Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw and Avocado Crema

The Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw and Avocado Crema are a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, enjoying a weeknight dinner, or impressing guests at a casual gathering, these tacos deliver an explosion of taste and color. The combination of succulent shrimp, fresh mango slaw, and creamy avocado crema makes this recipe stand out. With its tantalizing spices and refreshing ingredients, each bite is a celebration of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only 20 minutes of prep time and 5 minutes of cooking, you’ll have delicious tacos ready in no time.
• Bursting with Flavor: The blend of spices and fresh ingredients creates a unique taste that will excite your palate.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap the shrimp for another protein or adjust the toppings to suit your preferences.
• Healthy Option: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, this recipe is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Impress your friends and family with this colorful dish that’s great for sharing.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious spicy shrimp tacos, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or large pan
• Mixing bowls
• Blender
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or large pan: Ideal for quickly cooking shrimp to perfection while allowing even heat distribution.
• Blender: Essential for creating a smooth avocado crema that enhances the flavors of your tacos.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients like mango and cabbage.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1¼ lbs large shrimp, deveined
• ¼-½ tsp chipotle powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ancho chili powder
• ½ tsp granulated onion powder
• ½ tsp granulated garlic powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp dried epozote or thyme or Mexican oregano
• ½ tsp sugar
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (or any neutral oil)

For the Mango Slaw

• large mango, diced into small pieces
• ¼ head red cabbage, finely shredded (about 3½ cups)
• 2-3 stalks scallions or green onions, chopped
• 1-2 tbsp lime juice or vinegar
• 2-3 tbsp chopped cilantro
• ¼ tsp sugar
• kosher salt as needed

For the Avocado Crema

• 1 medium ripe avocado, chopped
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1-2 small cloves garlic (use as you need)
• 3-4 tbsp lime juice
• ½-1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped

For Serving

• small corn tortilla
• sliced lime as needed

How to Make Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw and Avocado Crema

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

In a bowl combine all the spices listed under For the Shrimp with the shrimp. Toss well to coat. Allow it to marinate while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Mango Slaw

Combine the diced mango, shredded red cabbage, lime juice or vinegar, sugar, and kosher salt in another bowl. Toss everything together and let it rest for about 5–10 minutes. Add chopped cilantro and green onions before setting aside.

Step 3: Blend the Avocado Crema

In a blender, add the chopped avocado, Greek yogurt, garlic cloves, lime juice, and jalapeño. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil or butter. Cook the marinated shrimp for about 3–4 minutes until they are opaque and firm. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

Char small corn tortillas over an open flame for about 20 seconds on each side. Alternatively, wrap them in damp paper towels and heat them in an oven set at 250°F until warm.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos

Spread some avocado crema onto each warm tortilla. Top with cooked shrimp followed by mango slaw. Serve with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing as desired. Enjoy your delicious Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw!

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw and Avocado Crema

Serving Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw and Avocado Crema can be a delightful experience that highlights the vibrant flavors of the dish. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your taco night.

Taco Bar

• Create a taco bar with various toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and extra lime wedges for guests to customize their tacos.

Fresh Cilantro Garnish

• Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top for an added burst of flavor and color. It complements the mango slaw beautifully.

Extra Avocado Crema

• Serve additional avocado crema on the side for those who love its creamy texture. It’s perfect for dipping or drizzling over the tacos.

Chopped Jalapeños

• Provide chopped jalapeños for those who enjoy an extra kick. This spicy addition can elevate the flavor profile of your tacos.

Lime Wedges

• Include lime wedges on the plate to allow everyone to add a fresh squeeze, enhancing the citrusy notes in the dish.

Serve with Corn Tortilla Chips

• Pair your tacos with crunchy corn tortilla chips and salsa for a fun appetizer or side dish that complements the meal.

How to Perfect Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw and Avocado Crema

Perfecting Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw and Avocado Crema is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to help you achieve taco perfection.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shrimp and ripe avocados make a significant difference in flavor. Opt for quality ingredients whenever possible.

• Marinate wisely: Allow shrimp to marinate for at least 10 minutes. This enhances flavor absorption from spices, making each bite more delicious.

• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to modify the amount of chipotle powder based on your heat preference. You can make these tacos milder or spicier according to your taste.

• Warm tortillas properly: Warm tortillas gently over an open flame or in the oven for optimal flexibility. This makes them easier to fold without tearing.

• Mix slaw ahead of time: Prepare the mango slaw ahead of time and let it sit. This allows flavors to meld together, resulting in a tastier topping.

• Garnish creatively: Get creative with garnishes like radishes or pomegranate seeds for added crunch and color that also enhance presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw and Avocado Crema

Pairing side dishes with Spicy Shrimp Tacos enhances your meal experience by adding variety and balance. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing salad made with grilled corn, lime, cilantro, and cotija cheese that offers a sweet, tangy contrast.

2. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and lime makes a great base alongside your tacos, complementing their flavors perfectly.

3. Black Bean Salsa: A hearty black bean salsa mixed with tomatoes, onions, and spices adds protein and freshness that pairs well with shrimp tacos.

4. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole made from ripe avocados provides an indulgent dip that enhances every bite of your spicy shrimp tacos.

5. Pineapple Salsa: Sweet pineapple salsa brings tropical vibes while balancing the heat from the tacos; it’s refreshing and easy to prepare.

6. Chili Lime Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with chili powder and lime provide a satisfying crunch alongside your meal.

7. Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful vegetable skewers grilled until tender add vibrant flavors while keeping your meal light and healthy.

8. Tortilla Soup: A warm bowl of tortilla soup serves as a comforting starter or side dish that complements your taco feast wonderfully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw and Avocado Crema, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the marinade: Failing to marinate the shrimp can lead to bland tacos. Always let the shrimp soak in spices for at least 5-10 minutes.
• Not chopping ingredients uniformly: Unevenly chopped mango and cabbage can affect texture and presentation. Aim for consistent sizes for a beautiful taco.
• Overcooking the shrimp: Cooking shrimp too long makes them rubbery. Watch closely and cook until they just turn opaque, which usually takes 3-4 minutes.
• Using cold tortillas: Cold or stale tortillas can ruin your taco experience. Warm them up before serving for a delightful bite.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Tastes vary, so don’t hesitate to adjust salt or lime juice in both slaw and crema to suit your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
• They will stay fresh for about 2-3 days.

Freezing Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw and Avocado Crema

• For best quality, freeze shrimp separately from other ingredients.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags; consume within 1-2 months.

Reheating Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw and Avocado Crema

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place shrimp on a baking sheet; heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place shrimp on a microwave-safe plate; cover and heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat shrimp in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw and Avocado Crema that you might have.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well! Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before marinating.

How spicy are these Spicy Shrimp Tacos?

The spice level depends on the chipotle powder used. Adjust the amount according to your tolerance for heat.

What can I substitute for avocado crema?

You can substitute avocado crema with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt if desired.

How do I customize my Spicy Shrimp Tacos?

Feel free to add toppings like cheese, jalapeños, or different herbs based on your taste preferences!

Final Thoughts

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw and Avocado Crema offer a fantastic blend of flavors and textures that delight any palate. The recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or adjust the spice levels. Enjoy these delicious tacos any time you crave something fresh and satisfying!