View Gallery
1 photo
Orange Mango Shrimp Cocktail – A Sweet & Spicy Appetizer Recipe
Looking for a refreshing, tropical appetizer that’s bursting with sweet and spicy flavors? This Orange Mango Shrimp Cocktail is the perfect blend of zesty citrus, juicy shrimp, and creamy mango cocktail sauce—ideal for summer parties, holiday gatherings, and elegant dinners. The shrimp are marinated in a flavorful mix of orange zest, smoked paprika, and garlic, then grilled or pan-seared to perfection. The homemade mango purée sauce adds a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy kick that makes this dish irresistible.
This gluten-free, dairy-free seafood appetizer is quick, easy, and ready in under 30 minutes. Serve in mini glass cups or on a platter for a stunning gourmet presentation. Whether you’re hosting a cocktail party, wedding reception, or casual backyard BBQ, this shrimp cocktail will impress your guests with its bright, citrusy flavors and elegant appeal.
📌 Perfect for:
- Seafood lovers looking for a unique shrimp appetizer
- Healthy, gluten-free, and dairy-free party snacks
- Tropical-inspired meals and summer entertaining
- Elegant holiday starters and fine-dining appetizers
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
For the Orange Mango Cocktail Sauce:
Instructions
-
Prepare the Shrimp:
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), orange zest, and orange juice.
- Let marinate for 15–20 minutes for deeper flavor.
-
Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred.
- Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
-
Make the Orange Mango Cocktail Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together the mango purée, orange juice, lime juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, orange zest, and honey.
- Taste and adjust seasoning (add more lime juice for tang, more honey for sweetness, or more hot sauce for spice).
- Chill until ready to serve.
-
Assemble & Serve:
- Spoon the cocktail sauce into small glass serving cups or bowls.
- Arrange the cooked shrimp on top or hanging over the edge of the glasses.
- Garnish with additional orange zest or a sprig of fresh herbs (like cilantro or mint) if desired.
Equipment
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links, i.e., when you buy any product using the links below, we get commissions. but it doesn’t cost you anything extra. If you do purchase any product using the given links, we thank you in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 155kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 3.5g6%
- Saturated Fat 0.5g3%
- Cholesterol 130mg44%
- Sodium 350mg15%
- Potassium 250mg8%
- Total Carbohydrate 11.5g4%
- Dietary Fiber 1.5g6%
- Sugars 9g
- Protein 16g32%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
📌 Recipe Notes & Pro Tips
1️⃣ Choosing the Best Shrimp:
- Use large shrimp (16/20 count per pound) for the best texture and presentation.
- Fresh or frozen shrimp both work—just thaw frozen shrimp in cold water for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Tail-on shrimp look more elegant for serving in cocktail glasses.
2️⃣ How to Make the Sauce Thicker or Thinner:
- If the mango sauce is too thick, add 1 tbsp of orange juice or water at a time until smooth.
- If it’s too thin, blend in extra mango purée for a richer consistency.
3️⃣ How to Make It Spicier or Milder:
- Spicy Version: Add more hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the sauce.
- Mild Version: Reduce the horseradish and hot sauce, and add a little honey for extra sweetness.
4️⃣ Best Presentation Tips:
- Serve in mini martini glasses, shot glasses, or small bowls for an elegant cocktail-style presentation.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, a lime wedge, or extra orange zest for a restaurant-quality look.
5️⃣ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
🚫 Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast! Overcooking makes them rubbery. Remove from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
🚫 Skipping the Marination: Even 10–15 minutes of marination boosts flavor significantly!
🚫 Serving the Sauce Warm: Always chill the sauce for at least 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this shrimp cocktail ahead of time?
✅ Yes! You can marinate the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge.
✅ The mango-orange cocktail sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and kept in an airtight container.
✅ Do not assemble the dish until just before serving to keep the shrimp fresh.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp instead?
✅ Yes, but fresh-cooked shrimp will taste better.
✅ If using pre-cooked shrimp, skip the marination step and just toss them with a little orange zest and smoked paprika before serving.
What can I use instead of mango purée?
🥭 If you don’t have mango, try:
- Peach purée (for a similar sweetness)
- Papaya purée (for a tropical twist)
- Pineapple purée (for a tangy-sweet flavor)
Can I make this shrimp cocktail spicy?
🔥 Yes! To add heat:
- Increase the hot sauce in the cocktail sauce.
- Add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Sprinkle cayenne pepper on the shrimp before cooking.
What’s the best way to serve this appetizer?
🍤 For a stylish presentation:
- Serve in mini cocktail glasses or shot glasses.
- Arrange on a platter with extra dipping sauce.
- Use lettuce cups for a low-carb, handheld option.
Is this shrimp cocktail gluten-free?
✅ Yes! This recipe is 100% gluten-free.
⚠️ Just make sure to use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce (some brands contain wheat).
How do I store leftovers?
- Refrigerator: Store cooked shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as shrimp may become tough when thawed.
Can I make this dairy-free and keto-friendly?
✅ This recipe is already dairy-free!
✅ For keto, reduce the mango purée (or use a low-carb fruit like berries) and skip the honey.
