Grilled Shrimp With Spicy Mango Lime Coulis pairs fire-kissed seafood with a sweet-and-tangy tropical sauce that brightens up any summer evening. Juicy shrimp brushed in a cilantro-lime marinade get those perfect char marks, while a vibrant mango-lime coulis studded with jalapeño adds zesty citrus sparkle and a playful kick. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or craving a light dinner, this dish delivers layers of flavor that will have everyone clamoring for seconds.
Key Ingredients
Here are the essentials that make this dish shine—each one playing a key role in bringing out bold, balanced flavors.
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Succulent seafood that soaks up the zesty marinade and grills to tender perfection.
- 2 tablespoon olive oil: Creates a silky base for the marinade and prevents sticking on the grill.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds pungent, aromatic depth to the citrusy marinade.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Delivers a warm, smoky heat that complements the sweetness of the mango.
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin: Brings earthy, nutty undertones for extra savory complexity.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Enhances color and adds a mild, sweet pepper flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances and amplifies all the other seasonings.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle bite and rounds out the spice blend.
- 2 tablespoon lime juice: Injects bright citrus zing into the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro: Infuses fresh, herbaceous notes to lift the shrimp.
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped: The sweet, velvety base of the coulis, balancing spicy jalapeño.
- 2 tablespoon lime juice: Sharpens the coulis with tangy citrus brightness.
- 1 teaspoon lime zest: Intensifies the limoncello-like aroma and flavor.
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and chopped: Adds a gentle heat that awakens the palate.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Rounds out the sauce with mellow sweetness.
- â…› teaspoon salt: Keeps the coulis balanced without overpowering.
- â…› teaspoon black pepper: Offers a whisper of warmth in the tropical blend.
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro: Sprinkles fresh herbal brightness on the final sauce.
How To Make Grilled Shrimp With Spicy Mango Lime Coulis
Let’s walk through this recipe step by step. You’ll start by making a zesty marinade for the shrimp, then grill them to juicy perfection before blending a vibrant mango-lime coulis. The process is straightforward and perfect for summer entertaining or a weeknight dinner upgrade. Ready to fire up that grill and get blending? Follow these detailed instructions for best results.
1. In a bowl combine olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
Whisk the olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and lime juice together in a medium bowl until smooth and emulsified.
2. Add shrimp and chopped cilantro, toss to coat, and marinate for 15–20 minutes.
Place the peeled shrimp and chopped cilantro into the bowl, tossing thoroughly to ensure each shrimp is coated. Cover and refrigerate to let flavors meld.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with oil.
Heat your grill or grill pan until hot, then brush the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
Carefully skewer the shrimp and grill them until they turn pink and opaque, developing those signature charred marks.
5. Meanwhile, in a blender combine mango, lime juice, lime zest, jalapeño, honey, salt, pepper, and cilantro; blend until smooth.
Pulse the ripe mango, lime juice, lime zest, jalapeño, honey, salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro until you have a velvety, bright orange coulis.
6. Transfer coulis to a serving bowl and adjust seasoning if needed.
Taste the sauce and add a pinch more salt, pepper, or honey to balance sweetness and spice.
7. Arrange grilled shrimp on a platter and drizzle or serve alongside the mango lime coulis.
Plate the skewers, drizzle with coulis or serve it in a bowl for dipping, and garnish with extra cilantro if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Once your shrimp and coulis are ready, the fun begins—let’s talk about how to show off those vibrant flavors! Whether you want to keep it simple or go all-out, these ideas will help you serve this dish like a pro.
- Over Steamed Rice: Spoon the grilled shrimp and coulis over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice for an easy, satisfying main entrée.
- On Mixed Greens: Create a bright salad by topping baby greens with shrimp, drizzling extra coulis, and sprinkling toasted nuts for crunch.
- In Tacos: Warm soft corn or flour tortillas, fill them with shrimp, add shredded cabbage, a squeeze of lime, and finish with coulis for colorful, hand-held tacos.
- As an Appetizer Platter: Arrange skewers on a platter, place the coulis in small ramekins, and let guests dip each juicy shrimp for a fun party starter.
Tips For Perfect Grilled Shrimp With Spicy Mango Lime Coulis
Nailing this recipe is all about balancing the tropical sweetness with just the right amount of heat and ensuring your shrimp stay tender. Follow these friendly tips to take your dish from great to unforgettable:
- For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in the coulis.
- Coulis can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 2 days.
- If fresh mango is unavailable, use frozen mango chunks thawed.
- Serve over rice or greens for a complete meal.
How To Store It
Got leftovers? No problem—storing this dish properly will keep flavors vibrant and textures on point for days. Follow these guidelines to maintain that sweet, spicy, and citrusy magic.
- Separate Containers: Store the grilled shrimp and coulis in separate airtight containers to prevent the shrimp from becoming soggy.
- Refrigerate Promptly: Keep both components in the fridge for up to 2 days; toss the shrimp back on the grill or stovetop to reheat gently.
- Freeze the Coulis: Pour leftover coulis into ice cube trays, freeze, then transfer cubes to a bag—perfect single-serve portions for future meals.
- Freeze the Shrimp: Place cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out extra air, and freeze for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to your top questions—let’s clear up any doubts so you can dive right in!
- How long does it take to prepare and cook this recipe?
It takes about 35–40 minutes in total. This includes 15–20 minutes for marinating the shrimp, 5–6 minutes for grilling, plus 5–10 minutes to blend the coulis and plate.
- Can I make the mango lime coulis in advance?
Yes, you can blend the coulis up to two days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before serving, give it a quick stir and taste to adjust seasoning if necessary.
- My shrimp stuck to the grill. How can I prevent that?
Make sure your grill or grill pan is fully preheated over medium-high heat and brushed generously with oil. Pat the shrimp dry before skewering, and avoid trying to flip them too early; wait until they release naturally, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- I don’t have fresh mango. What can I use instead?
Frozen mango chunks that have been thawed work well as a substitute. Drain any excess liquid before blending to keep the coulis from becoming too thin.
- How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
To increase heat, leave some of the jalapeño seeds in the coulis or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. To mellow it, remove all seeds from the jalapeño or reduce the chili powder in the shrimp seasoning.
- How many servings does this recipe yield and what can I serve it with?
One pound of shrimp typically serves four as an appetizer or two as a main course. For a complete meal, serve over cooked rice, quinoa, or a bed of mixed greens and drizzle extra coulis on top.
- What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Place leftover shrimp and coulis in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp will keep for up to two days, and the coulis can last up to two days as well. Reheat the shrimp gently or serve cold with fresh greens.
What Makes This Special
What a ride of flavors! This Grilled Shrimp With Spicy Mango Lime Coulis is special because it pairs charred, juicy shrimp with a bright, tropical sauce that dances between sweet, tangy, and spicy. The simplicity of the marinade and the blender magic of the coulis make this both approachable and impressive—perfect for summer cookouts or a fun weeknight treat. Feel free to print out or bookmark this page so you can revisit it whenever the craving strikes. Got questions, tweaks, or rave reviews? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear how your skewers turned out!
Grilled Shrimp With Spicy Mango Lime Coulis
Description
Charred shrimp turn buttery-soft as a sweet-and-spicy mango-lime coulis brings bright citrus zing, a hint of jalapeño warmth, and fresh cilantro aroma to every skewer.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a bowl combine olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
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Add shrimp and chopped cilantro, toss to coat, and marinate for 15–20 minutes.
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Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with oil.
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Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
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Meanwhile, in a blender combine mango, lime juice, lime zest, jalapeño, honey, salt, pepper, and cilantro; blend until smooth.
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Transfer coulis to a serving bowl and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Arrange grilled shrimp on a platter and drizzle or serve alongside the mango lime coulis.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 76kcal
Note
- For extra heat, leave some jalapeno seeds in the coulis.
- Coulis can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 2 days.
- If fresh mango is unavailable, use frozen mango chunks thawed.
- Serve over rice or greens for a complete meal.
