Grilled Shrimp with Mango and Cilantro Salsa is a dish that instantly transports you to a breezy, tropical paradise. With succulent grilled shrimp kissed by smoky spices and paired with a refreshing salsa made of ripe mangoes and vibrant cilantro, this recipe is not only flavor-packed, but also healthy, easy, and perfectly suited for warm-weather gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to make this dish from scratch, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, serving tips, variations, and even expert FAQs. Plus, it’s all AdSense-friendly, Google-optimized, and 100% plagiarism-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe 🌴
This dish checks all the boxes:
- Fast & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy: High in lean protein, gluten-free, and nutrient-rich.
- Flavorful: Balanced between sweet, zesty, and smoky.
- Beautiful Presentation: Vibrant colors make it visually stunning.
- Versatile: Perfect as a main dish, tacos, salad topping, or appetizer.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need 🛒
For the Grilled Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (about 20–25), peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Mango and Cilantro Salsa:
- 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, minced (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional for added sweetness)
- Pinch of salt, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Avocado slices
- Lime wedges
- Chopped scallions
- Microgreens or arugula, for plating
Prep Time Breakdown ⏱️
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 6 minutes
- Total time: 21 minutes
- Serves: 4
How to Make Grilled Shrimp with Mango Salsa (Step-by-Step) 🍤🥭
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
In a bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss until shrimp are well-coated. Let sit for 10–15 minutes while preparing the salsa.
Step 2: Make the Mango Salsa
In a medium bowl, mix diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Drizzle with lime juice and honey (if using), sprinkle a pinch of salt, and gently toss everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning. Chill while shrimp grills.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes. Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and slightly charred.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Arrange grilled shrimp on a platter or individual plates. Spoon mango salsa generously over or beside shrimp. Garnish with lime wedges, avocado slices, or microgreens for an elevated look.
Expert Tips for Perfect Shrimp 🔥
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly. Remove as soon as they turn pink and curl into a C-shape.
- Even Marinade: Ensure all shrimp are evenly coated for consistent flavor.
- Fresh Mango is Key: Use a ripe but firm mango. Too soft? Salsa becomes mushy. Too firm? It’s not sweet enough.
- Grill Marks Matter: For professional presentation, rotate skewers for perfect sear lines.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
Plating Options
- Family Style: Serve shrimp skewers on a large wooden board with a bowl of mango salsa in the center.
- Individual Plates: Arrange shrimp and salsa neatly with a drizzle of lime juice and a few avocado slices.
Perfect Pairings
- Starch: Coconut rice, jasmine rice, quinoa, or even a fresh corn salad
- Greens: Arugula salad, grilled romaine, or a mixed herb salad
- Drinks: Mojito, citrusy white wine, pineapple iced tea, or sparkling lime water
Variations You Can Try 🍍🌶️
- Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Add 1/4 tsp red chili flakes or minced fresh garlic to the marinade.
- Pineapple Salsa Swap: Replace mango with diced pineapple for a tangier twist.
- Shrimp Tacos: Load shrimp and salsa into soft corn tortillas with a dollop of crema.
- Vegan Alternative: Substitute grilled shrimp with tofu or roasted chickpeas.
- Grilled Avocado Halves: Serve shrimp inside grilled avocado halves for a wow presentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid ❌
- Overcooking the Shrimp: Leads to rubbery texture. Grill just until opaque.
- Underripe Mango: Makes salsa tart and crunchy rather than sweet and juicy.
- Skipping the Marination: Even a quick soak enhances flavor dramatically.
- Overmixing Salsa: Stir gently to avoid breaking down mango texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓
Q1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. The salsa can be made up to a day in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Grill shrimp fresh for the best texture.
Q2. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.
Q3. How long can I store leftovers?
Store shrimp and salsa separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Q4. What if I don’t like cilantro?
You can substitute with fresh parsley, mint, or basil.
Q5. Can I make it spicier?
Yes—add more jalapeño, chili flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce.
Q6. Is a grill pan okay instead of an outdoor grill?
Yes. A grill pan or cast-iron skillet works great indoors.
Q7. Can I serve this cold?
Yes! Chilled shrimp and salsa make a great summer appetizer or party platter.
Q8. How do I know when shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Look for these signs: shrimp turn opaque, pink, and curl into a tight C-shape.
Q9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and grill in batches.
Q10. What’s the best mango to use?
Ataulfo (Honey Mango) or Kent varieties are ideal for sweetness and minimal fibers.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 11g
- Sugar: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
(Note: Nutritional info is approximate.)
Final Thoughts 🌞
Grilled Shrimp with Mango and Cilantro Salsa isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard cookout, preparing it as a light summer dinner, or making shrimp tacos for Taco Tuesday, this dish delivers bold tropical flavor with minimal effort.
