Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa and Cilantro Crema
Juicy shrimp cooked with smoky spices nestled in warm tortillas, topped with bright mango salsa and a tangy cilantro crema. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 23 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, smoked 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 smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup fresh mango, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 8 small corn tortillas
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb peeled shrimp with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 3/4 tsp salt until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove from heat.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup diced fresh mango, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Stir gently to make the mango salsa.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup sour cream with 2 tbsp chopped cilantro and a pinch of salt and pepper to make the cilantro crema.
- Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds each side. Assemble tacos by layering shrimp, mango salsa, and a drizzle of cilantro crema.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa and Cilantro Crema take to make?
Total time is about 23 minutes (15 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa and Cilantro Crema?
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 Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa and Cilantro Crema?
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 Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa and Cilantro Crema 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 Sautéed Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa and Cilantro Crema?
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.