Description
Delicious and vibrant Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa feature perfectly seared mahi mahi fillets marinated in a zesty blend of spices. Paired with a refreshing mango salsa made from ripe mangoes, red bell pepper, jalapeño, and fresh cilantro, these tacos offer a harmonious balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. Quick to prepare within 30 minutes, this recipe serves 8 and can be cooked either on the stovetop, baked, or air fried for versatile options.
Ingredients
Scale
Mango Salsa
- 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
Fish and Marinade
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare Mango Salsa: Combine the diced mangoes, red bell pepper, jalapeño, red onion, lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, and sea salt in a bowl. Toss thoroughly to combine and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Chill the salsa until ready to serve.
- Marinate Fish: 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. Pat the cubed mahi mahi dry with paper towels. Pour marinade over the fish, tossing to coat evenly. Marinate for 20-30 minutes, but no longer than 60 minutes to maintain texture.
- Cook Fish on Stovetop: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add preferred cooking oil. Once hot, arrange fish cubes evenly without crowding. Sear for about 2 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Cook until internal temperature reaches 137°F for tender, moist texture or 145°F for fully cooked.
- Rest Fish: Remove fish from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain juices and improves flavor.
- Assemble Tacos: Place cooked fish onto warmed charred corn or flour tortillas. Top generously with mango salsa and additional chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.
- Alternative Air Fryer Method: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Arrange marinated fish cubes in an even layer and air fry for 8-10 minutes or until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Alternative Oven Baked Method: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange marinated fish evenly on sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches about 140°F and fish flakes easily.
Notes
- Do not marinate fish for over 60 minutes to preserve texture.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to preferred spice level.
- Use fresh lime juice for best flavor in both salsa and marinade.
- Cooking temperature guides: 137°F for moist and tender, 145°F for fully cooked fish.
- Serve with charred corn or flour tortillas for authentic taco experience.
- Fish can be cooked on stove, in air fryer, or baked according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Fish tacos, mahi mahi tacos, mango salsa, easy fish recipe, quick tacos, Mexican seafood recipe, healthy fish tacos
