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Cucumber Mango Chamoy Cups
Cucumber Mango Chamoy Cups are the perfect fusion of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that will transform your snack game forever. This vibrant Mexican-inspired treat combines crispy cucumber vessels with juicy mango chunks, creating an explosion of taste in every bite. The combination of chamoy, Tajin, and hot sauce delivers that authentic street food experience right in your kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick 5-minute prep time makes this perfect for last-minute gatherings or sudden cravings
- Fresh cucumber cups provide a healthy, low-carb base that’s incredibly refreshing
- Customizable spice levels let you adjust the heat to your personal preference
- Visually stunning presentation that’s guaranteed to impress guests at any party
- Authentic Mexican street food flavors without leaving your home
Why This Cucumber Mango Chamoy Cups Recipe Works
This recipe works brilliantly because it balances contrasting textures and flavors perfectly. The crisp cucumber provides a refreshing base that cools down the spicy chamoy and hot sauce. Meanwhile, the sweet mango chunks offer a tropical sweetness that complements the tangy tamarind candies.
The genius lies in using cucumber as edible cups instead of traditional glasses. This approach adds extra nutrition while keeping the dish light and refreshing. The rimming technique with chamoy and Tajin creates that authentic Mexican street vendor experience that makes every sip memorable.
What You’ll Need for Cucumber Mango Chamoy Cups
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cucumbers (field or English) | 2 large | Main vessel for the cups |
| Pulparindo tamarind candies | ¼ cup | Adds tangy sweetness |
| Fresh mango | ½ medium | Primary fruit component |
| Japanese-style peanuts | ¼ cup | Provides crunch and saltiness |
| Tomato juice | ¼ cup | Liquid base for the drink |
| Chamoy | 2-3 tablespoons | Main flavoring agent |
| Tajin seasoning | 2-3 tablespoons | Spicy-tangy rim coating |
| Valentina hot sauce | 2-3 tablespoons | Adds heat and flavor |
| Fresh lime | ½ lime | Brightens all flavors |
| Fuego Takis | 1 small bag | Garnish and extra crunch |
| Fuego potato chips | 1 small bag | Additional spicy garnish |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sharp knife | Cutting cucumbers and mango |
| Vegetable peeler | Removing cucumber skin |
| Spoon | Coring cucumber cups |
| Cutting board | Safe prep surface |
| Small bowls | Organizing ingredients |
How to Make Cucumber Mango Chamoy Cups
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers | Peel the cucumbers completely. Cut each cucumber into four equal pieces, ensuring each piece can stand flat. Use the end of a spoon to carefully core out the center, creating cup-shaped vessels. |
| Step 2: Prepare the Mango | Peel the mango and cut it into very small cubes. Keep the pieces small so they fit nicely in the cucumber cups and are easy to eat. |
| Step 3: Rim the Cups | Dip the rim of each cucumber cup in chamoy first, then immediately dip into Tajin seasoning. This creates the signature spicy-tangy rim. |
| Step 4: Fill the Cups | Layer mango cubes, Japanese peanuts, and Pulparindo candies in each cucumber cup. Don’t overfill – leave room for the liquid. |
| Step 5: Add Final Touches | Drizzle more chamoy and Valentina hot sauce over the filled cups. Sprinkle additional Tajin on top. Pour in tomato juice and squeeze fresh lime over each cup. |
| Step 6: Garnish and Serve | Optionally, serve with Fuego Takis and potato chips on the side for extra crunch and spice. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Choose firm cucumbers for the best structural integrity – they’ll hold their shape better
- Make the mango cubes uniform and small for easier eating and better distribution
- Chill all ingredients beforehand for an extra refreshing experience
- Adjust the chamoy and hot sauce quantities based on your spice tolerance
- Serve immediately after assembly to maintain the cucumber’s crispness
Serving and Storage Tips for Cucumber Mango Chamoy Cups
Serving Tips
Serve these Mangonada-inspired cups immediately after preparation for the best texture and flavor experience. The contrast between the cold, crisp cucumber and the warm spices creates an incredible sensation.
Present them on a colorful platter with extra lime wedges and napkins nearby. These cups pair wonderfully with other Mexican appetizers like the Ultimate Chicken Casserole for a complete feast.
For parties, prepare the cucumber cups and mango cubes ahead of time, but assemble just before serving. This prevents the cucumbers from becoming soggy while maintaining that fresh crunch everyone loves.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Cucumber Mango Chamoy Cups
Don’t cut the cucumber pieces too thin – they need enough structure to hold all the delicious fillings without breaking. Aim for at least 2-inch tall pieces for the best results.
Avoid over-coring the cucumber cups. Leave enough flesh at the bottom and sides to maintain structural integrity. The walls should be about ¼ inch thick.
Never skip the rimming step with chamoy and Tajin. This crucial step provides the authentic flavor profile that makes these cups special. Also, don’t prepare these too far in advance as the cucumber will release water and dilute the flavors.
You Must Know
- Fresh cucumbers work best – avoid ones that feel soft or have wrinkled skin
- The spice level can be intense for some people, so always taste-test before serving to guests
- Chamoy can stain clothing and surfaces, so handle with care during preparation
- These cups are best consumed within 30 minutes of assembly for optimal texture
Suggestions for Cucumber Mango Chamoy Cups
Try experimenting with different fruit combinations like pineapple or jicama for unique variations. You can also substitute the tomato juice with fresh watermelon juice for a sweeter version.
For a milder version, reduce the chamoy and hot sauce while increasing the mango content. This makes the recipe more kid-friendly while maintaining the authentic flavors.
Consider serving these alongside traditional Chamoyada recipes for a complete Mexican street food experience. They also complement seafood dishes like Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta beautifully.
FAQs:
It’s best to prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving. You can cut the cucumber cups and mango cubes up to 4 hours ahead, but the final assembly should happen within 30 minutes of serving to maintain crispness.
You can make a simple substitute by mixing apricot jam with lime juice and chili powder. However, authentic chamoy provides the best flavor profile for this recipe.
The spice level is moderate but can be adjusted. Start with less chamoy and hot sauce, then add more to taste. The cucumber and mango help balance the heat.
English cucumbers work best due to their size and fewer seeds. Field cucumbers are also good, but avoid small pickling cucumbers as they won’t provide enough space for the fillings.
Use the handle end of a spoon to gently scoop out the center, leaving about ¼ inch of flesh on all sides. Work slowly to avoid breaking through the bottom or sides.
Conclusion
Cucumber Mango Chamoy Cups bring the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food right to your table with minimal effort and maximum impact. This refreshing treat perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and tangy elements while providing a healthy, low-carb option that everyone will love.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and customization potential. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or craving an authentic snack, these cups deliver restaurant-quality flavors in just 5 minutes. Give this recipe a try and experience the perfect harmony of fresh ingredients and bold Mexican flavors!
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Cucumber Mango Chamoy Cups Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers (field or English)
- ¼ cup Pulparindo tamarind candies
- ½ medium fresh mango
- ¼ cup Japanese-style peanuts
- ¼ cup tomato juice
- 2–3 tablespoons chamoy
- 2–3 tablespoons Tajin seasoning
- 2–3 tablespoons Valentina hot sauce
- ½ fresh lime
- 1 small bag Fuego Takis
- 1 small bag Fuego potato chips
Instructions
- Peel the cucumbers completely. Cut each cucumber into four equal pieces, ensuring each piece can stand flat. Use the end of a spoon to carefully core out the center, creating cup-shaped vessels.
- Peel the mango and cut it into very small cubes. Keep the pieces small so they fit nicely in the cucumber cups and are easy to eat.
- Dip the rim of each cucumber cup in chamoy first, then immediately dip into Tajin seasoning. This creates the signature spicy-tangy rim.
- Layer mango cubes, Japanese peanuts, and Pulparindo candies in each cucumber cup. Don’t overfill – leave room for the liquid.
- Drizzle more chamoy and Valentina hot sauce over the filled cups. Sprinkle additional Tajin on top. Pour in tomato juice and squeeze fresh lime over each cup.
- Optionally, serve with Fuego Takis and potato chips on the side for extra crunch and spice.
Notes
- Choose firm cucumbers for the best structural integrity – they’ll hold their shape better
- Make the mango cubes uniform and small for easier eating and better distribution
- Chill all ingredients beforehand for an extra refreshing experience
- Adjust the chamoy and hot sauce quantities based on your spice tolerance
- Serve immediately after assembly to maintain the cucumber’s crispness
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cucumber cup
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
