Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa and Cilantro Cream

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bright citrus-marinated shrimp grilled and served in warm tortillas with fresh mango salsa and a tangy cilantro lime cream for a vibrant summer taco. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, make mango salsa by combining 1 cup diced ripe mango, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1 small seeded finely chopped jalapeño (optional) in a bowl. Stir gently and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 1/3 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 1 tsp lime zest in a small bowl to create the cilantro cream sauce.
  4. Step 4: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove shrimp from marinade and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Assemble tacos by placing 4-5 shrimp in each tortilla, topping with 2-3 tbsp mango salsa and a dollop of the cilantro cream. Garnish with extra cilantro leaves and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa and Cilantro Cream take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa and Cilantro Cream?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa and Cilantro Cream?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa and Cilantro Cream for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa and Cilantro Cream?

Mexican seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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