Elise Bauer's Grilled Shrimp with Mango Avocado Salsa

Try this recipe, or contribute your own.

Elise Bauer's Grilled Shrimp with Mango Avocado Salsa
Elise Bauer's Grilled Shrimp with Mango Avocado Salsa

Try this recipe, or contribute your own.

  • Preparing Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 4

Step-by-step

  • Defrost frozen shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, put a quart of cold water in a large bowl and add a tablespoon of salt. Stir until the salt is dissolved. Add the shrimp and several large ice cubes. Let sit until defrosted (keep ice in the water). If your shrimp is fresh or already defrosted, you can put the shrimp in salty water for 15 minutes or until ready to thread skewers and grill.
  • Prepare the salsa: Place the chopped mango, avocado, red onion, jalapeño in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and gently toss with fresh lime or lemon juice. Add fresh cilantro (if using) right before serving.
  • Prepare your grill for high direct heat (you'll know it's hot enough when you can hold your hand 1 inch above the grill grates for 1 second).
  • Thread the shrimp onto skewers: Use two bamboo skewers at a time to thread the shrimp. This will make it easier to turn and keep the shrimp from spinning. Starting at the big end of the shrimp, hold the shrimp in a tight spiral. Starting at the large end, thread the 2 skewers through the shrimp, starting at the big end and going through the smaller end, right before the tail section. Thread 3 to 4 or more on a skewer, leaving a little space between each shrimp. Brush shrimp with a thin coating of olive oil on both sides.
  • Grill the shrimp: Brush hot grill with a wadded up paper towel soaked in olive oil. Place the skewers of shrimp on the hot grill. Grill for 2-5 minutes per side, depending on how hot your grill is and how big your shrimp are. The cut end of the shrimp will change from translucent to opaque as it cooks. It's done when it is just barely opaque. Take it off the grill. Don't overcook!
  • Remove the shrimp from the skewers when they are still relatively hot (they'll slide off better when warm).
  • Warm the tortillas: Depending on the type of tortilla, you can put them on the grill for a few moments to toast them. You can also warm tortillas in a microwave or in a frying pan. If warming corn tortillas in a frying pan, add a little oil. To serve, place a few shrimp in the center of a tortilla and top with mango avocado salsa!

A Summer Evening's Delight: Grilled Shrimp with a Tropical Twist

The aroma of grilling shrimp fills the air, mingling with the sweet scent of ripe mango and the subtle bite of jalapeño. This isn't just a meal; it's a summer evening encapsulated in a vibrant dish. As a busy working mom, finding time to prepare a delicious and healthy dinner can feel like a herculean task. But this recipe is a game-changer. It's quick, easy, and satisfying, requiring minimal prep time and leaving me plenty of time to connect with my family after a long day. The simple elegance of grilled shrimp perfectly complements the refreshing mango avocado salsa, creating a flavor explosion that's both sophisticated and approachable.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. I often adjust it based on what's fresh at the farmer's market. Sometimes I’ll add a sprinkle of finely chopped red bell pepper to the salsa for extra color and sweetness. Other times, I’ll experiment with different types of citrus, like a combination of lime and orange, for a unique zest. The flexibility of this dish makes it a perfect canvas for culinary creativity. It's a meal that allows for improvisation without sacrificing flavor. And, let's be honest, the ease of cleanup is an added bonus! The vibrant colors of the shrimp, the mango, and the avocado create a feast for the eyes, making this dish a showstopper even without a lot of fuss.

The Magic of Simple Ingredients: The magic of this recipe isn't in complicated techniques or obscure ingredients; it's in the quality of the ingredients themselves. Using fresh, high-quality shrimp is key. I often find myself comparing the shrimp from different markets, always seeking out the plumpest, most vibrant ones. And don't skimp on the mango – a perfectly ripe mango is an absolute game-changer. Its sweet juiciness contrasts beautifully with the savory shrimp and the slightly spicy kick of the jalapeño. I learned this recipe during a trip to Mexico and it became a staple in my repertoire after. A perfect meal for a summer evening sitting with my family on a terrace.

Beyond the Plate: This isn't just a meal; it's a story. The story of a quick, satisfying meal created in a busy kitchen. The story of shared plates, family laughter, and the joy of creating something delicious and simple. It's a reminder that even in our hectic lives, there's always time for delicious, healthy food that nourishes both body and soul. And that, my friends, is something to savor.

Beyond the Recipe: Consider serving this grilled shrimp with mango avocado salsa with some other Mexican-inspired sides, like Mexican rice or refried beans, to make it a complete and satisfying meal. For a fun twist, serve it with different types of tortillas – experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.

A Recipe for Connection: In today's busy world, finding time to connect with loved ones can often be a challenge. But meals like this, simple yet elegant, provide an opportunity to slow down, savor the moment, and share a delicious experience with those we care about. It’s a chance to disconnect from our screens and reconnect with each other. This isn't just a recipe; it's a reminder of the importance of slowing down and savoring life’s simple pleasures.

More than Just Food: This isn't just about cooking; it's about creating memories. It’s about the joy of gathering around the table, sharing stories, and creating connections. It's about the feeling of satisfaction that comes from preparing a delicious meal for those you love. This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients, quick preparation, and the immense pleasure that comes from creating something beautiful and delicious, even during a busy week. That’s the perfect definition of a fulfilling home-cooked meal!