Here’s a recipe for Mango Habanero Aguachiles, a refreshing and fiery dish perfect for those who love bold flavors. This dish combines the tangy citrus of traditional aguachiles with the sweetness of ripe mango and the heat of habanero peppers.
Ingredients:
For the Aguachiles:
- 1 lb (450g) fresh shrimp, peeled, deveined, and butterflied
- 1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1-2 habanero peppers, seeds removed and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4-5 limes)
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh mango juice (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
For Serving:
- Tortilla chips or tostadas
- Sliced avocado
- Extra lime wedges
Instructions:
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Place the shrimp in a bowl and cover with half of the lime juice. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes, or until they turn opaque and slightly pink. This process “cooks” the shrimp in the acidity of the lime juice. Drain the shrimp and set them aside.
- Make the Mango Habanero Sauce:
- In a blender, combine the diced mango, habanero peppers, garlic, orange juice, mango juice, and the remaining lime juice. Blend until smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat by adding more habanero if desired. Season with salt, pepper, and cumin.
- Assemble the Aguachiles:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinated shrimp, sliced red onion, cucumber, and cilantro. Pour the mango habanero sauce over the shrimp mixture, tossing to ensure everything is well coated. Let the aguachiles sit for another 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- Serve the Mango Habanero Aguachiles chilled with tortilla chips or tostadas. Garnish with sliced avocado and extra lime wedges for an added burst of freshness. The dish is best enjoyed immediately while the flavors are vibrant.
Tips:
- Handling Habaneros: Habanero peppers are extremely spicy, so handle them with care. Wear gloves if necessary, and avoid touching your face. Start with one pepper and add more to taste.
- Freshness: For the best results, use the freshest shrimp you can find. If you’re not a fan of raw shrimp, you can blanch them in boiling water for 1 minute before marinating.
- Sweetness: The mango adds a lovely sweetness that balances the heat of the habaneros. Adjust the amount of mango juice to suit your taste.
This Mango Habanero Aguachiles recipe is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. It’s an ideal dish for summer gatherings, seafood lovers, or anyone looking to try something new and exciting. The combination of tropical mango and fiery habanero with the fresh shrimp creates a dish that’s as vibrant in color as it is in flavor. Enjoy!
