Easy Shrimp Tacos with Fresh Mango Avocado Salsa: A Vibrant & Healthy Mexican Recipe
Embark on a culinary journey with these utterly delicious Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa. Featuring succulent, perfectly seasoned shrimp nestled in warm tortillas and crowned with a bright, zesty mango and avocado salsa, these tacos are a feast for the senses. They offer a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, making them ideal for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, a lively gathering with friends, or any time you crave a taste of the tropics with a Mexican twist.
My journey to loving shrimp has been quite a transformation. As a child, I couldn’t stand the taste, but as an adult, it has blossomed into one of my absolute favorite seafoods. Now, I find myself constantly exploring new ways to incorporate these delightful crustaceans into my meals. From refreshing Mexican shrimp ceviche, to the comforting classic coctel de camarones, and even a vibrant shrimp aguachile with mango, each dish highlights the versatility and incredible flavor of shrimp. Today, I’m thrilled to share a new addition to that list: a truly mouthwatering shrimp taco recipe.
These tacos de camaron are a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients and incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights. The star of the show is perfectly cooked shrimp, lightly sautéed in a rich, aromatic blend of butter, olive oil, and fragrant garlic. This simple cooking method creates a tender, juicy shrimp that strikes the ideal balance of sweetness and savoriness, providing a robust base for our flavorful tacos.
Once cooked, the shrimp are lovingly nestled into warm corn tortillas, creating a comforting embrace. But what truly elevates these tacos is the spicy, refreshing mango and avocado salsa. This dynamic topping, with its sweet tropical mango, creamy avocado, zesty lime, and a hint of jalapeño heat, transforms each bite into an explosion of flavors and textures. It’s a combination that’s both invigorating and satisfying, leaving you craving more.
Beyond their irresistible taste, these shrimp tacos are also incredibly nutritious. Shrimp provides lean protein, contributing to a feeling of fullness and muscle health. Mangos are packed with essential vitamins A and C, boosting immunity and skin health. Avocados, a source of healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber, add a creamy richness while supporting heart health and digestion. This makes these tacos a wholesome and delicious choice that you can feel good about enjoying.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and healthy meal, or a show-stopping dish to impress your guests, these shrimp tacos with mango salsa are sure to be a hit. Their ease of preparation combined with their phenomenal flavor profile makes them a go-to recipe in any kitchen.
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Craving more delicious taco inspiration? Explore our recipes for Tacos de Papa (Crispy Potato Tacos) or Tacos Dorados de Frijoles (Crispy Bean Tacos).
Ingredients & Smart Substitutions for the Best Shrimp Tacos
Crafting the perfect shrimp taco starts with selecting quality ingredients and knowing how to make smart substitutions. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and how to adapt if necessary:
For the Flavorful Shrimp
- Shrimp: For convenience and ease of preparation, I highly recommend using peeled and deveined shrimp. This saves significant time and effort. Medium-sized shrimp are ideal for tacos, as they fit perfectly into tortillas without needing to be cut. If you opt for large or jumbo shrimp, a quick chop into smaller, bite-sized pieces before cooking will make assembly much easier and ensure an even distribution of flavor in each taco. Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp both work wonderfully.
- Cooking Oil: A light drizzle of cooking oil is essential for sautéing the shrimp. Olive oil or avocado oil are excellent choices, offering a subtle flavor that complements the seafood. Feel free to use your preferred high-heat cooking oil.
- Butter: A touch of butter adds an incredible depth of richness and a creamy texture that truly enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp. For a dairy-free alternative, you can easily substitute with dairy-free butter or ghee, maintaining that luxurious mouthfeel.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must! It infuses the butter and shrimp with its distinct aromatic and savory notes, building a robust flavor base for your tacos.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro is added at the end of cooking for a burst of bright, citrusy freshness that invigorates the shrimp.
- Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice after the shrimp are cooked adds a tangy, zesty kick that beautifully balances the richness of the butter and highlights the shrimp’s flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings are all you need to bring out the best in the shrimp. Adjust to your taste.
- Corn Tortillas: The foundation of any great taco! Choose your favorite brand of corn tortillas, or for an authentic experience, try making them at home. If you prefer a softer, slightly more pliable shell, flour tortillas are a delicious alternative.
For the Vibrant Mango Salsa
- Mangos: I have a soft spot for honey mangos, also known as Ataulfo mangos, due to their exceptionally smooth, buttery texture and intensely sweet, tropical flavor. However, any ripe mango variety will work beautifully. The key is to select mangos that are ripe – they should yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a fragrant aroma. Unripe mangos will be too firm and lack sweetness.
- Jalapeño Peppers: For the perfect balance of heat and flavor, choose firm jalapeños with smooth, vibrant green skin. To control the spice level, remove the seeds and white veins before chopping for a milder salsa. If you crave more heat, consider adding a serrano pepper or leaving some seeds in the jalapeños.
- Fresh Cilantro: Cilantro is crucial for adding a bright, citrusy, and herbaceous note to the salsa, tying all the tropical flavors together.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is vital. It provides the essential tanginess that cuts through the sweetness of the mango and the richness of the avocado, creating a perfectly balanced salsa.
- Onion: White onions are my preference for salsa due to their crisp texture and clean, fresh flavor that doesn’t overpower the other delicate ingredients. Red onion can also be used for a slightly sharper, zestier bite and a pop of color.
- Avocados: Select ripe avocados that are dark green, almost black, and yield gently when squeezed. Avoid avocados that are too hard (underripe) or mushy/overly soft (overripe), as these will compromise the texture and flavor of your salsa. The creamy avocado adds a wonderful richness and balances the acidity.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the natural flavors in the salsa. Adjust to your preference.
See recipe card below for exact quantities.
How to Make Mango Salsa Shrimp Tacos: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these vibrant shrimp tacos is simpler than you might think! Follow these easy steps to bring this flavorful dish to life:
- Prep Salsa Ingredients: Begin by preparing all your salsa components. Carefully peel and dice the ripe mangos into small, uniform pieces. Dice the onion, jalapeños, and avocados, and finely chop the fresh cilantro. Consistent sizing ensures a harmonious texture in your salsa.
- Assemble the Salsa: Transfer all the diced mango, onion, jalapeño, avocado, and cilantro into a medium mixing bowl. Squeeze the fresh juice from one lime over the mixture, then season with a pinch of salt. Gently fold all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to mash the avocado. Set the vibrant salsa aside, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, defrost them by submerging them in a bowl of cold water or running them under cold water until fully thawed. If your shrimp are not pre-peeled and deveined, now is the time to do so. After thawing, gently pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear and preventing steaming. Set them aside while you heat your pan.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet (a cast-iron skillet works wonderfully for an even sear) over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and two tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not browned. Quickly add the prepared shrimp to the skillet, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. It’s important not to overcook the shrimp, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery.
- Finish the Shrimp: Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, turn off the heat. Sprinkle the diced cilantro and a final squeeze of fresh lime juice over the shrimp. Stir gently to ensure everything is well combined and the flavors are fully incorporated. The residual heat from the pan will warm the cilantro and further awaken its aroma.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm your corn tortillas until they are soft and pliable. You can do this on a dry skillet over medium-high heat for about 30 seconds per side, in a microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel, or for a slightly charred, authentic flavor, directly over the flame of a gas stove. Place a generous spoonful of the butter-garlic shrimp onto each warm tortilla. Crown the shrimp with a dollop of your fresh mango and avocado salsa. For an extra kick, a drizzle of your favorite Mexican hot sauce is highly recommended. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors!
Recommended for This Recipe
Lodge Cast-Iron Skillet
A good quality cast-iron skillet is invaluable for this recipe. It offers superior heat retention and distribution, ensuring your shrimp sear perfectly to a golden-pink finish without steaming. It’s also incredibly versatile for a variety of other sautéing, pan-frying, and roasting tasks in your kitchen.
How to Serve Your Delicious Shrimp Tacos
These shrimp tacos are a meal in themselves, bursting with flavor and texture. However, if you’re looking to create a more complete and satisfying meal, here are some fantastic side dish options that perfectly complement their vibrant profile:
- Mexican White Rice with Corn: A lighter alternative to traditional red rice, this fluffy white rice with sweet corn adds a comforting and mild base that doesn’t compete with the taco’s bold flavors.
- Arroz Rojo (Mexican Red Rice): For a more classic pairing, a side of savory Mexican red rice is always a welcome addition, offering a familiar and hearty component.
- Lime Coleslaw: The crisp, tangy freshness of a simple lime coleslaw provides a wonderful contrast to the richness of the shrimp and the sweetness of the mango salsa, adding a refreshing crunch.
- Simple Instant Pot Pinto Beans: Hearty and flavorful pinto beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine and make for a satisfying, protein-rich side that can be prepared with minimal fuss.
Storing and Reheating for Optimal Freshness
To ensure you enjoy these delicious shrimp tacos at their very best, proper storage and reheating are key. Here are some essential tips:
- Immediate Enjoyment: For the ultimate taste and texture experience, consume your shrimp tacos as soon as they are assembled. The crispness of the tortillas and the freshness of the salsa are at their peak right after preparation.
- Avoid Storing Assembled Tacos: It is strongly not recommended to store assembled tacos. The moisture from the shrimp and salsa will quickly make the tortillas soggy, leading to a less enjoyable texture.
- Leftover Cooked Shrimp: Store any leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from absorbing other odors.
- Mango Salsa Storage: Keep the mango salsa in its own separate airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The avocado in the salsa may brown slightly over time, but it will still be delicious. A trick to slow browning is to press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salsa before sealing the container.
- Reheating Shrimp: To reheat leftover shrimp, gently sauté them in a pan over medium heat with a small amount of olive oil or butter for just 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. Be very careful not to overcook them, as this will make them tough and rubbery. You can also warm them briefly in a microwave, but a pan offers better texture.
Expert Tips and Delicious Variations
Elevate your shrimp taco experience with these helpful tips and creative variations:
- Mango Salsa Swap: While our mango avocado salsa is a star, for a slight variation with a similar flavor profile, you can swap it out with a batch of Mango Pico de Gallo. It offers a slightly chunkier texture and a more pronounced onion and tomato base, if you choose a recipe that includes tomatoes.
- Creamy Texture Boost: For an extra layer of richness and a silky texture, spread a thin layer of sour cream, Mexican crema, or a light mayonnaise-based sauce on each tortilla before adding the shrimp and salsa. This adds a lovely creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the fresh salsa.
- Tostada Option: If you prefer a crispy base over a soft taco, transform this recipe into delicious shrimp tostadas! Simply serve the succulent shrimp and vibrant mango salsa on crunchy tostada shells instead of soft tortillas. Learn how to make tostada shells at home for an even fresher experience.
- Make it Paleo/Whole30 Friendly: Adapting this recipe for Paleo or Whole30 diets is simple. Sauté the shrimp using ghee instead of butter. Then, instead of corn tortillas, serve the flavorful shrimp and fresh mango salsa in crisp lettuce wraps (such as butter lettuce or romaine) or piled high over a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing and compliant salad.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the shrimp, ensure you don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cooking in batches if necessary will allow the shrimp to sear properly and turn golden, rather than steam, which can lead to a less desirable texture. This ensures a beautifully caramelized exterior and juicy interior.
- Spice Control: Remember you can always adjust the heat of your salsa. For less spice, remove all seeds and white membranes from the jalapeño. For more heat, add an extra jalapeño, or swap one for a hotter serrano pepper.
I truly hope you enjoy these fantastic Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa as much as I do! If you try this recipe, please leave me a commentwith a star rating below – your feedback is incredibly valuable. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest to stay in touch and discover more delicious recipes. Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content and updates!
Related Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for other flavorful Mexican-inspired recipes? Try these:
- Entomatadas de Carne Molida (Entomatadas with Ground Beef)
- Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
- Green Chile Picadillo
- Green Chile Turkey Soup
Recipe
Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
by Gemma Aguayo-Murphy
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Cast-iron skillet or large pan
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Mixing bowl
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Cutting board
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Sharp knife
Ingredients
Mango Avocado Salsa
- 2-3 ripe honey mangos, diced
- 2 jalapeño peppers, diced (remove seeds/veins for less spice)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ white onion, finely diced
- 1 large avocado (or 2 medium), diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt (to taste)
Garlic Butter Shrimp
- 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium-sized preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or preferred cooking oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (or dairy-free alternative)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tablespoons diced fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 corn tortillas (6-inch, for 6 servings of 2 tacos each)
Instructions
Prepare the Mango Avocado Salsa
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Peel the mangos, remove the flesh from the pit, and dice into small, consistent pieces. Place them in a medium mixing bowl.
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Finely dice the onion, jalapeños (adjusting spice level by removing seeds/veins), avocados, and cilantro. Add these to the bowl with the mango.
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Squeeze the fresh juice from one lime over the fruit and vegetable mixture, and season with a pinch of salt.
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Gently mix all the salsa ingredients together until just combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the shrimp.
Cook the Garlic Butter Shrimp
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If using frozen shrimp, place them in a large bowl and cover with cold water or run under cold, running water until fully defrosted. If your shrimp are not pre-peeled and deveined, complete these steps once thawed.
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Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear.
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Place a large cast-iron skillet or other heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.
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Add the olive oil and butter to the hot skillet. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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Add the dry shrimp to the pan in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Season with salt and pepper.
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Cook the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Promptly remove from heat to avoid overcooking and rubbery texture.
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Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the cooked shrimp with the diced fresh cilantro and a final squeeze of lime juice. Stir to combine thoroughly.
Assemble and Serve Your Tacos
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Warm the corn tortillas using your preferred method: a dry skillet, a microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel, or over the open flame of a gas stove for soft, pliable tortillas with slightly charred edges.
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Place a generous couple of tablespoons of the warm garlic butter shrimp onto each prepared tortilla.
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Top the shrimp with a spoonful (or two!) of the vibrant mango avocado salsa.
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Serve the tacos immediately for the best flavor and texture. Feel free to add any additional salt, lime juice, or a drizzle of your favorite Mexican hot sauce if desired for an extra kick!
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can quickly become tough and rubbery. Cook just until pink and opaque.
- For the best experience, eat the tacos as soon as they are prepared. It is not recommended to store assembled tacos as the tortillas will become soggy and lose their freshness.
- Instead of soft tacos, you could also serve the shrimp and mango salsa on crispy tostada shells for a different texture. Click here to learn how to make tostada shells.
- Feel free to use whichever type of ripe mangos you can find, but remember to select ripe mangos for the best sweet, tropical flavor.
- Customize the spice level of your salsa: make it spicier by using serrano peppers or by leaving some seeds and veins in the jalapeños, or keep it mild by removing all seeds and white membranes from the jalapeños.
- When sautéing shrimp, do not overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the shrimp sear properly rather than steam, resulting in a better texture.
Nutrition
Originally published July 23, 2023. Updated post March 2025.