Zesty Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw

Name: Zesty Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 small corn tortillas; 1 ripe mango, diced; 2 cups shredded red cabbage; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Juice of 1 lime; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Simple & Tasty Meals

I absolutely love making these zesty shrimp tacos with mango slaw! The combination of juicy shrimp, vibrant mango, and fresh slaw brings a burst of flavor to any meal. I often whip this up for family gatherings or a casual dinner with friends, and it never fails to impress. The best part is how quickly I can prepare everything: the tacos come together in just 30 minutes! Trust me, once you try these, they'll become a regular in your kitchen.

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2026-02-04T18:14:27.359Z

Creating these zesty shrimp tacos is a personal favorite of mine. The method I’ve perfected ensures the shrimp are perfectly seasoned and cook in just minutes. I like using spicy seasoning to enhance the shrimp's natural sweetness, and the addition of fresh lime juice brightens everything up. Serving them in warm tortillas makes them even more delectable!

When I first tried making mango slaw, I was surprised by how easy it was. Just chop fresh mango, red cabbage, and cilantro, then toss them with lime juice for a crunchy, refreshing side. This slaw not only complements the shrimp but also adds a colorful pop to the plate. It's a winning combination every time!

Why You'll Love These Tacos
Bright and zesty flavors that awaken your taste buds
Quick to prepare, making them perfect for weeknight dinners
The fresh mango slaw adds a delightful crunch and sweetness

Mastering the Perfect Shrimp

To achieve the perfect shrimp texture, ensure they are cleaned properly, removing shells and deveining them thoroughly. This step prevents any gritty texture that can ruin the dish. Once marinated, the shrimp will absorb the spices more effectively, so don’t skip the marination. For a deeper flavor, you can also let the shrimp marinate for up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator before cooking.

While cooking, keep an eye on the shrimp; they only need about 2-3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a vibrant pink and have a slight curl to them. Avoid overcooking, as this can result in rubbery shrimp. If you’re unsure, a quick taste test can ensure they’re just right before removing them from the heat.

Crafting the Mango Slaw

The mango slaw balances the spicy shrimp beautifully, adding a refreshing crunch that complements the overall taste. Choose a ripe mango for the best flavor—it should yield slightly when pressed. If mangoes aren’t in season, you can substitute with diced pineapple or a combination of citrus for a similar sweetness.

When combining the slaw ingredients, make sure to toss them gently. Over-mixing can turn the cabbage limp. Allowing the slaw to sit for a few minutes after mixing will also help the flavors meld, making it even more delicious. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a finely chopped jalapeño or chili flakes to the slaw.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients for the zesty shrimp tacos and mango slaw:

For the Shrimp Tacos

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
8 small corn tortillas

For the Mango Slaw

1 ripe mango, diced
2 cups shredded red cabbage
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Salt to taste

Now that you have all your ingredients, let's move on to preparing these delicious tacos!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your zesty shrimp tacos:

Prepare the Shrimp

In a bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss until well-coated. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.

Cook the Shrimp

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.

Make the Mango Slaw

In a separate bowl, mix together the diced mango, shredded red cabbage, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Toss until well combined.

Assemble the Tacos

Warm the corn tortillas in a dry pan. Place a generous amount of shrimp on each tortilla, topped with the mango slaw. Serve immediately.

Enjoy your tasty zesty shrimp tacos with mango slaw!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can add some diced jalapeños to your mango slaw. If you’re short on time, you can also use store-bought slaw mix and dress it with lime juice.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to prepare components in advance, you can marinate the shrimp up to one day ahead. Just store the marinated shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge. The slaw can also be made ahead; however, to avoid sogginess, keep the mango slaw separate from the shrimp until you’re ready to serve.

Leftover shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days, but keep in mind that reheating may toughen the shrimp. If you have leftover slaw, it can last for about three days, but the cabbage will soften over time. A quick stir adds freshness before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These shrimp tacos benefit from a variety of toppings. I recommend adding a drizzle of creamy avocado sauce or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco for richness. Fresh lime wedges are a must for that extra zing. You can also serve them alongside a light cilantro-lime rice or black bean salad to round out the meal.

For a different flavor profile, consider using different spices for the shrimp. Smoked paprika could add a gentle smokiness, while taco seasoning could ramp up the flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian twist, try using grilled or sautéed veggies, such as zucchini and bell peppers, as a taco filling.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before marinating and cooking.

→ How can I make these tacos spicy?

You can add some cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or top the tacos with sliced jalapeños.

→ Can I make the mango slaw ahead of time?

You can prepare the mango slaw a few hours in advance, but it's best enjoyed fresh to keep the crunch.

→ What can I serve with the tacos?

These tacos pair great with rice, black beans, or a refreshing salad.