Mango Salsa Fish Tacos: A Flavorful and Refreshing Twist on Taco Night

Fish tacos are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meat tacos, and when paired with vibrant mango salsa, they become an irresistible meal that's perfect for any occasion. This detailed recipe will guide you through making the ultimate mango salsa fish tacos, complete with tips for preparation, customization, and serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Benefits:

1. Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of fresh fish and fruity mango salsa creates a burst of flavors in every bite.
2. Healthy: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, these tacos are a nutritious option for lunch or dinner.
3. Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
4. Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients and toppings to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Mango Salsa Fish Tacos Recipe

Ingredients

For the Fish:

• 1 lb (450g) white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or mahi-mahi)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

For the Mango Salsa:

• 1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt to taste

For Assembling the Tacos:

• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
• 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese (optional)
• 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
• Additional lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Fish:

1. Season the Fish: In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the fish fillets.

2. Cook the Fish: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the fish fillets. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

3. Rest the Fish: Remove the fish from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, use a fork to break the fish into bite-sized pieces.

Make the Mango Salsa:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and fresh cilantro.

2. Add Lime Juice: Squeeze the lime juice over the salsa and mix well. Season with salt to taste.

3. Chill the Salsa: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salsa for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Assemble the Tacos:

1. Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until warm and pliable. Alternatively, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds.

2. Add the Base: Place a small handful of shredded cabbage or lettuce on each tortilla.

3. Add the Fish: Top with a portion of the cooked fish.

4. Add the Mango Salsa: Spoon the mango salsa over the fish.

5. Optional Toppings: Add crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese and avocado slices, if desired.

6. Serve: Serve the tacos immediately with additional lime wedges on the side.

Tips for Perfect Fish Tacos

• Choose Fresh Fish: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, high-quality fish.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of jalapeño in the mango salsa or omit it entirely.
• Make Ahead: The mango salsa can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop even more.
• Warm the Tortillas Properly: Warm tortillas are more pliable and less likely to tear. Use a skillet or microwave to heat them just before serving.

Customizing Your Fish Tacos

Toppings and Add-Ins:

• Pico de Gallo: Add a spoonful of pico de gallo for extra freshness.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Drizzle with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy element.
• Pickled Red Onions: Add tanginess with pickled red onions.
• Hot Sauce: Spice things up with your favorite hot sauce.
• Black Beans: Add black beans for extra protein and fiber.

Different Fish Options:

• Salmon: Use salmon fillets for a richer flavor.
• Shrimp: Substitute shrimp for a quick-cooking alternative.
• Swordfish: Try swordfish for a meatier texture.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes:

• Mexican Rice: Serve the tacos with a side of Mexican rice.
• Black Bean Salad: A refreshing black bean salad complements the tacos well.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob adds a nice touch.

Drinks:

• Margaritas: Classic margaritas pair perfectly with fish tacos.
• Agua Fresca: Try a refreshing agua fresca, like watermelon or hibiscus.
• Beer: A light Mexican beer is always a good choice.

Conclusion

Mango salsa fish tacos are a delightful and refreshing meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With their vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients, these tacos are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner party or simply looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe has you covered. Enjoy!

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Did you try this recipe? Share your experience and any customizations you made in the comments below!