Mardi Gras-Spiced Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
Spicy shrimp seasoned with classic Mardi Gras spices paired with fresh mango salsa for vibrant and festive tacos. This latin american-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 25 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, paprika 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 small mango, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove from heat.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 1 diced small mango, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp lime juice. Stir gently to make mango salsa.
- Step 4: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Assemble tacos by spreading 1 tbsp sour cream on each tortilla, topping with cooked shrimp and a generous spoonful of mango salsa.
- Step 5: Serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mardi Gras-Spiced Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Mardi Gras-Spiced Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa?
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 Mardi Gras-Spiced Shrimp Tacos 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 Mardi Gras-Spiced Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa 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 Mardi Gras-Spiced Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa?
Latin American tacos & burritos 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.
Equipment for this recipe
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