Light Mango Tilapia Tacos

Imagine the perfect harmony of flavors: tender, flaky tilapia with a kick of spice, balanced by sweet, juicy mango and the crunch of fresh vegetables, all nestled in a warm corn tortilla. These Light Mango Salsa Tilapia Tacos bring together the best of seafood and tropical fruit in a dish that's as colorful as it is delicious. In just 30 minutes, you'll have a meal that transports you to a beachside cantina, no matter where you're dining.

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These tilapia tacos represent the beautiful fusion of Mexican-inspired cuisine with tropical influences. The mild, tender tilapia creates the perfect canvas for the bold spice blend, while the mango salsa adds a burst of sweetness and freshness that elevates these tacos to something special. The contrast of textures—from the flaky fish to the juicy mango to the crisp cabbage—makes each bite an adventure.

Ingredients

• 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 mango salsa, choose a mango that yields slightly to pressure but isn't too soft. The riper the mango, the sweeter your salsa will be. When cooking the tilapia, be careful not to overcook it—it should be just opaque and flake easily with a fork. Overcooking can make the fish tough and dry. If you're preparing these tacos for a gathering, you can make the mango salsa up to a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Varianten und Anpassungen

These tilapia tacos are wonderfully versatile. For those who prefer a different protein, try substituting cod or another firm white fish as mentioned in the notes. For a spicier version, leave the jalapeño seeds in the salsa or add a dash of hot sauce. If you're not following a dairy-free diet, a dollop of light sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cooling contrast to the spices. For a lower-carb option, serve the tilapia and mango salsa over a bed of lettuce instead of in tortillas to create a refreshing salad.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these vibrant tilapia tacos with complementary sides to create a complete meal. Cilantro lime rice makes an excellent accompaniment, as do black beans seasoned with cumin and garlic. For beverages, follow the recipe's suggestion of pairing with a crisp Riesling or light Mexican lager—the slight sweetness of these drinks beautifully balances the spices in the fish. For a non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling water with lime or a homemade aqua fresca made with watermelon or pineapple.

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These Light Mango Salsa Tilapia Tacos offer a bright, healthy alternative to traditional taco night while still delivering all the satisfaction and flavor you crave. With their balance of lean protein, fresh vegetables, and tropical fruit, they're perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Each component plays an important role—the seasoned tilapia provides a savory base, the mango salsa adds sweetness and zing, and the cabbage offers essential crunch. Together, they create a harmonious bite that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Enjoy these tacos as a culinary getaway, no passport required!

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of fish works best for these tacos?

Tilapia is preferred for its mild flavor and flaky texture, but firm white fish like cod can be used as a substitute.

→ How can I adjust the salsa’s heat level?

Increasing or retaining the jalapeño seeds will add more heat, while removing them keeps the salsa milder.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

For best freshness, prepare the salsa and season the fish ahead, but assemble tacos just before serving to maintain texture.

→ What sides pair well with these tacos?

Light sides like a crisp salad or steamed vegetables complement the tacos, as do drinks like Riesling or a light Mexican lager.

→ Are these tacos suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, using corn tortillas ensures a gluten-free option, but it's advisable to check packaging if highly sensitive.