If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that captures the sweet-tropical zing of mango paired with just the right amount of jalapeño heat, say hello to Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp! This truly vibrant recipe features juicy, grill-kissed shrimp brushed with a glossy, homemade sauce that balances brightness, spice, and smokiness. It’s the kind of dish that instantly puts you in a summer mood, whether you’re hosting friends or just savoring an easy weeknight meal with a fun twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp recipe is how it relies on simple, everyday ingredients that transform into something extraordinary. Each element has a special job to do, from offering juicy sweetness to lending a bold, tangy kick — and nothing complicated stands between you and pure flavor perfection.
- Shrimp (1 1/2 pounds, large, peeled and deveined): The main star, offering tender texture and a canvas to soak up all that bold sauce flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the shrimp sear beautifully and ensures seasonings stick.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the natural brininess of the shrimp and enhances every layer in the sauce.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and depth.
- Mango (1 ripe, peeled and diced): The secret weapon for juicy sweetness and sunshine-like color in the sauce.
- Jalapeño (1, seeded and chopped): For that sneaky, tantalizing pop of mild heat — add more if you love it spicy!
- Ketchup (1/4 cup): Forms the base for a tangy, rich barbecue sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons): Offers a punchy brightness, balancing out the sauce’s sweetness.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Rounds out the acidity with floral, natural sweetness.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Gives a little caramel background and sticky glaze appeal.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): An umami kick that deepens the whole sauce.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle smokiness, so you get that classic BBQ flavor — even if you use a pan!
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): For a mellow, savory aroma that ties everything together.
- Pinch of salt (for the sauce): Brings balance and makes all those bright flavors sing.
How to Make Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp
Step 1: Blend Up the Mango Jalapeño BBQ Sauce
Let’s kick things off by making the show-stopping Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp sauce! Pop the mango, jalapeño, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt into a blender. Blitz until you’ve got a smooth, sunshine-yellow sauce — it should smell sweet and a little bit fiery! Taste and adjust the heat by adding more jalapeño or a splash more vinegar for extra brightness.
Step 2: Simmer and Thicken the Sauce
Next, pour your freshly blended sauce into a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring every so often. After 8 to 10 minutes, the Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp sauce should thicken up and turn glossy, almost like a tropical barbecue glaze. Set aside — it’s going to bring those shrimp to life!
Step 3: Prep and Season the Shrimp
While the sauce cools, pat the shrimp dry (this helps them brown, not steam). Toss the shrimp in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Give them a quick mix to make sure every bite will be seasoned and ready to pick up that sticky-sweet sauce.
Step 4: Grill to Juicy Perfection
Heat up your grill or grill pan to medium-high. If you’re using skewers, now’s the time to thread those beautiful shrimp on — it makes them easier to turn and helps with picture-perfect grill marks. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for opaque flesh and a lightly charred exterior. The best part comes in the final minute: brush the shrimp generously with that gorgeous Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp sauce so it caramelizes right onto the surface.
Step 5: Serve with Extra Sauce
Don’t wait too long — serve your shrimp hot off the grill! Arrange them on a platter with plenty of extra Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp sauce on the side for dipping, drizzling, or double-coating. Every bite bursts with sweet, smoky, and spicy notes that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over the platter. Add a few lime wedges for a zesty squeeze right before eating — it brightens every bite of Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp and gives your plate a restaurant-worthy finish.
Side Dishes
Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp plays so well with simple sides. Try serving these beauties over steamed rice, light quinoa, or a verdant salad to catch all those extra saucy drips. Grilled corn, black beans, or fresh tortillas also make a magnificent base for building DIY shrimp tacos.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this into a show-stopping appetizer by arranging the shrimp as skewers for a party platter. Or pile them over crunchy slaw for a fresh, colorful entrée. Feeling inspired? Tuck Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp into lettuce wraps, or serve alongside charred pineapple for a tropical grill feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp (lucky you!), simply transfer leftovers to an airtight container as soon as they’ve cooled. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days; the shrimp will soak up even more saucy flavor overnight!
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and sauce together or separately. Place cooled shrimp in a zip-top bag with sauce spooned over them, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of extra sauce or water if needed to keep them juicy. Just heat until warmed through — try not to overcook, so the shrimp stay plump and tender.
FAQs
Can I make Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp without a grill?
Absolutely! If grilling isn’t an option, you can broil the shrimp on a lined baking sheet for similar caramelization, or quickly sauté them in a hot skillet. Either way, that fantastic glaze works beautifully.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is totally adjustable. One jalapeño (with seeds removed) adds gentle warmth, but feel free to add a little more or less depending on your crowd’s spice tolerance. You’re in control!
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work great — just thaw them fully and pat dry before seasoning and grilling. This keeps them from steaming and helps you get those delicious grill marks and caramelized edges.
What if I don’t have fresh mango?
Ripe fresh mango gives the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use thawed frozen mango or even high-quality mango puree. Just be sure to adjust sweetness to taste if your puree is quite sweet already.
How can I make Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but if you’re particularly sensitive, double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free, as some brands include wheat.
Final Thoughts
This Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp is the kind of dish you’ll want to make on repeat — it’s ridiculously easy, big on flavor, and guaranteed to brighten up your summer table or spice up a weeknight dinner. Grab some shrimp, whip up that golden sauce, and treat yourself to a savory-sweet, lively meal that tastes like a mini vacation. Give it a try and let the tropical BBQ magic begin!
Print
Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Fusion, American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors with this Mango Jalapeño BBQ Shrimp recipe. Grilled to perfection, these shrimp are coated in a delicious homemade mango jalapeño BBQ sauce that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Mango Jalapeño BBQ Sauce:
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Mango Jalapeño BBQ Sauce: To make the sauce, blend mango, jalapeño, ketchup, vinegar, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Simmer in a saucepan until thickened.
- Grilling Shrimp: Preheat grill. Toss shrimp with oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side. Brush with mango jalapeño BBQ sauce during the last minute.
- Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side.
Notes
- You can adjust the heat level by using more or less jalapeño.
- This dish can also be broiled or sautéed.
- Serve over rice, salad, or tacos for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 6 shrimp with sauce
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
