If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant tropical flavors and a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and sweet, then the Chilli Lime Prawns with Tangy Mango Salsa Recipe is going to become your new favorite. This delightful combination brings together succulent prawns marinated in zesty lime and chili, paired with a fresh and colorful mango salsa that adds a refreshing contrast. It’s light enough for a summer meal but flavorful enough to impress any guest at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients to create magic in the kitchen. The ingredients for this recipe are simple but essential, each bringing its own unique element—whether it’s the zing of lime, the heat from chili, or the sweetness of mango—to build layers of incredible flavor and lively texture.
- 1 pound large prawns, peeled and deveined: These are the star of the dish, tender and juicy, perfect for quick grilling or pan-searing.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a smooth richness and helps carry the flavors during cooking.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice: Provides essential citrus brightness that awakens the palate.
- 1 teaspoon lime zest: Delivers an intense, fragrant lime flavor that amplifies every bite.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds depth and a savory punch that complements the prawns beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Brings warmth and spice without overwhelming the natural sweetness of the prawns.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a little extra kick, this packs a fiery punch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 ripe mango, diced: The mango offers luscious sweetness and juicy texture to contrast the spices.
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped: Adds a crisp, colorful crunch and subtle sweetness.
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped: Its sharpness balances the fruity and spicy elements perfectly.
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced: Infuses the salsa with a fresh, lively heat.
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped: The cilantro brings a herbal, citrusy freshness that ties everything together.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (for salsa): Boosts the salsa’s tanginess and vibrancy.
- Salt to taste (for salsa): Enhances natural sweetness and brightens the salsa’s flavors.
How to Make Chilli Lime Prawns with Tangy Mango Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Prawns
Start by mixing olive oil, fresh lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chili powder, optional cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Toss your prawns gently in this marinade to coat them evenly. Letting them sit for 15 to 20 minutes infuses every bite with that zingy, spicy flavor you’re after—no rushing, this step is where the magic begins!
Step 2: Prepare the Mango Salsa
While the prawns are soaking up all those glorious flavors, it’s salsa time! Combine diced ripe mango, finely chopped red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir everything together and pop it into the fridge so the flavors meld into the perfect refreshing topping that will elevate your prawns to something unforgettable.
Step 3: Cook the Prawns
Heat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the prawns for just 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a lovely pink and become opaque—quick cooking keeps them wonderfully tender and juicy, never rubbery. The fragrant char adds a smoky layer to their bright, citrusy taste.
Step 4: Plate and Serve
Serve those beautifully cooked chilli lime prawns immediately with a generous scoop of the tangy mango salsa either on top or on the side. The contrast between the spicy prawns and the sweet, tangy salsa is simply irresistible and promises to delight everyone at your table.
How to Serve Chilli Lime Prawns with Tangy Mango Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of freshness, sprinkle some additional chopped cilantro or thin slices of fresh lime around your plate. A few whole chili slices can also add a vibrant, visual hint of the heat inside. These simple touches make your meal look as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish shines brightly alongside lightly seasoned coconut rice or a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. The creamy rice mellow outs the spices and bright flavors while a fresh salad adds a light, crunchy contrast. Both options help round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try threading the marinated prawns onto skewers before grilling for an elegant presentation. Serve the mango salsa in small ramekins as a dip or spoon it over a bed of mixed greens for a stunning seafood salad. These little twists can make your gathering extra special and visually appealing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (though it’s rare!), store the prawns and mango salsa separately in airtight containers inside the fridge. This keeps the salsa crisp and fresh, and the prawns retain their flavor without getting soggy.
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze the mango salsa as the texture will suffer, but you can freeze unmarinated prawns ahead of time. Once thawed, just proceed with the recipe as usual, marinating before you cook. Cooked prawns don’t freeze well, so fresh preparation is key for the best experience.
Reheating
Reheat cooked prawns gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. Avoid microwaving as it can make them tough. Always add the mango salsa fresh from the fridge to retain its bright flavors and perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use shrimp instead of prawns in the Chilli Lime Prawns with Tangy Mango Salsa Recipe?
Absolutely! Shrimp is a great substitute and works wonderfully in this recipe with little to no difference in flavor or texture. Just adjust cooking times if the shrimp are significantly smaller or larger.
How spicy is the dish?
The recipe has a medium level of spice thanks to chili powder and optional cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust the heat by reducing or omitting the cayenne, or adding more jalapeño in the salsa to suit your taste.
Can this recipe be made vegan or vegetarian?
While this recipe centers on prawns, for a vegan version, try substituting with grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms and keep the mango salsa the same. The flavors will remain fresh and bright, making it just as delightful.
What’s the best way to peel and devein prawns quickly?
Peeling and deveining can be sped up by buying pre-peeled and deveined prawns, but if you’re doing it yourself, use kitchen shears to cut along the back shell and remove the vein with the tip of a knife or a toothpick for easy cleaning.
Can I prepare the mango salsa in advance?
Yes, the mango salsa can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated. It actually tastes better once the flavors have mingled, but be sure to keep it chilled and stir before serving to refresh its vibrant texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way the Chilli Lime Prawns with Tangy Mango Salsa Recipe combines bright, bold flavors with simple, fresh ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, this dish is easy to make, stunning to look at, and bursting with taste. Give it a go and watch it become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!
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Chilli Lime Prawns with Tangy Mango Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Caribbean, Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant and flavorful recipe features juicy, spiced prawns grilled to perfection and served with a tangy, fresh mango salsa. Perfect for a light and tropical dinner, the chilli lime prawns bring a spicy kick balanced by the sweet and zesty salsa, ideal for summer meals or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Chilli Lime Prawns
- 1 pound large prawns, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- salt and pepper to taste
For the Mango Salsa
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Prawns: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add the prawns and toss well to ensure they are fully coated. Let them marinate for 15 to 20 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
- Prepare the Mango Salsa: While the prawns marinate, combine diced mango, finely chopped red bell pepper, red onion, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate until ready to serve to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Prawns: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated prawns on the hot surface and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the hot prawns immediately with a generous scoop of the chilled mango salsa either on top or on the side. Perfect to enjoy as a main course with coconut rice or a crisp green salad.
Notes
- Substitute shrimp for prawns if preferred.
- For extra smoky flavor, thread the prawns onto skewers before grilling.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with coconut rice or a fresh green salad.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to suit your preferred spice level.
