Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this vibrant and zesty Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe! It perfectly combines the sweetness of ripe mango with the fiery kick of jalapeños, all wrapped up in a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce that clings beautifully to succulent shrimp. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer cookout or craving a flavorful weeknight dinner, this dish is a burst of sunshine and spice in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe starts with a handful of fresh, straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the juicy mango providing natural sweetness to the fragrant spices that deepen the flavor profile, making this dish both exciting and easy to whip up.
- Ripe mango (peeled and diced): Offers the perfect natural sweetness and creamy texture that balances the heat.
- Jalapeño peppers (seeded and chopped): Delivers the signature spicy kick—adjust quantity to suit your heat preference.
- Olive oil: Helps blend ingredients smoothly and adds a subtle richness to the sauce.
- Honey: Enhances the sweetness and helps create a sticky, sticky glaze on the shrimp.
- Lime juice: Brings brightness and acidity, cutting through the sweetness for balance.
- Ketchup: Adds depth and a classic BBQ tang to the sauce.
- Soy sauce or tamari: Provides a salty umami punch that rounds out the flavors.
- Garlic (minced): Introduces a pungent, aromatic base note.
- Ground cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness with a subtle smoky edge.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a gentle smoky flavor that hints at traditional BBQ.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors.
- Large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein, tender and ready to soak up the sauce.
- Wooden or metal skewers: For easy grilling—remember to soak wooden ones to avoid burning.
- Fresh cilantro (chopped): Provides a refreshing herbal finish as a garnish.
- Lime wedges: Perfect for squeezing on top just before serving.
How to Make Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mango Jalapeño BBQ Sauce
Start by blending the fresh diced mango, chopped jalapeños, olive oil, honey, lime juice, ketchup, soy sauce, minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika until smooth. This vibrant sauce is the star here, marrying sweet, spicy, tangy, and smoky flavors into one irresistible glaze. Don’t forget to season it well with salt and pepper to let all those flavors shine.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Place your peeled and deveined shrimp in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour about half of your mango jalapeño BBQ sauce over them. Gently toss or shake to ensure every shrimp is coated in that bright, flavorful marinade. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes — this step lets the shrimp soak up all those wonderful flavors, making each bite juicy and tender.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Set your grill to medium-high heat so it’s hot and ready just as your shrimp finish marinating. A properly heated grill ensures a beautiful sear and those enticing grill marks that make any BBQ dish look mouthwatering.
Step 4: Grill the Shrimp
Thread the marinated shrimp onto your soaked wooden skewers or metal ones, spacing them out slightly for even cooking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn opaque with a delicate char. Keep an eye on them so they stay juicy and don’t overcook—perfect timing is the secret to tender shrimp.
Step 5: Baste and Finish
During the last minute on the grill, brush the shrimp generously with the reserved mango jalapeño BBQ sauce for a glossy, flavor-packed finish. Remove them from the heat, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime, and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh cilantro and lime wedges as garnishes not only brightens the plate visually but also adds layers of fresh and zesty notes that complement the spicy-sweet shrimp perfectly. These simple touches elevate the experience and make each bite pop.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides like coconut rice, grilled corn on the cob, or a crisp, cool slaw. These accompaniments balance the heat from the jalapeño and the richness of the BBQ sauce, creating a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual gathering, serve the shrimp on a colorful platter with extra sauce on the side for dipping. Another fun idea is to add the grilled shrimp over a fresh green salad tossed with avocado and mango chunks, turning this Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe into a festive, crowd-pleasing salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days. The shrimp might absorb more sauce overnight, making for even more intense flavors the next day.
Freezing
While fresh is best with shrimp, you can freeze cooked Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp if needed. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, perfect for quick future meals.
Reheating
Reheat your shrimp gently to avoid toughness. Use a quick sauté in a pan over medium heat or warm them in the oven at low temperature. Adding a little extra reserved sauce when reheating helps keep the shrimp juicy and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I adjust the spice level in this Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! The amount of jalapeño can be reduced or increased according to your heat preference. Removing the seeds will also lessen the spiciness without sacrificing flavor.
What can I substitute for shrimp if someone prefers another protein?
This sauce would work wonderfully with chicken skewers or even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers for about 30 minutes helps prevent them from burning on the grill, making your cooking safer and cleaner.
Can I prepare the BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. The mango jalapeño BBQ sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, which actually helps deepen the flavors.
How do I know when the shrimp are done grilling?
Shrimp cook very quickly, usually about 2-3 minutes per side. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque with slight char marks—overcooking will make them tough, so keep a close eye.
Final Thoughts
This Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like sunshine on a plate, blending sweet, spicy, and smoky notes in the most delightful way. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve to guests. Trust me, once you try it, this will be your go-to recipe to bring a little zest and joy to your table. So grab those ingredients and get grilling—you’re in for a real treat!
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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 Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp recipe is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of ripe mango with the spicy kick of jalapeño peppers. Marinated in a zesty homemade BBQ sauce, these shrimp are grilled to perfection, making for a quick and impressive meal ideal for summer cookouts or easy weeknight dinners.
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 and Garnish
- 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
- Lime wedges
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, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour about half of the prepared mango jalapeño BBQ sauce over the shrimp, making sure they are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot enough for a quick sear and perfect grilling of the shrimp.
- Grill the Shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto soaked wooden or metal skewers. Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn opaque with a slight char, being careful not to overcook them.
- Baste and Serve: During the last minute of grilling, brush the shrimp with the reserved half of the mango jalapeño BBQ sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Remove the shrimp from the grill and serve garnished with fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges for squeezing over.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño peppers depending on your spice tolerance.
- If you don’t have a grill, shrimp can be cooked on a grill pan or under the broiler as an alternative.
- Soaking wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill.
- The remaining BBQ sauce makes a great dipping sauce or marinade for other grilled proteins.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
