Name: Shrimp Tacos with Mango Jalapeño Slaw Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 pounds raw medium or large shrimp (peeled and deveined); 10 cloves garlic (minced); 2-3 tablespoons chipotle sauce; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Zest of 1 lime; ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 2 limes); 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 jalapeño (seeded and julienned); ½ head of cabbage (thinly sliced); 1 medium carrot (peeled and julienned); Zest of 1 lime; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 1 lime); 2-3 green onions (thinly sliced); 4 teaspoons honey; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; ¼ cup fresh cilantro (coarsely chopped); 1 large mango (peeled and small diced); Flour or corn taco-size tortillas; Shredded quesadilla or chihuahua cheese; Fresh cilantro; Lime wedges; Avocado crema

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 32 reviews

If you are craving a vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious meal, this Shrimp Tacos with Mango Jalapeño Slaw Recipe is exactly what you need to try right now. The perfect balance between juicy, smoky shrimp and a crisp, slightly spicy mango jalapeño slaw makes every bite a joyful explosion of flavors and textures. This recipe is straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress any guest at your table. Trust me, once you make these tacos, they will become a staple in your meal rotation, bringing sunshine and zest to your kitchen any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white bowl filled with many raw, peeled shrimp that are grayish-white and moist looking, placed on a white marbled surface. Surrounding it are smaller white bowls and metal cups holding different ingredients: one with several square pieces of pale yellow butter, one with a clump of minced garlic, one with a light yellow liquid, one with a reddish powder, one with a light clear liquid, one with a reddish sauce, a small clear glass bowl with white salt, and a small metal cup with bright green lime zest. A green and white checkered cloth peeks in from the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be intimidated by the list because each ingredient is simple and packs a punch of flavor or texture crucial to making these shrimp tacos so memorable. From the smoky chipotle sauce that gives depth to the shrimp, to the fresh mango adding a sweet pop in the slaw, every element plays a starring role.

2 pounds raw medium or large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
10 cloves garlic (minced): Adds aromatic sharpness to the shrimp marinade.
2-3 tablespoons chipotle sauce: Brings a smoky, slightly spicy kick to the dish.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps coat the shrimp evenly and carry the marinade flavors.
Zest of 1 lime: Brightens the shrimp marinade with citrus freshness.
¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 2 limes): Adds tanginess and tenderizes the shrimp.
2 teaspoons smoked paprika: Enhances the smokiness and deepens color.
1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavors.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Used for cooking shrimp to golden perfection and adding richness.
1 jalapeño (seeded and julienned): Adds gentle heat and crunch to the slaw.
½ head of cabbage (thinly sliced): The crunchy base of the refreshing slaw.
1 medium carrot (peeled and julienned): For sweetness, color, and crisp texture.
Zest of 1 lime: Adds brightness to the slaw’s flavor profile.
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 1 lime): Keeps the slaw lively and zesty.
2-3 green onions (thinly sliced): Offers a mild oniony crunch.
4 teaspoons honey: Balances the zesty lime and jalapeño with subtle sweetness.
1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the slaw ingredients’ natural flavors.
¼ cup fresh cilantro (coarsely chopped): Brings bright herbal notes to both slaw and shrimp.
1 large mango (peeled and small diced): Adds tropical sweetness and juicy contrast.
Flour or corn taco-size tortillas: Your sturdy yet soft vessel for all the tasty fillings.
Shredded quesadilla or chihuahua cheese: Optional but perfect for a melty, creamy texture.
Fresh cilantro: For garnish and extra zing.
Lime wedges: To squeeze over the assembled tacos for that final citrus punch.
Avocado crema: A cooling, creamy topping that brings the whole dish together smoothly.

How to Make Shrimp Tacos with Mango Jalapeño Slaw Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Shrimp

Start by draining and patting the shrimp dry to ensure they cook up nicely and don’t steam. Toss the shrimp gently with minced garlic, chipotle sauce, olive oil, lime zest and juice, smoked paprika, and sea salt. This marinade infuses the shrimp with smoky, tangy, and savory layers of flavor that start building immediately. Set it aside while you get the slaw ready, allowing the shrimp to soak up all these bright and bold tastes.

Step 2: Make the Mango Jalapeño Slaw

This slaw is the true showstopper that elevates the tacos beyond ordinary. In a large bowl, combine the jalapeño strips, thinly sliced cabbage, julienned carrot, lime zest, lime juice, sliced green onions, honey, salt, and chopped cilantro. Give it a good stir, then let it rest so the flavors mingle and the cabbage softens just enough without losing its crunch. Adding the diced mango last keeps it fresh, sweet, and slightly juicy for that perfect balance with the spicy jalapeño.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a large nonstick pan over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan to get that lovely sear. Cook each side about 1 minute, spooning the melted butter over the shrimp so they absorb that rich flavor and develop a beautiful golden finish. Cook in batches if needed, then return all shrimp to the pan to warm through and get coated in the buttery pan sauce before assembling the tacos.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos

Warm your preferred tortillas just until pliable and soft. Fill each tortilla with a generous scoop of the mango jalapeño slaw, then pile on the succulent, buttery shrimp. Top with shredded quesadilla or chihuahua cheese if you like, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and don’t forget a squeeze of lime for that final push of brightness. Finish with a dollop of creamy avocado crema for a cooling counterpoint to the spice and tang. Your Shrimp Tacos with Mango Jalapeño Slaw Recipe are ready to wow!

How to Serve Shrimp Tacos with Mango Jalapeño Slaw Recipe

The image shows a large silver bowl filled with pale green shredded cabbage as the main layer in the top left. Below it, there is a small white bowl filled with bright orange thin carrot sticks, and to its right, a small white bowl with green thin sliced bell peppers. Below, scattered in a rough circle, are smaller bowls: a white bowl with light green sliced green onions to the left, a white bowl with yellow diced mango pieces to the right, a white bowl with dark green chopped herbs in the middle, a small silver bowl with green lime zest to the top right, a tiny silver bowl with white salt crystals below the lime zest, a white bowl with amber-colored liquid (likely sauce or dressing) to the bottom left, and a small silver bowl with clear liquid below it. The bowls are placed on a white marbled surface with a green and white checked cloth on the bottom left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your tacos visually and flavor-wise by adding fresh cilantro sprigs and extra lime wedges for squeezing. A sprinkle of additional cheese or a drizzle of avocado crema adds extra indulgence. These garnishes not only make the dish look irresistible, but they also boost the fresh and creamy contrasts that make each bite shine.

Side Dishes

Pair your shrimp tacos with simple sides like Mexican street corn, black beans, or a light avocado salad to complement the freshness without overpowering. A crisp, a margarita would also be an excellent choice to balance the heat and enrich the festive vibe of this meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress guests? Serve the tacos in a rustic wooden platter lined with banana leaves for an authentic touch. You can also offer all the components in bowls for a build-your-own taco station, which is always a hit at gatherings. For a fun twist, try serving the slaw inside crispy taco shells topped with grilled shrimp for a delightful crunch variation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from this Shrimp Tacos with Mango Jalapeño Slaw Recipe, store the shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the textures fresh and prevents the slaw from becoming soggy. Consume within 2 days for optimal flavor and freshness.

Freezing

Freezing the shrimp cooked from this recipe is possible but not ideal for the slaw, as the fresh vegetables and mango lose their crispness upon thawing. Freeze the cooked shrimp in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat the shrimp, warm them gently in a skillet with a little butter or olive oil over medium heat just until heated through, so they don’t get rubbery. Avoid using the microwave to keep the texture tender. Reheat tortillas separately on a dry pan or wrapped in foil in the oven for best results.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to get the best texture and to allow the marinade to adhere properly.

How spicy is the mango jalapeño slaw?

The slaw has a mild heat from the jalapeño, which is balanced by the sweetness of the mango and honey, making it pleasantly zesty but not overwhelming.

What can I substitute for chipotle sauce if I don’t have it?

You can substitute chipotle sauce with a mix of smoked paprika and a bit of hot sauce or chili powder to mimic the smokiness and spice.

Can these tacos be made gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use corn tortillas that are certified gluten-free, and ensure any chipotle sauce or other packaged ingredients are also gluten-free.

Is avocado crema necessary, or can I skip it?

While avocado crema is not mandatory, it adds a lovely creamy, cooling element that balances the spicy and tangy flavors wonderfully. You can skip it or replace it with sour cream if preferred.

Final Thoughts

If you love bold, fresh flavors and crave a meal that’s quick but still feels like a celebration, you must dive into this Shrimp Tacos with Mango Jalapeño Slaw Recipe. The harmony of smoky shrimp with sweet and spicy slaw wrapped in warm tortillas will surely delight your taste buds and become a new favorite you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a true fiesta on your plate!

Shrimp Tacos with Mango Jalapeño Slaw Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need