I’m excited to share my favorite summer dinner recipe that combines the sweetness of mango and the savory flavor of shrimp in one delicious package.
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, as the shrimp cooks in just minutes. The fresh mango salsa adds a bright, tropical flavor that complements the garlic shrimp beautifully.
With a total preparation time of about 50 minutes, most of which is spent waiting for the salsa flavors to meld, this dish is relatively easy to prepare. You’ll love how the tender shrimp, sweet mango, and warm tortillas come together to create a flavorful and textured dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Delicious Honey Garlic Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, the honey garlic shrimp taco with mango salsa is a culinary delight. This dish is not only flavorful but also quick to prepare, making it an ideal option for a weeknight dinner.
Why This Recipe Works
The harmony of tender shrimp, sweet mango salsa, and warm tortillas creates a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The honey garlic shrimp is particularly irresistible due to the caramelization of honey during cooking, creating a delicious glaze.
- The balance of sweet honey and savory garlic makes the shrimp absolutely irresistible.
- The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is truly special.
Key Ingredients Overview
The key to this recipe lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Jumbo shrimp, honey, garlic, fresh mango, lime, and cilantro form the foundation of this dish.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Jumbo Shrimp | 1 pound | Main protein component |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons | Adds sweetness |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Adds savory flavor |
| Fresh Mango | 1 ripe mango | Used for salsa |
Preparing the Sweet and Tangy Mango Salsa
Creating the mango salsa involves combining several flavorful ingredients that come together to create a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors.
Fresh Ingredients for Perfect Mango Salsa
For the best mango salsa, it’s crucial to use fresh ingredients. I recommend using ripe mango, red bell pepper, jalapeño (with seeds removed for less heat), fresh lime juice, and plenty of chopped cilantro. The ripe mango provides the best sweetness and texture, while the lime juice adds a necessary acidity.
Step-by-Step Salsa Preparation
To prepare the mango salsa, start by dicing all the ingredients to a similar size. Then, combine them in a bowl, adding lime juice and salt to taste. Toss gently to combine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ripe Mango | 1 | Provides sweetness and texture |
| Red Bell Pepper | 1/2 | Adds crunch and sweetness |
| Jalapeño | 1 (seed removed) | Adds a touch of heat |
| Fresh Cilantro | 1/4 cup chopped | Adds freshness and flavor |
| Lime Juice | 2 tablespoons | Provides acidity and brightness |
The mango salsa is not only great with these tacos but also delicious with chips, on grilled chicken, or even with breakfast eggs. Its vibrant colors make the dish visually appealing, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Cooking the Honey Garlic Shrimp
Preparing honey garlic shrimp involves a simple yet effective cooking method. To start, I marinate the shrimp in a mixture of honey, minced garlic, and a touch of salt to infuse them with flavor.
Marinating the Shrimp
Marinating the shrimp, even briefly, makes a significant difference in their flavor. I prefer using larger shrimp (21-25 count per pound) as they provide a more substantial bite in the tacos and are less likely to overcook. The honey and garlic marinade helps to create a delicious and aromatic flavor profile.
Cooking Techniques for Tender Shrimp
To cook the shrimp, I heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I then add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are pink and cooked through. 
It’s essential to cook the shrimp in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve a nice sear. This cooking technique ensures that the shrimp remain tender and juicy while developing a flavorful exterior.
Assembling Your Honey Garlic Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
Assembling the honey garlic shrimp tacos is where all the flavors come together in a harmonious union. This step is crucial for the overall dining experience.
Preparing the Tortillas
I always start by warming my tortillas, whether they’re corn or flour tortillas, as this makes them more pliable and enhances their flavor. For corn tortillas, I quickly heat them in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side.
Layering the Ingredients
When layering the ingredients, I begin with a small bed of shredded cabbage or lettuce, which provides a crisp foundation. Next, I add the honey garlic shrimp, arranged in a single layer. The mango salsa goes on top, allowing its juices to mingle with the honey garlic flavors.
Adding the Finishing Touches
For the finishing touches, I add a drizzle of cilantro lime crema or sour cream and extra cilantro leaves. Serving the tacos immediately after assembly, with extra mango salsa on the side, allows guests to customize their tacos to their liking.
Both corn and flour tortillas work well with these tacos; corn provides a more authentic flavor, while flour tortillas are less likely to break apart when filled.
Recipe Tips and Variations
Discover the versatility of honey garlic shrimp tacos and make them your own with these helpful suggestions. One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility, allowing you to prepare components ahead of time to save on busy weeknights.
For instance, you can make the mango salsa up to 8 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until dinner time. If you’re short on time, using pre-cooked shrimp is a viable option – just toss them in the honey garlic sauce and warm them gently.
The recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can substitute the mango in the salsa with other fruits like pineapple or peaches for different flavor profiles. For a spicier version, leave some seeds in the jalapeño pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp marinade or mango salsa.
To serve a crowd, consider setting up a taco bar with the honey garlic shrimp, mango salsa, and various toppings. You can also repurpose leftover components, such as using the honey garlic shrimp in a salad or serving the mango salsa with grilled chicken.
