Lemon-Pepper Shrimp Skewers with Mango Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp marinated in a bright lemon-pepper blend, served with a refreshing mango salsa for a vibrant and summery meal. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs shrimp, lemon juice, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Thread the shrimp onto skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
  3. Step 3: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the shrimp skewers on the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: While the shrimp cooks, combine 1 ripe mango (diced), 1/4 red onion (finely diced), 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped), 1 tbsp lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Toss to combine and let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Step 5: Serve the shrimp skewers immediately with the mango salsa on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Pepper Shrimp Skewers with Mango Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lemon-Pepper Shrimp Skewers with Mango Salsa?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Pepper Shrimp Skewers with Mango Salsa?

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 Lemon-Pepper Shrimp Skewers with Mango Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Lemon-Pepper Shrimp Skewers with Mango Salsa?

American 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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