Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw and Avocado Crema

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw and Avocado Crema are a delightful dish that brings together bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or a simple weeknight meal, these tacos are sure to impress. The combination of succulent shrimp, refreshing mango slaw, and creamy avocado crema makes this recipe stand out as a flavorful and colorful option. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking to spice up your meal routine, these tacos are an excellent choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
• Bursting with Flavor: The blend of spices in the shrimp and the freshness of the mango slaw create an explosion of taste.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize your tacos by adding your favorite toppings or using different proteins.
• Healthy Option: Packed with seafood and fresh vegetables, these tacos provide a nutritious meal without compromising on taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a summer barbecue, these tacos fit right in.

Tools and Preparation

To make Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw and Avocado Crema, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or large pan
• Mixing bowls
• Blender or food processor
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or large pan: Ideal for cooking shrimp quickly and evenly, ensuring they remain juicy.
• Blender or food processor: Perfect for creating a smooth avocado crema that adds richness to your tacos.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for marinating shrimp and combining your mango slaw ingredients efficiently.

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 needed)
• 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. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss well to coat. Allow the shrimp to marinate for 5-10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Mango Slaw

In another bowl, combine the diced mango, shredded red cabbage, lime juice or vinegar, sugar, and kosher salt. Toss everything together until mixed well. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to soften before adding chopped cilantro and green onions.

Step 3: Prepare the Avocado Crema

In a blender or food processor, add chopped avocado, Greek yogurt, garlic cloves (to taste), lime juice, and jalapeño. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning if 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, flipping them halfway through until they turn opaque and firm.

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

Warm each small corn tortilla over an open flame for about 20 seconds per side until slightly charred. Wrap them in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm until serving.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos

Spread some avocado crema on each warm tortilla. Top with cooked shrimp and mango slaw. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing over your tacos as desired.

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

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw and Avocado Crema are delightful, vibrant, and packed with flavor. They make a fantastic meal for gatherings or a weeknight dinner. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your taco experience.

Pair with Fresh Squeezed Lime

• Add a generous squeeze of lime juice over the tacos just before serving to enhance the freshness and add a zesty kick.

Garnish with Extra Cilantro

• Sprinkle additional chopped cilantro on top for an extra burst of color and flavor that complements the shrimp and slaw.

Serve with Pickled Jalapeños

• Offer pickled jalapeños on the side for those who want more heat. Their tangy flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado crema.

Accompany with Tortilla Chips

• Serve tortilla chips alongside your tacos for a crunchy contrast. You can also provide salsa or guacamole for dipping.

Create a Taco Bar

• Set up a taco bar with all the ingredients separated. Guests can customize their own tacos, choosing from shrimp, mango slaw, and toppings like avocado crema and lime.

Add a Side Salad

• A simple green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette can balance the richness of the tacos. Consider using mixed greens or arugula for a peppery note.

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

Perfecting your Spicy Shrimp Tacos is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve maximum flavor and enjoyment.

• Marinate the Shrimp: Allowing the shrimp to marinate for at least 10 minutes enhances its flavor profile, making every bite more delicious.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the amount of chipotle powder based on your heat preference. This way, you can customize it for everyone’s taste.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mango, cabbage, and herbs will elevate your dish significantly. Opt for ripe mangoes for sweetness and vibrant color.

• Warm Your Tortillas: Always warm tortillas before serving; this improves their texture and makes them more pliable for filling.

• Experiment with Crema: Try adding different herbs or spices to your avocado crema for unique twists that complement your shrimp tacos.

• Serve Immediately: For the best taste experience, serve these tacos immediately after assembling so they remain fresh and crunchy.

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

Complement your Spicy Shrimp Tacos with tasty side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A creamy corn salad mixed with cotija cheese, lime, and spices offers a sweet contrast that pairs well with spicy shrimp.

2. Black Bean Salad: This protein-packed salad combines black beans, corn, bell peppers, and cilantro, creating a refreshing side that is satisfying.

3. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice tossed in cilantro and lime juice provides a fragrant base that balances the bold flavors of the tacos.

4. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole made from ripe avocados adds smoothness that complements the crunchiness of the slaw in your tacos.

5. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and onions brings out earthy flavors that pair nicely with shrimp’s brightness.

6. Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime adds freshness that brightens up your meal beautifully.

7. Chili Lime Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad tossed in chili powder and lime juice provides sweetness with a hint of spice—perfect after spicy tacos.

8. Queso Dip: Creamy cheese dip served warm is an indulgent treat that everyone loves; pair it with tortilla chips for added fun!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Preparing Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw and Avocado Crema can be a delight, but there are common pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Overcooking the shrimp: Cooking shrimp for too long makes them tough. Aim for just 3-4 minutes until they are opaque.
• Skipping the marination: Not allowing the shrimp to marinate in spices can lead to bland tacos. Let them sit for at least 5-10 minutes.
• Ignoring fresh ingredients: Using wilted vegetables or overripe avocados can spoil the dish. Always choose fresh produce for the best flavor.
• Rushing the slaw preparation: If you don’t let the mango slaw rest, it won’t soften properly. Allow it to sit for at least 5-10 minutes before serving.
• Using cold tortillas: Serving cold tortillas can detract from the dish’s warmth. Warm them up briefly over a flame or in an oven before use.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw and Avocado Crema

• It’s best to freeze shrimp separately from slaw and crema.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring as much air as possible is removed.
• Consume within 1 month for best quality.

Reheating Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw and Avocado Crema

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm tacos on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm, but be cautious not to overcook.
• Stovetop: Warm tortillas and fill with shrimp and slaw on medium heat, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw and Avocado Crema special?

These tacos combine spicy shrimp with a refreshing mango slaw and creamy avocado crema, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. This ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption.

How can I customize my Spicy Shrimp Tacos?

Feel free to add toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or even cheese for extra flavor. You can also swap out shrimp for other proteins.

What should I serve with Spicy Shrimp Tacos?

These tacos pair well with chips and salsa or a light salad. A cold beverage also complements their spicy kick nicely.

Final Thoughts

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw and Avocado Crema are not just delicious; they offer versatility that allows customization according to your taste. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in, these tacos will surely impress. Give them a try, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite toppings!