Get ready to amp up your next taco night—these Mango Slaw Shrimp Tacos are truly something special! Imagine juicy, spiced shrimp snuggled into soft tortillas, piled high with a sweet and tangy mango slaw that offers a pop of color and crunch in every bite. This dish brings just the right amount of tropical flair, balancing savory and fresh flavors with ease. Whether you’re feeding a group or just looking to treat yourself to something bright and satisfying, these tacos are the kind of crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
All it takes is a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients to make Mango Slaw Shrimp Tacos the star of your table! Each component blends beautifully, promising plenty of flavor and appealing color, while keeping your shopping list refreshingly simple.
- Shrimp (1 pound, peeled, deveined, and tails removed): Look for medium or large shrimp—they cook fast, stay juicy, and their mild flavor lets those spices shine.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds essential moisture and helps all those spices coat the shrimp evenly.
- Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the shrimp with just the right amount of gentle warmth for a little kick.
- Cumin (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a smoky, earthy undertone that makes the shrimp really pop.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Delivers that deep, savory hit without overpowering everything else.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and enhances all those lively seasonings, ensuring every bite is just right.
- Corn or flour tortillas (8 small): Choose your favorite—corn tortillas bring a traditional touch, while flour tortillas are soft and flexible.
- Shredded cabbage (1 1/2 cups): Adds crunch and a vibrant base for that gorgeous mango slaw.
- Ripe mango (1, peeled and julienned or diced): The star of the slaw, bringing sweet juiciness and a pop of color.
- Shredded carrots (1/4 cup): Lend even more crunch and a beautiful orange hue.
- Chopped cilantro (1/4 cup): Fresh and herby, it brightens up the entire slaw.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Adds zingy acidity that ties the slaw together and perks up the shrimp.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances the tang and spice with just a touch of natural sweetness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon, for slaw): Brings everything together in one silky, cohesive bite.
- Salt to taste: Ensures all those lively flavors hit the mark.
How to Make Mango Slaw Shrimp Tacos
Step 1: Season and Marinate the Shrimp
Start by tossing your shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. This quick marinade infuses the shrimp with bold flavors, ensuring they cook up both juicy and delicious. Allow the shrimp to sit for just a few minutes while you prep the slaw—you’ll be amazed at how much flavor soaks in during this short time!
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and look opaque. Be careful not to overcook; shrimp turn rubbery in a flash. Once done, set them aside so they stay tender for your Mango Slaw Shrimp Tacos.
Step 3: Make the Mango Slaw
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, vibrant mango, carrots, fresh cilantro, lime juice, honey, a splash of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything until the slaw is evenly coated and bursting with color. This mixture adds the perfect sweet-tangy crunch that balances the savory shrimp beautifully.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
Give your tortillas a quick toast in a dry skillet or heat them in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Warming makes them more pliable and helps release the delicious aromas that make Mango Slaw Shrimp Tacos so tempting to bite into.
Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos
Now for the fun part! Layer a generous scoop of mango slaw onto each tortilla, then top with a few sizzling shrimp. If you love extra brightness, sprinkle on some more cilantro or drizzle with tangy lime crema. From here, just fold and serve—the flavors are irresistible!
How to Serve Mango Slaw Shrimp Tacos
Garnishes
Don’t be shy with the toppings! Extra cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime, or sliced avocado add freshness and creaminess. For a little heat, drizzle on sriracha or a spicy crema. These simple additions make every bite of Mango Slaw Shrimp Tacos even more memorable and eye-catching.
Side Dishes
Keep things light and vibrant! Pair your tacos with classic Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple cucumber salad for a balanced meal. Chips and fresh guacamole are sure to round things out and keep the tropical vibes high. Each side brings something that complements the flavors and textures of your Mango Slaw Shrimp Tacos beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn taco night up a notch with fun presentation: serve the tacos on a wooden board lined with parchment, or in cute taco holders for a street-food feel. For a party, set up a build-your-own Mango Slaw Shrimp Tacos bar so everyone can add their favorite toppings. Colorful plates and plenty of lime wedges make the whole meal pop on social media and in real life!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra slaw or shrimp, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The slaw will stay crunchy for a couple of days, and the shrimp will keep their flavor and tenderness when properly chilled. Just remember to keep the tortillas separate so they don’t get soggy.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for mango slaw—the fresh veggies tend to become mushy when thawed. However, the cooked shrimp can be frozen. Cool them completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and assembling your Mango Slaw Shrimp Tacos.
Reheating
To reheat shrimp, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat or use the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until just heated through. Avoid overcooking! For the tortillas, a brief toast in a skillet revives their soft texture. Assemble each taco with fresh slaw and enjoy as if it were made that day.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Absolutely! If you have pre-cooked shrimp, just toss them with the seasonings and a splash of olive oil, then gently warm them in a skillet or microwave. They’ll still soak up plenty of flavor and work perfectly in your Mango Slaw Shrimp Tacos.
Are corn or flour tortillas better?
They both work beautifully—it truly comes down to your preference! Corn tortillas add a traditional touch and slight earthiness, while flour tortillas are soft and a little sturdy. Try both to see which you love more with Mango Slaw Shrimp Tacos.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You bet! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free corn tortillas, and double-check that your spices and extras don’t contain hidden gluten. Mango Slaw Shrimp Tacos are naturally easy to enjoy gluten-free.
What can I use instead of shrimp?
If seafood isn’t your thing, swap shrimp for grilled chicken, baked tofu, or even crispy chickpeas. Each brings its own twist to Mango Slaw Shrimp Tacos, so feel free to play around with your favorite proteins!
How spicy are these tacos?
The recipe as written is mild to moderate (thanks to the chili powder), but you can always add extra spice with sriracha, chopped jalapeños, or a spicy crema. Adjust the heat to suit your taste and enjoy the perfect balance in Mango Slaw Shrimp Tacos.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something lively, fresh, and truly delicious, Mango Slaw Shrimp Tacos are just the ticket. With every bite full of bright flavors and juicy shrimp, this recipe is sure to bring fun and flavor to your table. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite taco night staple!
Print
Mango Slaw Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (8 tacos)
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Mango Slaw Shrimp Tacos are a delightful fusion of flavors, combining juicy shrimp with a refreshing mango slaw, all wrapped in warm tortillas. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner or a fun taco night with friends and family.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
1 pound shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tails removed), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste, 8 small corn or flour tortillas
Mango Slaw:
1 1/2 cups shredded cabbage, 1 ripe mango (peeled and julienned or diced), 1/4 cup shredded carrots, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Set aside.
- Make the Mango Slaw: In a separate bowl, mix cabbage, mango, carrots, cilantro, lime juice, honey, olive oil, and salt. Toss to combine.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Fill each tortilla with mango slaw, top with cooked shrimp, and garnish with cilantro or lime crema.
Notes
- Add sliced avocado or sriracha for extra flavor.
- Grilled shrimp can be used for a smokier taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
