Irresistible Mango Garlic Shrimp Skewers with Spicy Cilantro Dipping Sauce: Your Perfect Summer Appetizer
Get ready to elevate your summer entertaining with these truly irresistible Mango Garlic Shrimp Skewers, perfectly complemented by a vibrant Spicy Cilantro Dipping Sauce. Tangy, juicy, and bursting with fresh flavors, these skewers are the quintessential appetizer for any warm-weather gathering. The secret lies in a dynamic mango garlic marinade that infuses every shrimp with a delectable sweetness and subtle tartness, creating a flavor profile that’s both exotic and comforting. Imagine these sizzling off the grill, their vibrant colors mirroring the lively atmosphere of a patio party.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Cavit! While I was compensated in exchange for this post, as always, all opinions and the recipe are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!
Embracing the Joy of Summer Patio Parties
There’s something truly magical about summer patio parties, isn’t there? After what feels like an eternity of colder days, the sun finally graces us with its warmth, and the weather in places like Denver starts to get wonderfully hot. This signals one thing: it’s time to move the festivities outdoors. Eating and drinking under the open sky, surrounded by good company and laughter, becomes a cherished pastime. Forget the rigorous activities like camping, hiking, or kayaking – our idea of summer bliss often involves simply relaxing and savoring delicious food in the fresh air.
And what do summer patio parties scream for? Easy appetizers that can be effortlessly thrown on the grill! Grilling not only adds an incredible depth of flavor to your dishes but also keeps your kitchen cool, allowing you to spend more time enjoying that magnificent summer air. These mango garlic shrimp skewers fit the bill perfectly. They’re quick to prepare, cook in minutes, and deliver an explosion of taste that will have your guests asking for the recipe. Imagine the aroma of perfectly charred shrimp wafting through the air, tantalizing everyone’s taste buds and setting the mood for a truly unforgettable evening.
Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting Cake ‘n Knife!
The Magic of Marinades: Infusing Flavor into Every Bite
Marinades have quickly become my absolute favorite culinary tool to master. It’s truly incredible how such a basic and incredibly easy step can infuse an astounding amount of flavor into whatever you’re cooking. For these shrimp skewers, the mango garlic marinade is not just a coating; it’s a transformative bath that tenderizes the shrimp and packs it with an unforgettable taste. This simple mixture works wonders, transforming ordinary shrimp into a gourmet experience with minimal effort.
The star of this marinade is, of course, the mango. It contributes a delightful fruity tartness that brightens the entire dish, while the agave brings in a subtle, natural sweetness. Beyond taste, the agave also plays a crucial role in keeping the shrimp plump and juicy during cooking, preventing them from drying out on the grill. The garlic adds that essential savory depth, rounding out the sweet and tangy notes. Combined with soy sauce for umami and a hint of black pepper, this marinade creates a complex yet harmonious flavor profile that perfectly complements the delicate shrimp. It’s a symphony of flavors designed to tantalize your palate and make these skewers utterly addictive.
Crafting the Irresistible Mango Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Choosing Your Ingredients: Shrimp & Mango
The success of these skewers starts with high-quality ingredients. For the shrimp, always opt for large, fresh shrimp that are peeled and deveined, with the tails left on for presentation and easier handling on the skewer. Fresh shrimp will yield the best texture and flavor. When it comes to mangoes, choose ripe but firm ones. A ripe mango will have a sweet, fragrant aroma and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Cut them into thick slices that can easily be skewered and will hold their shape during grilling.
Mastering the Marinade
Creating this flavorful marinade is incredibly straightforward. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, agave, finely diced garlic, sliced green onion, and black pepper until well combined. This mixture forms the base of our flavor powerhouse. Add your cleaned shrimp and mango slices to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow them to marinate in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes. Be careful not to over-marinate the shrimp, as the acids can begin to “cook” them. A short marinade is all you need to impart incredible flavor.
Skewering for Success
Before you begin skewering, remember to soak wooden skewers in cold water for at least 15 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, this step isn’t necessary. Alternate shrimp and mango pieces on each skewer, aiming for about 4 to 5 shrimp per skewer, ensuring there’s a good mix of both ingredients. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; allow a little space between each piece for even cooking and optimal charring.
Grilling to Perfection
Heat your grill or grill pan over high heat. Once hot, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. This crucial step ensures that your shrimp gets that beautiful, desirable char without leaving half of it stuck to the grill. Place the shrimp skewers on the hot grill and cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side. Shrimp cooks quickly, so watch them closely. They are done when they turn pink and opaque, and the mango has slightly softened with caramelized edges. Remove them from the grill immediately to avoid overcooking, which can lead to rubbery shrimp. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro for an added burst of freshness.
The Zesty Companion: Spicy Cilantro Dipping Sauce
No shrimp skewer is complete without the perfect dipping sauce, and this Spicy Cilantro Dipping Sauce is truly exceptional. It’s designed to be the ultimate complement, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness of the mango and the savory notes of the grilled shrimp. To make it, simply stir together soy sauce, agave, fresh lime juice, a hint of cayenne pepper for a gentle kick, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Finally, fold in a generous amount of chopped fresh cilantro, which adds a vibrant, herbaceous finish. This sauce is tangy, subtly spicy, and incredibly fresh, enhancing every bite of the skewers and bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony.
The Ultimate Summer Pairing: Wine & Cocktails
There’s only one thing that can make the experience of eating these delightful skewers even better: a crisp glass of chilled Cavit Pinot Grigio. This light and refreshing wine, with its subtle hints of citrus, pairs exceptionally well with the mango’s juiciness and the shrimp’s delicate flavor. When served chilled, it’s a fantastic way to beat the summer heat and makes for a truly fun and sophisticated pairing for this appetizer. You’ll be amazed at how much the wine brings out certain nuanced notes in the shrimp, and vice versa, creating a truly elevated dining experience. The bright acidity and fruit-forward profile of the Pinot Grigio beautifully cut through the richness of the shrimp and highlight the tropical sweetness of the mango.
If you’re looking for a custom cocktail to pair with these incredible shrimp skewers, a lemon mojito is an ideal choice. Its bright, zesty, and refreshing profile, with a hint of mint, perfectly complements the tropical and savory notes of the skewers, offering another fantastic option for your summer beverage menu. Whether you choose wine or a cocktail, the goal is to enhance the overall dining experience and make your patio party truly memorable.
The enticing char from the grill, the sweet and tangy fruity mango, and the zesty, spicy dipping sauce all combine to create exactly what your summer party ordered. These elements work in concert, creating a vibrant and satisfying appetizer that your guests will adore. It’s a dish that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make, allowing you more time to enjoy the company and the beautiful weather.
So, who’s ready to party? Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and prepare for a burst of summer flavor that will delight everyone. And don’t forget the perfect dessert! A refreshing cup of mango mousse would be the ideal sweet ending to this tropical feast, keeping the fruity theme alive and offering a light, airy finish.
This Recipe’s Must-Haves
- I prefer to use Fox Run Bamboo Skewers because I like that there’s no cleanup. However, if you’re looking for a reusable option and are less lazy, you can always snag these Kabob Skewers BearMoo 17″ Stainless Steel Skewers!
- Make sure you get the right char on the skewers with either a Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill or a Lodge Cast Iron Square Grill Pan. Both options will help you achieve that perfect smoky flavor and beautiful sear.
Mango Garlic Shrimp Skewers with Spicy Cilantro Dipping Sauce
ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined, tails left on
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp agave
- 3 garlic cloves diced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 green onion bottom removed and sliced
- 1 mango peeled and cut into thick slices
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp cup agave
- 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
instructions
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, agave, garlic, sliced green onion, and black pepper. Add shrimp and mango. Marinade in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes.
-
Place skewers in a shallow baking dish filled with cold water. Soak for 15 minutes. Pat dry with a paper towel. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
-
Remove shrimp and mango from marinade. Thread them onto the soaked skewers, alternating shrimp and mango pieces, approximately 4 to 5 shrimp per skewer.
-
Heat grill or grill pan over high heat. Season the grill with the canola oil to prevent sticking. Once hot, grill shrimp skewers for approximately 2 to 3 minutes on either side, until pink and opaque. Remove from grill or grill pan once cooked through. Add to serving platter and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
-
Stir together ingredients for the dipping sauce (soy sauce, agave, fresh lime juice, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, salt, and chopped cilantro) in a small bowl until well combined. Serve this spicy cilantro dipping sauce alongside the mango garlic shrimp skewers and fresh lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus.