Easy Grilled Chili Lime Shrimp with Mango Salsa Recipe

If you’re craving something bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, look no further than Grilled Chili Lime Shrimp with Mango Salsa. This dish combines succulent shrimp marinated in zesty chili and lime with a vibrant, sweet mango salsa that offers a perfect balance of spicy and refreshing. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next barbecue, this recipe brings a delightful twist that is easy, colorful, and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days yet packed with bold flavor.
• Bold Flavor Profile: The spicy chili and tangy lime marinade perfectly complement the natural sweetness of fresh mango in the salsa.
• Light and Healthy: Low in calories but high in proteins and vitamins, making it a nutritious choice without sacrificing taste.
• Versatile Dish: Works great as a main course, appetizer, or even a topping for salads and tacos.
• Impressive Presentation: The colorful contrast of shrimp and mango salsa adds a fresh, stunning appeal to your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. Simple yet fresh, these essential components come together to make your Grilled Chili Lime Shrimp with Mango Salsa a crowd favorite.

• Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined for quick grilling and tender bites.
• Fresh limes: Juiced to add bright acidity and aroma to the marinade and salsa.
• Chili powder: Adds a gentle heat without overpowering the dish.
• Garlic cloves: Minced for a punch of savory depth.
• Olive oil: Helps to tenderize the shrimp and keep them juicy on the grill.
• Ripe mango: Diced to bring sweetness and a tropical vibe to the salsa.
• Red bell pepper: Chopped for crunch and color contrast in the salsa.
• Red onion: Finely diced to offer sharpness and balance the sweetness of mango.
• Fresh cilantro: Chopped for a fresh herbal note in the salsa.
• Salt and pepper: Adjusted to taste for perfect seasoning throughout.

Variations for Grilled Chili Lime Shrimp with Mango Salsa

This recipe is delightfully flexible, allowing you to adapt it to match your preferred flavors or dietary needs. Here are some fun twists and swaps you might want to try to make it your own.

• Use pineapple instead of mango: For a different but equally sweet and tangy salsa variation.
• Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu: A great way to cater to those who prefer alternative proteins.
• Add avocado: Creamy, cubed avocado adds richness and balances the heat beautifully.
• Include jalapeño: For extra kick, add finely chopped jalapeño peppers to the salsa.
• Try smoked paprika: Instead of chili powder, smoked paprika will introduce a subtle smoky depth to the shrimp marinade.

How to Make Grilled Chili Lime Shrimp with Mango Salsa

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well mixed, then add your peeled and deveined shrimp. Toss to coat thoroughly and let marinate in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This step infuses the shrimp with zesty flavors that will shine after grilling.

Step 2: Make the Mango Salsa

While the shrimp marinates, prepare your mango salsa. In a medium bowl, combine diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly. The salsa should be fresh, colorful, and bursting with tropical flavors that contrast wonderfully with the spicy shrimp.

Step 3: Grill the Shrimp

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers for easy handling. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink, curl, and have beautiful grill marks. Avoid overcooking to keep the shrimp tender and juicy.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the grilled shrimp to a serving plate and spoon over the vibrant mango salsa. Garnish with additional cilantro or lime wedges if desired for an extra pop of freshness. This dish is best enjoyed immediately, offering a delightful combination of warm, spicy shrimp with cool, sweet salsa.

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Chili Lime Shrimp with Mango Salsa

• Marinate just the right time: Fifteen minutes is enough for shrimp to soak up flavors without becoming mushy.
• Use fresh, ripe mango: The sweeter, the better to balance the chili and lime.
• Preheat your grill: Ensuring a hot grill helps achieve perfect sear marks and prevents sticking.
• Keep shrimp size consistent: Uniform shrimp cook evenly and look beautiful on skewers.
• Don’t over-season the salsa: Let the natural flavors of the ingredients shine through with just a hint of salt and lime.

How to Serve Grilled Chili Lime Shrimp with Mango Salsa

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro and a few lime wedges add brightness and invite guests to customize their flavor experience, enhancing both the look and taste of the dish.

Side Dishes

This flavorful shrimp and salsa pair wonderfully with cilantro-lime rice, grilled corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad for an easy, balanced meal that feels like a mini vacation on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the shrimp and mango salsa over crisp lettuce leaves as wraps, or toss everything together to create a lively shrimp taco topping. You can also skewer shrimp alongside grilled veggies for a fun mixed skewer presentation that’s perfect for gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover shrimp and salsa in separate airtight containers and refrigerate. Consume within 2 days for the best freshness and texture.

Freezing

Shrimp can be frozen before or after cooking; however, the mango salsa does not freeze well due to its fresh texture. Freeze shrimp tightly wrapped and thaw in the refrigerator before use.

Reheating

Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or briefly in the microwave to avoid toughness. Always serve with fresh mango salsa to maintain its bright, fresh flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Grilled Chili Lime Shrimp with Mango Salsa gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets as long as you avoid any gluten-containing additives.

What can I substitute if I don’t have a grill?

You can use a grill pan or a regular skillet on the stove top to cook the shrimp; both methods yield great results with a lovely sear and flavor.

How long can I marinate the shrimp?

Marinating shrimp for 15 to 30 minutes is best. Longer marinating times can cause the shrimp to become mushy due to the citrus in the marinade.

Can I prepare the mango salsa in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the salsa a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Just stir gently before serving to refresh the flavors.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! Adjust the chili powder to a milder amount to suit kids’ taste buds while keeping the fun, vibrant flavors intact.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dish that is fast, fresh, and full of flavor, the Grilled Chili Lime Shrimp with Mango Salsa is the perfect pick. Its combination of spicy, tangy, and sweet notes will brighten up your meals and impress anyone lucky enough to try it. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make this recipe your new favorite go-to for easy, zesty meals that truly wow.

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