If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors, this Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe is pure magic on a skewer. Imagine juicy shrimp kissed by a charred grill, glazed with a vibrant mango jalapeño sauce that brings a zesty kick and tropical sweetness in every bite. It’s a recipe that turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal, whether for an easy weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next barbecue. Trust me, once you try this Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe, it’ll be your go-to for seafood with a flavorful twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each element is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, from the juicy mango’s sweetness to the jalapeño’s friendly heat, perfectly complemented by a hint of smokiness and brightness from fresh lime juice. Here’s what you need to bring this dish to life:
- Ripe mango: Adds natural sweetness and a silky texture that makes the BBQ sauce luscious.
- Jalapeño peppers: Bring a fresh heat level that you can adjust based on your spice tolerance.
- Olive oil: Helps to blend and smooth the sauce, plus keeps the shrimp juicy while grilling.
- Honey: Enhances the sauce’s sweetness and caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- Lime juice: Adds vibrant acidity that brightens all the rich flavors.
- Ketchup: Provides depth and a subtle tang for that classic BBQ touch.
- Soy sauce or tamari: Adds a savory umami punch, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Garlic cloves: For that irresistible aroma and savory bite.
- Ground cumin: Brings a warm earthiness that complements the smoky paprika.
- Smoked paprika: Delivers the rich smoky flavor that makes this BBQ sauce special.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all ingredients together.
- Large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star seafood that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Essential for easy grilling; soak wooden ones beforehand to avoid burning.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds a bright, herbaceous garnish before serving.
- Lime wedges: Perfect for squeezing extra freshness over the grilled shrimp.
How to Make Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mango Jalapeño BBQ Sauce
Start by blending the diced ripe mango and chopped jalapeños with olive oil, honey, lime juice, ketchup, soy sauce, minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika until silky smooth. This sauce is the heart of the recipe, marrying sweetness, spice, and smoky depth. Taste and season it with salt and pepper to perfectly balance the flavors before moving forward.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Place your peeled and deveined shrimp in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the freshly made mango jalapeño BBQ sauce over them, making sure every shrimp is generously coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This marinating step infuses the shrimp with vibrant flavor and ensures each bite is juicy and bold.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
While the shrimp marinates, get your grill ready by preheating it to medium-high heat. Whether you’re using charcoal or gas, the goal is to have a hot surface that creates beautiful grill marks and chars the shrimp just right without overcooking.
Step 4: Grill the Shrimp
Thread the marinated shrimp onto soaked wooden skewers or metal ones for easy handling. Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turns opaque and develops a light char. Keep an eye on them—they cook quickly, and the key is to get that perfect tender texture without drying them out.
Step 5: Baste and Finish Grilling
During the final minute of grilling, generously brush the shrimp with the reserved mango jalapeño BBQ sauce. This glaze adds an extra layer of flavor and a glossy finish. Once you remove them from the grill, let the shrimp rest briefly before garnishing.
How to Serve Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro sprinkled over the finished shrimp adds a burst of vibrant green color and herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. Serving with lime wedges invites everyone to add a final squeeze of tartness, enhancing the dish’s lively flavor.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with light, summery sides like a crisp cabbage slaw, coconut rice, or a simple avocado salad. These sides complement the shrimp without overwhelming its complex flavors, creating a perfectly balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the grilled shrimp on a bed of fresh greens or wrapped in lettuce leaves for handheld bites. You could also skew the shrimp alongside pineapple chunks and bell peppers to amp up the tropical feel and add vibrant color to your platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the reserved BBQ sauce separate so you can reheat and drizzle it fresh when serving later.
Freezing
While freshly grilled shrimp tastes best, you can freeze cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Freeze them without sauce, then thaw in the fridge before reheating and brushing with fresh mango jalapeño BBQ sauce.
Reheating
Reheat shrimp gently either in a skillet over medium heat or quickly under the broiler to avoid toughness. Refresh them by brushing with reserved sauce or a little fresh lime juice to keep every bite flavorful.
FAQs
Can I adjust the spiciness of this Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! The jalapeño quantity is flexible—use fewer peppers for milder heat or include some of the seeds if you love it spicy. The sweetness of the mango and honey also helps balance the heat nicely.
Can I make the mango jalapeño sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. This actually helps the flavors meld together more deeply, making your shrimp even more flavorful when marinated.
Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers?
Soaking wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before grilling is highly recommended to prevent burning or charring, which keeps your shrimp safe and ensures the best flavor.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook this indoors?
Definitely! You can cook the shrimp on a grill pan or a hot cast-iron skillet on the stove. Just make sure the pan is well-oiled and hot to get a nice sear, and cook the shrimp for the same amount of time.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure they soak up the mango jalapeño BBQ sauce and grill properly without excess water.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe enough if you want a fresh, exciting dish that shines with bold flavors and easy prep. Whether you’re serving it as a stunning appetizer or the main event, this recipe promises a joyful cooking and eating experience. So grab those ingredients, fire up your grill, and get ready for shrimp that burst with vibrant sweetness and just the right amount of kick. You’ll thank yourself for making this a new favorite!
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Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 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 combines sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors to create an irresistible summer dish. Marinated in a homemade mango jalapeño BBQ sauce, the shrimp are quickly grilled to perfection, making for a deliciously tangy and juicy meal that’s great for gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 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.
- 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, ensuring 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, ensuring it is clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto the soaked skewers. Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and develop a nice char. Avoid overcooking to maintain a juicy texture.
- Baste and Serve: During the last minute of grilling, brush the shrimp generously with the reserved mango jalapeño BBQ sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Remove the skewers from the grill and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and lime wedges before serving.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- You can adjust the number of jalapeños based on your preferred spice level.
- Serve with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- The leftover BBQ sauce makes a great dipping sauce or can be used as a glaze for other grilled dishes.
- If you don’t have a grill, shrimp can also be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or broiled in the oven.
