Light Mango Tilapia Tacos (Printable Version)

Pan-seared tilapia with mango salsa and cabbage in warm corn tortillas for a fresh, healthy meal.

# What You Need:

→ For the Tilapia

01 - 4 tilapia fillets (approximately 1 pound 2 ounces)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
04 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
05 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
07 - ½ teaspoon salt
08 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
09 - Juice of ½ lime

→ For the Mango Salsa

10 - 1 large ripe mango, diced
11 - ½ small red onion, finely chopped
12 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
13 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
14 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
15 - Juice of 1 lime
16 - ¼ teaspoon salt

→ For Assembly

17 - 8 small corn tortillas
18 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
19 - Lime wedges for serving

# Steps:

01 - Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Evenly rub spice mixture over both sides of fillets and drizzle with lime juice.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add tilapia and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Transfer to a plate and break into large chunks.
03 - While fish is cooking, combine diced mango, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a mixing bowl. Gently toss all ingredients until well combined.
04 - Heat corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for approximately 30 seconds per side, or warm in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 1 to 2 minutes.
05 - Distribute shredded red cabbage among warm tortillas. Top each with tilapia pieces and generously spoon mango salsa over the fish.
06 - Transfer assembled tacos to serving plates and accompany with lime wedges. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights
  • Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free without sacrificing flavor
  • The perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory elements
  • Loaded with fresh, colorful ingredients for a nutritious meal
  • Light yet satisfying – no heavy feeling after dinner
02 -
  • For perfectly cooked fish, watch for the flesh to turn from translucent to opaque – it should flake easily but not fall apart
  • Don't skip patting the fish dry before seasoning – this helps achieve a better sear
  • If corn tortillas crack when folding, warm them slightly longer or cover with a damp paper towel when microwaving
  • For meal prep, keep all components separate and assemble just before eating
  • Leftover mango salsa makes a delicious topping for grilled chicken or a fantastic dip with tortilla chips
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