Save Imagine the perfect balance of flavors dancing on your palate: tender, flaky tilapia with aromatic spices, crowned with a vibrant mango salsa that bursts with sweetness and a hint of heat. These Light Mango Salsa Tilapia Tacos bring the coastal vibes straight to your dining table, offering a refreshing twist on traditional fish tacos that's both nutritious and incredibly satisfying.
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These tacos transform humble tilapia into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort. The secret lies in the contrast between the warm, spiced fish and the cool, fresh mango salsa. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of textures – from the tender fish to the juicy mango chunks and the satisfying crunch of cabbage and bell pepper.
Ingredients
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- For the Tilapia: 4 tilapia fillets (about 500 g total), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, juice of ½ lime
- For the Mango Salsa: 1 large ripe mango (diced), ½ small red onion (finely chopped), 1 small red bell pepper (diced), 1 small jalapeño (seeded and minced), ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped), juice of 1 lime, ¼ teaspoon salt
- For Assembly: 8 small corn tortillas, 1 cup shredded red cabbage, lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the fish
- Pat tilapia fillets dry. In a small bowl, mix cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub spice mix over both sides of fillets, then drizzle with lime juice.
- Cook the tilapia
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tilapia and cook 2–3 minutes per side, until opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat; break into large chunks.
- Make the mango salsa
- While fish cooks, combine mango, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Toss gently to combine.
- Warm the tortillas
- Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Assemble the tacos
- Layer shredded cabbage onto each tortilla, top with tilapia pieces, then spoon mango salsa over the fish.
- Serve
- Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the most flavorful tacos, look for tilapia that's sustainably sourced and as fresh as possible. When making the mango salsa, choose a mango that yields slightly to pressure – too firm and it will lack sweetness, too soft and it will be difficult to dice neatly. The salsa can be prepared up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerated, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
This versatile recipe welcomes customization. For a milder version, omit the jalapeño entirely. If you enjoy more heat, leave the seeds in or add a dash of hot sauce. No tilapia available? Substitute with cod, mahi-mahi, or even shrimp. For a vegetarian version, replace the fish with roasted cauliflower florets seasoned with the same spice mix. To make it vegan, add some black beans for protein.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these vibrant tacos with a side of cilantro lime rice or a simple green salad. For a complete fiesta, add a bowl of black beans and some tortilla chips with guacamole. A crisp Riesling or light Mexican lager complements the dish beautifully, but for a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with lime is refreshingly perfect.
Save These Light Mango Salsa Tilapia Tacos aren't just a meal – they're a mini vacation for your taste buds, bringing bright coastal flavors to your table any day of the week. With their perfect balance of healthy ingredients and bold flavors, they'll quickly become a family favorite that everyone looks forward to on taco night.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best way to cook tilapia for these tacos?
Pan-searing in olive oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side helps the fillets stay moist and flaky.
- → Can I prepare the mango salsa in advance?
Yes, prepare the salsa up to a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated to allow flavors to meld.
- → What can I substitute if tilapia is unavailable?
Firm white fish like cod can be used as an effective substitute while maintaining texture and taste.
- → How can I add more heat to the salsa?
Including the jalapeño seeds adds extra spice without overpowering the fresh flavors.
- → Are corn tortillas suitable for gluten-free diets?
Corn tortillas are typically gluten-free but verify packaging labels to ensure no cross-contamination.
