own signature taco. So gather your ingredients, turn up the music, and get ready to enjoy a taste of paradise! Share your creations and tag us on social media using #LimeShrimpTacos #MangoSalsa #TacoTuesday. We can’t wait to see what you come up with! Bon appétit!