Name: Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 mangoes, diced (about 3 cups diced ripe mango); 1 red bell pepper, small diced; 1 jalapeño, seeded and small diced; 3 Tbsp red onion, small diced; Juice of 1 lime; ½ tsp lime zest; ⅓ cup cilantro, loosely packed and chopped; ¼ tsp sea salt, or to taste; 1½ – 1¾ lb skinless mahi mahi, cut into bite sized cubes; 2 tsp chili powder; ½ tsp oregano; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, more or less for spiciness; ½ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp cumin; ½ – 1 tsp sea salt; ½ tsp black pepper; Juice of 1 lime; 3-4 Tbsp olive oil

Ingredients

2 mangoes, diced (about 3 cups)

1 red bell pepper, small diced

1 jalapeño, seeded and small diced

3 Tbsp red onion, small diced

Juice of 1 lime

½ tsp lime zest

⅓ cup cilantro, loosely packed and chopped

¼ tsp sea salt (or to taste)

1½ – 1¾ lb skinless mahi mahi*, cut into bite-sized cubes

2 tsp chili powder

½ tsp oregano

1 tsp garlic powder

½ tsp smoked paprika

¼ tsp cayenne (adjust for spiciness)

½ tsp onion powder

¼ tsp cumin

½ – 1 tsp sea salt

½ tsp black pepper

Juice of one lime

3-4 Tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Combine diced mangoes, red bell pepper, jalapeño, red onion, lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, and ¼ tsp sea salt in a bowl. Toss well to mix and chill until ready to serve.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, onion powder, cumin, sea salt, black pepper, lime juice, and olive oil to create the marinade.

Step 3: Pat mahi mahi cubes dry with paper towels. Pour the marinade over the fish and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for 20–30 minutes, but no longer than 60 minutes.

Step 4: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with your preferred cooking oil. Arrange the fish cubes in a single layer, spaced apart. Sear for about 2 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Fish is done at 137°F for moistness or 145°F for safety.

Step 5: Remove fish from heat and rest for 5 minutes. Serve in charred corn or flour tortillas, topped with mango salsa and extra chopped cilantro.

Step 6: Alternative Air Fryer Method: Arrange marinated fish in an even layer and air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes until opaque and flaky.

Step 7: Alternative Oven Method: Preheat oven to 425°F. Lay marinated fish on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until fish reaches about 140°F.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, char your tortillas over an open flame before assembling the tacos.

Substitute mahi mahi with other firm white fish like cod, snapper, or tilapia if preferred.

Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level in the fish marinade.

Add a dollop of crema or Greek yogurt to balance the spice and enhance creaminess.

Include avocado slices or shredded cabbage for added texture and freshness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?

Yes, frozen mahi mahi can be used. Thaw it completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure proper texture and flavor.

How spicy are these fish tacos?

The spice level is moderate, thanks to the chili powder and cayenne, but it can be adjusted easily by reducing or increasing the cayenne pepper to suit your preference.