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Flavorful Blackened Shrimp Tacos Recipe with Easy Mango Salsa

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These blackened shrimp tacos feature a smoky, spicy crust paired with a fresh, sweet mango salsa, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Quick and easy to prepare, they are ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp avocado or vegetable oil
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado, shredded cabbage or lettuce, sour cream or crema

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, cayenne, salt, and black pepper to prepare the blackening spice blend. Set aside.
  2. Combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl to make the mango salsa. Stir gently and let sit while cooking shrimp.
  3. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss shrimp in the blackening spice blend until evenly coated.
  4. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tbsp oil and warm until shimmering but not smoking.
  5. Add shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook about 2 minutes per side until shrimp have a dark, charred crust and are opaque inside. Adjust heat if spices burn too quickly.
  6. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in a low oven for 3-5 minutes until pliable.
  7. Assemble tacos by placing 3-4 shrimp on each tortilla, topping generously with mango salsa and optional toppings like avocado slices or shredded cabbage.
  8. Serve immediately while shrimp are warm and salsa is fresh.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry thoroughly to ensure a good crust. Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain high heat and proper searing. Adjust cayenne and jalapeño for desired spice level. Use fresh spices for best flavor. Warm tortillas before assembling. For dairy-free, substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt-based crema. Leftovers should be stored separately and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: blackened shrimp tacos, mango salsa, seafood tacos, quick dinner, summer recipe, spicy shrimp, fresh salsa