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Flavorful Mango Habanero Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Easy Pineapple Slaw

mango habanero grilled shrimp tacos - featured image

These mango habanero grilled shrimp tacos with pineapple slaw offer a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, tangy, and smoky flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, they are ideal for quick, flavorful meals and outdoor gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (wild-caught if possible)
  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped
  • 12 fresh habanero peppers, seeded and minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely chopped
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (use vegan mayo for dairy-free)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas (warmed)
  • Lime wedges
  • Optional: sliced avocado or crumbled queso fresco

Instructions

  1. Make the Mango Habanero Marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine chopped mango, minced habanero peppers, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Add water if too thick.
  2. Marinate the Shrimp: Place peeled and deveined shrimp in a mixing bowl. Pour marinade over shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. Do not marinate longer.
  3. Prepare the Pineapple Slaw: Mix shredded cabbage, chopped pineapple, red bell pepper, and cilantro in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over slaw and toss well. Chill until serving.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high (around 400°F). Lightly oil the grates.
  5. Grill the Shrimp: Remove shrimp from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place shrimp on grill or skewers. Grill 2-3 minutes per side until opaque with grill marks. Avoid overcooking.
  6. Warm the Tortillas: While shrimp cooks, warm tortillas on grill for 20-30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly charred.
  7. Assemble the Tacos: Place grilled shrimp on each tortilla, top with pineapple slaw, garnish with lime wedges. Add sliced avocado or queso fresco if desired.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before marinating to help marinade stick and avoid steaming. Do not overcrowd grill for even cooking. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Chill slaw at least 15 minutes before serving for best flavor. Warm tortillas briefly to avoid breaking when folded. Adjust habanero heat by removing seeds or substituting with jalapeño for milder flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp tacos, mango habanero marinade, pineapple slaw, grilled shrimp, easy tacos, summer recipe, spicy shrimp, tropical tacos