Mango Habanero Aguachiles

Introducing the vibrant and tantalizing Mango Habanero Aguachiles! This dish is a fusion of zesty flavors and succulent seafood, perfect for those who crave a taste of the tropics with a spicy kick. Fresh jumbo shrimp marinated in tangy lime juice mingle with the sweetness of mango, the heat of habanero, and the refreshing crunch of cucumber and avocado.

Each bite is a symphony of flavors, elevated by a homemade mango habanero sauce that adds just the right amount of heat. Whether served as a refreshing appetizer or a light main course, this dish is sure to impress with its bold colors and irresistible taste.

Mango Habanero Aguachiles

Ingredients:

1 lb Jumbo Shrimp , shells removed, deveined and butterflied

1 ½ cups Fresh Lime Juice , divided

1 large Mango , peeled and diced

⅔ cup Pineapple Juice

2 Garlic Cloves

1 Habanero. , stemmed and seeds removed (use 2-3 for and leave the seeds in for more heat)

¼ teaspoon ground Coriander

1 teaspoon Kosher Salt , plus more to taste

1 large Cucumber , peeled and sliced

¼ cup Red Onion , thinly sliced

1 Avocado , peeled and sliced

Instructions

In a small bowl combine the shrimp with 1 cup of fresh lime juice, making sure the shrimp is completely submerged.

Let chill in the fridge.

The shrimp will take 10-12 minutes to cook in the lime juice, they will turn pink once fully cooked.

While the shrimp cook in the lime juice, make the mango habanero sauce.

In a blender, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of lime juice, half of the diced mango, the pineapple juice, garlic, habanero, coriander and salt.

Blend until smooth then taste for salt.

On a large serving dish, lay down your cucumber on the outside perimeter of your dish.

Arrange your shrimp butterfly side down with half of the head end on the cucumber and the tail end on the dish.

Nestle the red onion in the center, then lay the avocado on top followed by the rest of the diced mango.

Drizzle as much of the mango habanero sauce over the shrimp as you’d like, then finish with a sprinkle of sea salt.

Serve with tostadas or saltine crackers.

Notes:

Preparation of Shrimp: Ensure the shrimp are properly prepared by removing the shells, deveining, and butterflying them. This enhances both the presentation and ease of eating.

Marination in Lime Juice: Marinating the shrimp in fresh lime juice not only adds flavor but also helps to “cook” them, denaturing the proteins and giving them a firm texture.

Mango Habanero Sauce: The heart of this dish lies in the vibrant mango habanero sauce. Adjust the number of habaneros according to desired heat level. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed for a balanced flavor profile.

Cucumber Base: The cucumber base serves both as a refreshing bed for the shrimp and a decorative element. Arrange it neatly around the serving dish to provide a crisp contrast to the other flavors.

Arrangement: Carefully arrange the shrimp, red onion, avocado, and remaining mango on the serving dish for an appealing presentation. The butterfly style of the shrimp ensures they sit beautifully atop the cucumber base.

Finishing Touches: Drizzle the mango habanero sauce generously over the shrimp and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors and add a textural contrast.

Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with tostadas or saltine crackers, providing a crunchy element to complement the succulent shrimp and vibrant flavors of the mango habanero sauce.

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 4 SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?

Jumbo shrimp are recommended for this recipe because of their size and texture. Make sure they are fresh and properly cleaned.

You can also use medium or large shrimp, but the cooking time in lime juice might vary.

Can I cook the shrimp traditionally instead of using lime juice?

The use of lime juice to “cook” the shrimp is a method used in many Latin American countries and gives the shrimp a unique texture and flavor. The acid in the lime juice denatures the proteins in the shrimp, effectively “cooking” them.

If you’re not comfortable with this method, you can poach the shrimp briefly in boiling water until pink, then cool and use as directed.

How can I adjust the heat of the habanero sauce?

Habaneros are very spicy chiles. If you prefer a milder sauce, remove the seeds from the habanero before blending. For a spicier sauce, include more habaneros or leave the seeds in.