A Refreshing, Spicy Twist On Classic Tacos, With Tangy Mango Slaw, Topped With Spicy Dressing – A Perfect Balance Of Sweetness And Heat!
These Spicy Mango Slaw Tacos are a fresh, flavorful twist on traditional tacos! I decided to make them because I wanted something light but still packed with flavor, and the combination of sweet mango and spicy slaw is a perfect balance.
The slaw adds a crunchy texture, while the spicy dressing gives it just the right amount of heat, making every bite a perfect mix of sweet, savory, and spicy. My family loves them because they’re easy to assemble, full of vibrant flavors, and they’re perfect for a light dinner or even as a fun appetizer for taco night!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use a different type of cabbage?
A: Yes, you can use green cabbage or napa cabbage instead of purple cabbage if you prefer a lighter flavor. The purple cabbage just adds a nice color and crunch, but any cabbage will work!
Q: Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make the slaw ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours to let the flavors marinate. Just toss it with the dressing right before serving.
Q: Can I use grilled chicken or shrimp instead of plain?
A: Yes, grilled chicken or shrimp will work wonderfully! You can marinate the chicken or shrimp in a bit of lime juice, garlic, and chili powder for extra flavor before grilling.
Q: How can I make this recipe milder?
A: If you prefer a milder slaw, you can reduce the amount of chili flakes or hot sauce in the dressing. You can also skip the jalapeños in the slaw to keep it less spicy.
Q: Can I make these tacos vegetarian?
A: Yes! You can substitute the meat with roasted vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or portobello mushrooms, for a delicious vegetarian taco.
What You Need to Make Spicy Mango Slaw Tacos
For the Mango Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
- 1 large ripe mango, peeled and julienned
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional for spice)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 8 small soft corn or flour tortillas
- 1 lb chicken (shredded) or shrimp (peeled and cooked)
- Lime wedges, for serving
How to Make Spicy Mango Slaw Tacos
1. Make the slaw:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, julienned mango, shredded carrots, cilantro, and diced jalapeño (if using). Set aside.
2. Make the dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, rice vinegar, honey, chili flakes (or hot sauce), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
3. Toss the slaw with the dressing:
Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss until everything is well-coated. Let the slaw sit for 10-15 minutes for the flavors to meld.
4. Prepare the protein:
If you’re using chicken, shred it into small pieces. If you’re using shrimp, peel and cook them if not already prepared. Season the chicken or shrimp with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.
5. Assemble the tacos:
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Add a generous amount of the slaw to each tortilla, then top with the chicken or shrimp. Garnish with extra cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and additional chili flakes if desired.
6. Serve:
Serve the tacos immediately with extra lime wedges and enjoy the tangy, spicy goodness!
Tips
- For extra flavor: Marinate the shrimp or chicken in lime juice, chili powder, and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
- For added crunch: You can add some toasted pumpkin seeds or crushed tortilla chips to the top of the tacos for added texture.
- Make it spicier: Add more jalapeño to the slaw or drizzle the tacos with hot sauce before serving for an extra kick.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Megan L. – “These tacos are so fresh and flavorful! The mango slaw gives them such a nice sweetness, and the spicy dressing is the perfect kick. My family loved them!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Rachel S. – “I made these tacos for dinner, and they were a huge hit! The mango slaw is so refreshing, and the spicy dressing adds just the right amount of heat. I’ll definitely be making these again.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sophie W. – “I love how easy these are to make, and the flavors are incredible! The spicy mango slaw is a game-changer. These tacos were a big hit!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma T. – “These tacos are so delicious and refreshing. The mango slaw is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and the lime adds a nice freshness.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica H. – “I love the crunch and the spice in these tacos. The mango slaw is the perfect topping, and they’re so easy to put together. A new favorite!”
Printable Recipe
Spicy Mango Slaw Tacos
These Spicy Mango Slaw Tacos are a refreshing and flavorful twist on traditional tacos. With a crunchy mango slaw, spicy dressing, and your choice of chicken or shrimp, they make for a delicious, light meal!
Ingredients
- For the Mango Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
- 1 large ripe mango, peeled and julienned
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional for spice)
- For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Tacos:
- 8 small soft corn or flour tortillas
- 1 lb chicken (shredded) or shrimp (peeled and cooked)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Make the slaw:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, julienned mango, shredded carrots, cilantro, and diced jalapeño (if using). Set aside.
2. Make the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, rice vinegar, honey, chili flakes (or hot sauce), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
3. Toss the slaw with the dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss until everything is well-coated. Let the slaw sit for 10-15 minutes for the flavors to meld.
4. Prepare the protein:
- If you’re using chicken, shred it into small pieces. If you’re using shrimp, peel and cook them if not already prepared. Season the chicken or shrimp with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.
5. Assemble the tacos:
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Add a generous amount of the slaw to each tortilla, then top with the chicken or shrimp. Garnish with extra cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and additional chili flakes if desired.
6. Serve:
- Serve the tacos immediately with extra lime wedges and enjoy the tangy, spicy goodness!
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved these Spicy Mango Slaw Tacos, please share them with your friends and family! They’re a fresh, flavorful twist on traditional tacos, and I’m sure everyone will enjoy them. Share it on social media and tag me – I’d love to see how your tacos turn out!
