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Flavorful Cilantro Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos Recipe with Easy Mango Salsa

cilantro lime grilled shrimp tacos - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring lime-marinated grilled shrimp paired with a fresh mango salsa, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (wild-caught if possible)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 12 limes)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ยผ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (stems removed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ยฝ teaspoon cumin (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
  • ยฝ small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeรฑo, seeded and minced (optional)
  • ยผ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • ยฝ cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
  • ยผ cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese (optional)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Hot sauce or crema, optional

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry 1 pound (450g) of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Place them in a medium bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 cloves minced garlic, ยผ cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ยฝ teaspoon cumin, and salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Pour the marinade over the shrimp and toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. Do not marinate longer than 30 minutes.
  4. While the shrimp marinates, combine 1 diced ripe mango, ยฝ small finely chopped red onion, 1 minced jalapeรฑo (optional), ยผ cup chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir gently and set aside.
  5. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking.
  6. Using tongs, place shrimp on the hot grill or pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and slightly charred.
  7. While shrimp cooks, warm the tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds each side until pliable and lightly toasted.
  8. Place shredded cabbage or lettuce on each tortilla, add grilled shrimp, spoon over mango salsa, then top with sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
  9. Serve immediately with hot sauce or crema on the side and garnish with additional cilantro if desired.

Notes

Marinate shrimp for 15-20 minutes only to avoid mushiness. Mango salsa can be made 1-2 hours ahead and refrigerated. If mango salsa is too thick, add a splash of water or extra lime juice. Watch shrimp closely while grilling to avoid overcooking. Corn tortillas are gluten-free and preferred for authenticity, but flour tortillas work well too. Protein swaps include chicken, fish, scallops, or tofu. For dairy-free, skip queso fresco and use lime or avocado crema.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp tacos, cilantro lime shrimp, grilled shrimp, mango salsa, quick tacos, easy dinner, summer recipes, gluten-free tacos