Mango Shrimp is the perfect blend of juicy, succulent shrimp paired with the sweet and tropical notes of fresh mango for a light summer dinner or an impressive dish for guests.
Why Mango and Shrimp Are a Match Made in Heaven
Mango and shrimp are an unexpected duo that truly shine together. The natural sweetness of ripe mango complements the delicate, briny flavor of shrimp, creating a dish that hits all the right notes. This flavor combination is enhanced by the addition of tangy lime, a touch of heat from chili, and fresh herbs like cilantro or basil. It’s a dish that’s both refreshingly bright and deeply satisfying.
Key Ingredients for Mango Shrimp
Cilantro: For a fresh, herbaceous finish.
Fresh Shrimp: Look for large or jumbo shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen shrimp work well, but if you use frozen, ensure they are properly thawed.
Ripe Mango: Choose a mango that’s slightly soft to the touch and fragrant. Avoid overly ripe or mushy mangoes.
Garlic & Ginger: These add aromatic depth to the dish.
Lime Juice: For a zesty kick that brightens up the flavors.
Chili Flakes or Fresh Chilies: Adjust the heat to your preference.
Tips and Tricks for Making Perfect Mango Shrimp
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking can make them rubbery. They’re done when they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape.
- Choose the Right Mango: If you can’t find a ripe mango, you can use frozen mango chunks. Just make sure to thaw them before adding to the dish.
- Balance the Flavors: Taste as you go and adjust the lime, salt, or chili according to your preference. The goal is a perfect harmony between sweet, savory, and spicy.
- Add a Crunch: For some texture, consider adding chopped bell peppers or toasted cashews.
Variations of Mango Shrimp
Grilled Mango Shrimp Skewers: Thread shrimp and mango cubes onto skewers and grill for a smoky, charred flavor.
Mango Shrimp Tacos: Use this flavorful mango shrimp mixture as a filling for tacos. Top with avocado slices, shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
Mango Shrimp Salad: Toss the mango shrimp with mixed greens, sliced avocado, and a citrus vinaigrette for a light and healthy meal.
Coconut Mango Shrimp: Add a splash of coconut milk to the skillet for a creamy, tropical twist. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for an added crunch.
How to Serve Mango Shrimp
Mango Shrimp is versatile and can be served in several ways:
- Over Rice: Jasmine rice or coconut rice makes an excellent base, soaking up all the delicious juices from the shrimp and mango.
- With Noodles: Toss the shrimp and mango with rice noodles for a refreshing twist on pasta.
- As an Appetizer: Serve them in small lettuce cups for a fun, bite-sized starter.
- In Tacos: The sweet and spicy flavors are perfect for a taco night.
How to Store and Reheat Mango Shrimp
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. Alternatively, you can enjoy it cold as a refreshing salad topping.
- Freezing: While fresh is best, you can freeze cooked shrimp separately from the mango. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add fresh mango when ready to serve.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can, but be sure to add the shrimp at the very end just to warm them through. Overheating can make them rubbery.
2. What type of mango is best for this dish?
Ataulfo or Honey mangoes are ideal because they’re creamy and not overly fibrous. However, any ripe and sweet mango will work.
3. Can I make Mango Shrimp ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients in advance, but for the best texture, cook the shrimp just before serving. The mango can be chopped and stored in the fridge for a few hours.
4. Is Mango Shrimp spicy?
The level of heat depends on how much chili you add. Feel free to adjust to your taste or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
5. What side dishes pair well with Mango Shrimp?
Grilled vegetables, coconut rice, or a crisp cucumber salad are excellent side dishes that complement the flavors of Mango Shrimp.
Mango Shrimp (Sweet & Spicy)
Mango Shrimp is the perfect blend of juicy, succulent shrimp paired with the sweet and tropical notes of fresh mango for a light summer dinner or an impressive dish for guests.
Ingredients
- 14 oz large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1 large mango, cubed
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 3 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat Things Up: In a large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they start turning golden brown—your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Flavor Boost: Stir in soy sauce, chopped basil, red pepper flakes, and lime juice. Cook for about 3 minutes, letting the flavors mingle.
- Add the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, cook until heated through. If fresh, sauté until just pink and cooked through—this should take about 4-5 minutes.
- Mango Time: Finally, toss in the cubed mango. Gently mix until the mango is fully coated, stirring occasionally.
- Be careful not to overcook; you want that perfect warm-but-not-mushy texture. Because, well... mushy mango is a no-go.
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 528Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 14gCholesterol 418mgSodium 2764mgCarbohydrates 44gFiber 5gSugar 29gProtein 50g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Mango Shrimp is a dish that’s sure to transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise. With its bright, zesty, and sweet flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation all year long. Enjoy the dance of mango and shrimp in every bite, and don’t forget to experiment with variations to make it your own! Happy cooking!
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