If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and a hint of smoky spice, the Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful recipe perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the fiery kick of jalapeños, all wrapped up in a tangy BBQ glaze that elevates succulent shrimp to a new level. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve at your next summer gathering, bringing fresh, tropical flair straight to your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first secret to success. Each component in this recipe plays a vital role—some add bold flavor, others contribute sweetness or heat, and together they create a deliciously balanced shrimp dish.
- Ripe mango: Provides natural sweetness and a smooth texture that forms the base of the BBQ sauce.
- Jalapeño peppers: Adds a spicy kick, with the heat easily adjustable by seeding or keeping the seeds.
- Olive oil: Gives a rich mouthfeel and helps blend all the sauce ingredients perfectly.
- Honey: Enhances the sauce with depth and a sticky glaze when grilled.
- Lime juice: Brings bright acidity that balances the sweetness and spice beautifully.
- Ketchup: Contributes tanginess and body to the BBQ sauce.
- Soy sauce or tamari: Adds salty, umami layers that marry all the flavors.
- Garlic: Infuses aromatic pungency, rounding out the sauce’s complexity.
- Ground cumin and smoked paprika: Introduce smoky earthiness and warmth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every bite.
- Large shrimp: The star of the dish, tender and juicy when cooked just right.
- Skewers: Useful for grilling, with a soak step to prevent burning if wooden.
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges: Perfect garnishes that bring freshness and brightness on the side.
How to Make Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mango Jalapeño BBQ Sauce
Start by blending the diced mango with jalapeño peppers, olive oil, honey, lime juice, ketchup, soy sauce, minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. This creates a smooth, colorful sauce packed with layers of sweet, spicy, tangy, and smoky flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before moving on. This sauce is the heart of your Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a resealable bag or shallow dish, then pour half the mango jalapeño BBQ sauce over them. Make sure every shrimp is coated well so that each bite is flavorful. Seal or cover, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the shrimp to soak up all those vibrant flavors before hitting the grill.
Step 3: Prepare the Grill and Skewers
While the shrimp marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, spacing them slightly so they cook evenly and get that perfect char.
Step 4: Grill the Shrimp
Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn opaque and develop a light char. Timing is crucial here—overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so keep a close eye. Just before taking them off, brush with the reserved mango jalapeño BBQ sauce for an extra burst of flavor and glossy finish.
How to Serve Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges are more than just decoration—they add a fragrant, zesty lift that complements the shrimp’s smoky-sweet heat. Sprinkle chopped cilantro generously and encourage guests to squeeze fresh lime over their shrimp for that final touch of brightness.
Side Dishes
This Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe pairs beautifully with light and fresh sides. Think fluffy coconut rice to subtly echo the tropical mango, crisp garden salad with citrus vinaigrette, or even grilled corn on the cob brushed with herb butter. These sides ground the meal and balance the boldness of the shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the grilled shrimp over a bed of mixed greens, topped with slices of avocado for creamy contrast. Alternatively, assemble the shrimp into soft tacos with a drizzle of extra sauce and crunchy slaw for a lively, handheld option. You can even skewer them alongside colorful veggies for a stunning kebab platter perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mango jalapeño BBQ shrimp should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoyed within 2 days for optimal freshness. Keep the reserved sauce separate to prevent sogginess. When ready to eat, a quick reheat is all it takes.
Freezing
While fresh shrimp always shine best, you can freeze cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor. Avoid freezing raw shrimp marinated in the sauce, as the texture can be affected.
Reheating
Reheat leftover shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat or briefly under the broiler to avoid overcooking. Adding a light brush of extra mango jalapeño BBQ sauce helps revive that fresh grilled taste. Avoid microwaving to keep the shrimp tender and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I adjust the spice level in this Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! The jalapeño peppers can be seeded to reduce heat or increased for a spicier kick. You can also add a pinch of cayenne or switch to milder peppers if preferred, tailoring the dish perfectly to your taste buds.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh mango?
If fresh mango isn’t available, frozen mango chunks work well and offer similar sweetness. Just thaw before blending. Avoid canned mango in syrup as it can alter the sauce’s consistency and sweetness level.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a grill?
Yes! You can cook the shrimp under a broiler or on a stovetop grill pan. Just make sure to preheat properly and watch the shrimp closely to achieve that beautifully charred exterior without overcooking.
How long should I marinate the shrimp?
Marinating for at least 30 minutes is perfect to infuse the flavors. You can extend it up to 2 hours, but avoid much longer as the acid from lime juice can start “cooking” the shrimp, changing the texture.
Can I prepare the BBQ sauce in advance?
Definitely! The mango jalapeño BBQ sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. This is great for saving time and letting those flavors meld even deeper.
Final Thoughts
This Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe is one of those rare dishes that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The vibrant colors, exciting flavors, and effortless grilling come together to create a meal you’ll want to share again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how the juicy shrimp coated in that luscious, spicy-sweet sauce quickly becomes a family favorite too!
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Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This vibrant Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp recipe features juicy shrimp marinated in a sweet and spicy mango jalapeño sauce, grilled to perfection and finished with fresh cilantro and lime. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal that balances sweetness, heat, and tang.
Ingredients
Mango Jalapeño BBQ Sauce
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1–2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Shrimp
- 500 g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Mango Jalapeño BBQ Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the diced mango, jalapeño peppers, olive oil, honey, lime juice, ketchup, soy sauce, minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour about half of the mango jalapeño BBQ sauce over the shrimp, ensuring they are well coated. Reserve the remaining sauce for basting and serving. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it is clean and oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers. Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and develop a nice char. Be careful not to overcook as shrimp cook quickly.
- Baste and Serve: During the last minute of grilling, brush the shrimp with the reserved mango jalapeño BBQ sauce to enhance the flavor and moisture. Remove the skewers from the grill and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Any leftover sauce can be served as a dipping sauce or stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Ensure shrimp are cooked just until opaque to avoid toughness.
