Mango Salsa Shrimp Cups Flavorful and Fresh Appetizer

Name: Mango Salsa Shrimp Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 ripe mango, diced; 1 2 red bell pepper, diced; 1 4 red onion, finely chopped; 1 jalapeño, deseeded and minced; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 12 small tortilla cups (store-bought or homemade)

by Emily on July 15, 2025

Looking for a delightful appetizer that impresses your guests? Try my Mango Salsa Shrimp Cups! These tasty bites pair plump shrimp with a bright, fresh mango salsa, all nestled in crispy tortilla cups. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they’re perfect for parties or a cozy night in. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get you started on this delicious treat!

$- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 ripe mango, diced - 1/2 red bell pepper, diced - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped - 1 jalapeño, deseeded and minced - 2 tablespoons lime juice - 1 tablespoon honey - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - 12 small tortilla cups (store-bought or homemade) To make Mango Salsa Shrimp Cups, gather your ingredients first. Using fresh shrimp makes a big difference. Look for large shrimp, as they have a nice bite. Choose a ripe mango for sweetness. The red bell pepper adds a crunchy texture and vibrant color. The red onion gives a mild bite, while the jalapeño adds a bit of heat. You’ll need lime juice to brighten the flavors and honey for a touch of sweetness. Fresh cilantro adds a lovely herbaceous note. Keep salt and pepper handy for seasoning. Lastly, grab twelve small tortilla cups. You can buy these or make them at home. These ingredients create a fresh, flavorful dish that will impress your guests. Each bite bursts with taste, and the colors pop on the plate. Enjoy creating this delightful appetizer! {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, in a medium bowl, combine diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño. This mix brings a sweet and spicy kick to your salsa. - Next, in a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, and chopped cilantro. This dressing adds a zesty and fresh flavor. - Pour the dressing over the mango mix and toss gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set this aside to let the flavors meld. - Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. This oil will help cook the shrimp evenly. - Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. - Once cooked, remove the shrimp from heat and let them cool slightly. This step keeps the shrimp tender and juicy. - Take your small tortilla cups and fill each with a few pieces of shrimp. The cups are perfect for holding the shrimp and salsa. - Top each cup generously with the mango salsa. This adds color and flavor to each bite. - Serve immediately for the best taste. Enjoy the fresh bursts of flavor in each cup! Choosing the right mango for sweetness When picking a mango, look for one that feels slightly soft. It should have a sweet smell at the stem. A ripe mango adds great flavor to your salsa. If it’s too firm, it will taste sour and not as good. Balancing flavors with lime and honey Lime juice adds a zesty kick to your salsa. Honey helps to cool the heat from jalapeños. Mix them well to enjoy a balanced taste. A touch of salt will enhance all the flavors. Avoiding overcooking shrimp Shrimp cooks quickly. Aim for about 2-3 minutes per side. You want them pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp turns tough and rubbery. Keep a close eye while cooking. Alternative cooking methods (grilling, sautéing) You can grill shrimp for a smoky flavor. Simply skewer them for easy handling. Sautéing works well too. Use a bit of olive oil and the same cooking time as before. Pairing with drinks or side dishes These shrimp cups pair well with light drinks. Try a crisp white wine or a refreshing mocktail. For sides, consider a simple green salad or chips and guacamole. Presentation ideas for parties For a fun touch, serve shrimp cups on a colorful platter. Add lime wedges and cilantro leaves for decoration. This makes the dish look vibrant and festive. Your guests will be impressed! Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Use the ripest mango you can find for the best flavor and sweetness in your salsa. Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they should be just pink and opaque for the best texture. Spice it Up: Adjust the jalapeño to your heat preference, or add more for a spicier kick to your salsa. Make Ahead: Prepare the mango salsa in advance and let it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours to enhance the flavors. {{image_2}} You can easily swap ingredients in this recipe to suit your taste. If you don't have mango, try pineapple or peach. Both fruits add a sweet and tangy flavor. For the shrimp, consider using scallops or crab. Each option brings a unique taste and texture to your cups. This recipe can fit different diets. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tortilla cups. You can also find rice or lettuce cups as great alternatives. If you're looking for a vegan option, simply replace shrimp with marinated tofu or chickpeas. Both choices will still provide a satisfying bite. Want to kick the flavor up a notch? Add spices like cumin or paprika to your salsa. Fresh herbs, like basil or mint, can also bring a new twist. If you're a fan of creamy textures, try adding diced avocado. Black beans are another tasty addition for extra protein and fiber. These enhancements will make your shrimp cups even more delicious! To keep your shrimp cups fresh, follow these steps: - Place the shrimp cups in an airtight container. - Use a container with a lid to prevent moisture loss. - Store them in the fridge for best results. This method helps maintain flavor and texture. Avoid stacking the cups to keep them intact. You can freeze your salsa or shrimp separately. Here’s how: - For shrimp, let them cool completely, then place in a freezer bag. - Squeeze out air before sealing the bag. This keeps them fresh longer. - For salsa, use a freezer-safe container. Leave space at the top for expansion. To thaw, move the shrimp or salsa to the fridge overnight. Reheat shrimp in a skillet for best results. Your mango salsa shrimp cups can stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. After that, they may spoil. Watch for these signs of spoilage: - Unpleasant odor from the shrimp. - Change in color or texture of the salsa. - Any mold growth in the cups. If you notice these signs, it’s best to discard them. Enjoy your delicious shrimp cups while they’re fresh! It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. Overall, you need 30 minutes to make these tasty shrimp cups. You can eat them right after making them. Yes, you can make the mango salsa ahead of time. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This wait helps the flavors mix well. If you make it a day before, the salsa gets even better. Yes, these shrimp cups work great for meal prep. You can cook the shrimp and make the salsa in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you're ready, assemble the cups for quick snacks or parties. You can serve these cups with chips, guacamole, or a fresh salad. For drinks, try a light beer, a fruity cocktail, or iced tea. These pairs enhance the vibrant flavors of the shrimp cups. This blog shared a delicious recipe for mango salsa shrimp cups. We covered each ingredient, from shrimp to mango, and detailed the step-by-step process. I offered tips on making the best salsa and cooking shrimp perfectly. Variations and serving suggestions add fun to this dish. Whether you serve it at parties or enjoy it alone, this recipe is a win. Get creative with your ingredients and enjoy every bite!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Fresh and Flavorful: This recipe combines the sweetness of ripe mango with the heat of jalapeño, creating a vibrant salsa that perfectly complements the shrimp.
Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this dish can be whipped up in no time, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Versatile Appetizer: These shrimp cups are not only great as a party appetizer but can also serve as a light meal or a refreshing snack.
Beautiful Presentation: The colorful ingredients make for an eye-catching dish, sure to impress your guests and elevate any occasion.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 1 ripe mango, diced

– 1/2 red bell pepper, diced

– 1/4 red onion, finely chopped

– 1 jalapeño, deseeded and minced

– 2 tablespoons lime juice

– 1 tablespoon honey

– 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 12 small tortilla cups (store-bought or homemade)

To make Mango Salsa Shrimp Cups, gather your ingredients first. Using fresh shrimp makes a big difference. Look for large shrimp, as they have a nice bite. Choose a ripe mango for sweetness. The red bell pepper adds a crunchy texture and vibrant color. The red onion gives a mild bite, while the jalapeño adds a bit of heat.

You’ll need lime juice to brighten the flavors and honey for a touch of sweetness. Fresh cilantro adds a lovely herbaceous note. Keep salt and pepper handy for seasoning. Lastly, grab twelve small tortilla cups. You can buy these or make them at home.

These ingredients create a fresh, flavorful dish that will impress your guests. Each bite bursts with taste, and the colors pop on the plate. Enjoy creating this delightful appetizer!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Mango Salsa

– First, in a medium bowl, combine diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño. This mix brings a sweet and spicy kick to your salsa.

– Next, in a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, and chopped cilantro. This dressing adds a zesty and fresh flavor.

– Pour the dressing over the mango mix and toss gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set this aside to let the flavors meld.

Cooking the Shrimp

– Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. This oil will help cook the shrimp evenly.

– Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

– Once cooked, remove the shrimp from heat and let them cool slightly. This step keeps the shrimp tender and juicy.

Assembling the Cups

– Take your small tortilla cups and fill each with a few pieces of shrimp. The cups are perfect for holding the shrimp and salsa.

– Top each cup generously with the mango salsa. This adds color and flavor to each bite.

– Serve immediately for the best taste. Enjoy the fresh bursts of flavor in each cup!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Mango Salsa

Choosing the right mango for sweetness

When picking a mango, look for one that feels slightly soft. It should have a sweet smell at the stem. A ripe mango adds great flavor to your salsa. If it’s too firm, it will taste sour and not as good.

Balancing flavors with lime and honey

Lime juice adds a zesty kick to your salsa. Honey helps to cool the heat from jalapeños. Mix them well to enjoy a balanced taste. A touch of salt will enhance all the flavors.

Shrimp Cooking Tips

Avoiding overcooking shrimp

Shrimp cooks quickly. Aim for about 2-3 minutes per side. You want them pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp turns tough and rubbery. Keep a close eye while cooking.

Alternative cooking methods (grilling, sautéing)

You can grill shrimp for a smoky flavor. Simply skewer them for easy handling. Sautéing works well too. Use a bit of olive oil and the same cooking time as before.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing with drinks or side dishes

These shrimp cups pair well with light drinks. Try a crisp white wine or a refreshing mocktail. For sides, consider a simple green salad or chips and guacamole.

Presentation ideas for parties

For a fun touch, serve shrimp cups on a colorful platter. Add lime wedges and cilantro leaves for decoration. This makes the dish look vibrant and festive. Your guests will be impressed!

Pro Tips

Fresh Ingredients: Use the ripest mango you can find for the best flavor and sweetness in your salsa.
Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they should be just pink and opaque for the best texture.
Spice it Up: Adjust the jalapeño to your heat preference, or add more for a spicier kick to your salsa.
Make Ahead: Prepare the mango salsa in advance and let it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours to enhance the flavors.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can easily swap ingredients in this recipe to suit your taste. If you don’t have mango, try pineapple or peach. Both fruits add a sweet and tangy flavor. For the shrimp, consider using scallops or crab. Each option brings a unique taste and texture to your cups.

Dietary Modifications

This recipe can fit different diets. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tortilla cups. You can also find rice or lettuce cups as great alternatives. If you’re looking for a vegan option, simply replace shrimp with marinated tofu or chickpeas. Both choices will still provide a satisfying bite.

Flavor Enhancements

Want to kick the flavor up a notch? Add spices like cumin or paprika to your salsa. Fresh herbs, like basil or mint, can also bring a new twist. If you’re a fan of creamy textures, try adding diced avocado. Black beans are another tasty addition for extra protein and fiber. These enhancements will make your shrimp cups even more delicious!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your shrimp cups fresh, follow these steps:

– Place the shrimp cups in an airtight container.

– Use a container with a lid to prevent moisture loss.

– Store them in the fridge for best results.

This method helps maintain flavor and texture. Avoid stacking the cups to keep them intact.

Freezing Tips

You can freeze your salsa or shrimp separately. Here’s how:

– For shrimp, let them cool completely, then place in a freezer bag.

– Squeeze out air before sealing the bag. This keeps them fresh longer.

– For salsa, use a freezer-safe container. Leave space at the top for expansion.

To thaw, move the shrimp or salsa to the fridge overnight. Reheat shrimp in a skillet for best results.

Shelf Life Expectations

Your mango salsa shrimp cups can stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. After that, they may spoil.

Watch for these signs of spoilage:

– Unpleasant odor from the shrimp.

– Change in color or texture of the salsa.

– Any mold growth in the cups.

If you notice these signs, it’s best to discard them. Enjoy your delicious shrimp cups while they’re fresh!

FAQs

How long does it take to prepare mango salsa shrimp cups?

It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. Overall, you need 30 minutes to make these tasty shrimp cups. You can eat them right after making them.

Can I make the mango salsa in advance?

Yes, you can make the mango salsa ahead of time. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This wait helps the flavors mix well. If you make it a day before, the salsa gets even better.

Are shrimp cups suitable for meal prep?

Yes, these shrimp cups work great for meal prep. You can cook the shrimp and make the salsa in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready, assemble the cups for quick snacks or parties.

What can I serve with mango salsa shrimp cups?

You can serve these cups with chips, guacamole, or a fresh salad. For drinks, try a light beer, a fruity cocktail, or iced tea. These pairs enhance the vibrant flavors of the shrimp cups.

This blog shared a delicious recipe for mango salsa shrimp cups. We covered each ingredient, from shrimp to mango, and detailed the step-by-step process. I offered tips on making the best salsa and cooking shrimp perfectly. Variations and serving suggestions add fun to this dish.

Whether you serve it at parties or enjoy it alone, this recipe is a win. Get creative with your ingredients and enjoy every bit

Mango Salsa Shrimp Cups

Delicious shrimp served in crispy tortilla cups topped with fresh mango salsa.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 ripe mango, diced
1 2 red bell pepper, diced
1 4 red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, deseeded and minced
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
12 small tortilla cups (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, and cilantro. Pour this dressing over the mango mixture and gently toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Fill each tortilla cup with a few pieces of shrimp and generously top with the mango salsa.
Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh bursts of flavor in each bite!

Notes

For added flavor, consider using lime zest in the salsa.

Keyword appetizer, mango, salsa, shrimp, tortilla cups