If you’re craving something bright, zesty, and packed with bold flavors, you’re going to love this Chilli Lime Prawns with Tangy Mango Salsa Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that captures the perfect balance between spicy heat and sweet freshness, making every bite an absolute delight. Juicy prawns marinated in lime and spices, paired with a vibrant mango salsa, is a match made in culinary heaven that’s simple, quick, and guaranteed to impress anyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential to get that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each one plays a special role—from the smoky spices on the prawns to the sweet, tangy notes in the mango salsa.
- 1 pound large raw prawns peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed, these are the star seafood that soak up all the zesty marinade beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the marinade cling to the prawns while promoting a lovely char when cooked.
- Zest and juice of 2 limes: Provides bright acidity and fragrant citrus aroma that lifts the dish.
- 1 teaspoon chilli powder: Brings a subtle smoky heat without overpowering the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds depth and a gentle smoky undertone that enhances the prawns.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Offers a warm, earthy flavor that complements the chilli perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for flavor balance and to enhance all other ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild sharpness and complexity to the seasoning.
- 1 ripe mango finely diced: The star of the salsa, delivering juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup red onion finely diced: Gives a crisp, slightly pungent bite that contrasts beautifully with the mango.
- 1 small red chilli finely chopped: Adds a fresh kick of heat to the salsa.
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped: Brings herbaceous freshness that brightens the salsa.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice for salsa: Ensures the salsa has a sharp, tangy edge to balance the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon honey: Adds just the right hint of sweetness to round out the salsa flavors.
- Pinch of salt: Helps all the salsa ingredients sing together perfectly.
How to Make Chilli Lime Prawns with Tangy Mango Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Prawns
Start by tossing those fresh prawns in olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, chilli powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. This marinade is simple but packed with layers of flavor that will soak into every bite. Let the prawns rest in this mixture for about 10 minutes so all those vibrant seasonings really get to know the seafood.
Step 2: Make the Tangy Mango Salsa
While the prawns are marinating, mix together the perfectly ripe diced mango, red onion, red chilli, cilantro, lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This salsa is the perfect foil for the spicy prawns—it’s bright, fresh, and has just enough sweetness to contrast beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Prawns
Heat your skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the prawns in a single layer and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You want them to turn pink, become opaque, and develop a slight char for that extra smoky flavor. Be careful not to overcook as the prawns will become rubbery quickly.
Step 4: Serve
Serve the hot, sizzling chilli lime prawns topped generously with the tangy mango salsa. The colors, textures, and flavors will wow your senses with every forkful!
How to Serve Chilli Lime Prawns with Tangy Mango Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of extra fresh cilantro or a light drizzle of lime juice on top just before serving can boost the freshness even more. A few thinly sliced red chillies can also add a pop of color and heat if you like it spicy.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs insanely well with fluffy white rice or fragrant coconut rice to soak up the juices. You can also serve it with warm tortillas for quick tacos or alongside a crisp green salad for a lighter option. The key is to keep the sides simple so the prawns and mango salsa remain the star.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist and impressive presentation, try serving the prawns and mango salsa in hollowed-out lime halves or over grilled pineapple rings. You can also pile the prawns on skewers, grill them, and serve the salsa as a vibrant dip or topping on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store the prawns and salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salsa keeps well for up to 2 days, but the prawns are best eaten within 24 hours for the freshest taste and texture.
Freezing
Freezing cooked prawns with salsa is not recommended, as thawing can affect their texture and make the salsa watery. It’s better to freeze raw marinated prawns if you want to prep in advance, but fresh salsa is best made on the day.
Reheating
Reheat prawns gently in a skillet over medium heat just until warmed through—overcooking will toughen them. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry them out. Serve immediately with fresh, cold mango salsa.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating to get the best flavor and texture.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat comes mainly from the chilli powder in the marinade and the fresh red chilli in the salsa. You can dial it down by reducing or omitting the fresh chilli if you prefer milder flavors.
Is this Chilli Lime Prawns with Tangy Mango Salsa Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! None of the ingredients contain gluten, making it a great option for gluten-free diets.
Can I substitute mango with another fruit?
Mango adds a unique sweetness and texture that complements the spicy prawns best, but you could try pineapple or peach as creative alternatives for a different twist.
What’s the best way to ensure prawns don’t overcook?
Keep a close eye while cooking and remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque. They cook very quickly and can get rubbery if left too long.
Final Thoughts
This Chilli Lime Prawns with Tangy Mango Salsa Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to whip up when I want something fresh, flavorful, and a little bit special. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. Give it a try—you might just have a new go-to that takes your seafood game to the next level!
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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: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring spicy chilli lime prawns paired with a fresh and tangy mango salsa. Perfectly cooked on the stovetop, these succulent prawns are marinated with zesty lime and warm spices, then served with a sweet and mildly spicy mango salsa that adds a refreshing contrast. Ideal for a quick and light main course that’s both gluten-free and packed with bold flavors.
Ingredients
For the Prawns
- 1 pound large raw prawns, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Zest and juice of 2 limes
- 1 teaspoon chilli powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Mango Salsa
- 1 ripe mango, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 small red chilli, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Marinate the Prawns: In a bowl, toss the prawns with olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, chilli powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper until well coated. Let them marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Mango Salsa: While the prawns marinate, combine the diced mango, red onion, red chilli, cilantro, lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir gently to mix and set aside.
- Cook the Prawns: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Arrange the prawns in a single layer, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink, become opaque, and develop a slight char.
- Serve: Remove the prawns from the heat immediately to avoid overcooking. Serve hot, topped generously with the tangy mango salsa. Enjoy over rice, in tacos, or paired with a fresh green salad.
Notes
- Do not overcook the prawns, as they cook very quickly and can become tough.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, soft tacos, or fresh green salads.
- The mango salsa can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 hours to enhance flavor meld.
