Grilled Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Mango-Habanero Glaze on Fried Rice
A Fiery, Tropical Showstopper You’ll Want to Make Again and Again
Looking for a stunning dish that brings restaurant-quality flair straight to your home kitchen? This Grilled Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Mango-Habanero Glaze on Fried Rice is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, savory, and bold. With jumbo shrimp seared to smoky perfection and drizzled in a tangy mango-habanero glaze, this tropical masterpiece is sure to wow at dinner parties, date nights, or even a weekend culinary adventure.
It’s bright, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to prepare—yet tastes like something straight off a high-end menu.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Tropical Sweet Heat: Mango and habanero make a spicy-sweet glaze that packs flavor without overwhelming the shrimp.
- Elegant Presentation: With its sculpted fried rice base and vibrant garnishes, this dish looks as good as it tastes.
- Quick Cooking: Jumbo shrimp grill in just minutes, and the rest comes together easily with pantry staples.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the habanero to your spice preference, or sub with a milder chili.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Shrimp:
- 6 jumbo tiger shrimp (peeled, tails on)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lime juice
For the Spicy Mango-Habanero Glaze:
- 1 cup ripe mango, puréed
- 1 habanero pepper, seeded and minced (adjust for spice level)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Fried Rice:
- 1½ cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp diced carrots (optional)
- 2 tbsp green peas (optional)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp fish sauce (optional)
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced
Garnish & Plating:
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Thinly sliced habanero rounds
- Diced mango
- Microgreens (optional)
- Lime wedges
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare the Mango-Habanero Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine:
- Mango purée
- Minced habanero
- Honey
- Lime juice
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Salt
Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens. Strain if you prefer a smooth finish. Set aside.
🔥 Tip: Taste as you go! Add more honey if the heat is too intense, or dial up the spice with an extra habanero.
Step 2: Marinate and Grill the Shrimp
Toss shrimp in a bowl with:
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper
- Lime juice
Let marinate for 15 minutes. Heat a grill or grill pan over high heat. Grill shrimp for 2 minutes per side, basting with the mango glaze in the final 30 seconds.
🍤 Pro Tip: Don’t overcook—shrimp should curl and turn opaque with a slight char.
Step 3: Make the Fried Rice
Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet. Add:
- Carrots and peas (if using) and sauté 1 minute
- Push veggies aside, pour in beaten egg, and scramble lightly
- Add cooked rice, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Toss until hot and evenly coated
🍚 Presentation Tip: Use a greased ring mold to shape rice into a neat circle on the plate.
Step 4: Plate Like a Pro
- Place grilled shrimp artfully atop the rice mold, tails facing upward
- Drizzle leftover glaze around the plate
- Garnish with cilantro, habanero slices, diced mango, and optional microgreens
- Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus
Make It Yours
Too spicy? Use a milder pepper like jalapeño or red chili.
No grill? Sear the shrimp in a hot cast-iron skillet instead.
Want to add more veggies? Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or corn for a colorful stir-fry base.
Pair It With
- Chilled Riesling or Mango Mojito
- Coconut Rice (as an alternative base)
- Asian Slaw for a refreshing crunch
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Mango-Habanero Glaze on Fried Rice is the kind of dish that’s made to impress. Bold in flavor and presentation, it brings tropical flair and gourmet quality to your dinner table without the fuss.
Bookmark this recipe, and don’t forget to share it with your fellow food lovers! 🍽️
Let me know if you want more tropical fusion recipes or spicy-glazed seafood ideas!
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