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Fresh Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos Easy Recipe with Mango Salsa

fresh cilantro lime shrimp tacos - featured image

Bright, fresh, and tangy shrimp tacos paired with sweet mango salsa, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. This recipe is simple, vibrant, and fuss-free, ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium-sized works best)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 large lime)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Salt to taste
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage or lettuce
  • Optional: sliced avocado, sour cream or crema for topping

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk lightly to blend.
  2. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature. Avoid marinating longer than 30 minutes.
  3. While the shrimp marinates, combine diced mango, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño (if using), chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Mix gently and set aside.
  4. Place your skillet over medium-high heat and let it preheat for 2-3 minutes until hot.
  5. Add shrimp to the pan in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side until pink and opaque, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from heat promptly.
  6. Warm tortillas in a dry pan or directly over a gas flame for a few seconds on each side until soft and pliable.
  7. Lay warm tortillas flat. Add shredded cabbage or lettuce, then arrange 3-4 shrimp per taco. Spoon mango salsa generously over the shrimp. Top with sliced avocado or sour cream if desired.
  8. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Do not marinate shrimp longer than 30 minutes to avoid mushy texture. Warm tortillas while shrimp cooks to keep everything hot. Mango salsa can be made a day ahead and refrigerated for better flavor melding. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good sear on shrimp. Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for best texture. Optional toppings like avocado and sour cream add creaminess but can be omitted for dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp tacos, cilantro lime shrimp, mango salsa, easy tacos, quick dinner, fresh tacos, seafood tacos, weeknight meal