Mahi Mahi Tacos with Mango Salsa

Summer is the perfect season for enjoying fish tacos, especially when they’re made with Mahi-mahi. This fish has a unique flavor that’s both mildly fishy and slightly sweet, making it an ideal pairing with tropical fruits like mango. The combination of textures and flavors in these tacos is truly something special. The Mahi-mahi offers a firm texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunch of fresh vegetables and the juicy burst of mango salsa. When you add the bright colors of the toppings and the cilantro lime sauce, it all comes together as a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The best part is that this recipe is so fast and easy to make, yet it’s customizable, so everyone can build their own perfect taco.

Quick and Flavorful: Blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos with Mango Salsa for a Tropical Culinary Adventure

Why We Love These Tacos

Mahi-mahi is a fantastic choice for tacos because of its mild flavor and firm texture. This fish provides that satisfying meaty bite you want in a good taco, without being too fishy. The beauty of mahi-mahi lies in how well it absorbs other flavors, making it perfect for blackening with your favorite seasoning. And if you’re looking to save time, frozen mahi-mahi is an excellent option. You can easily find wild-caught mahi-mahi at places like Costco, Sams, or your local grocery store for less than $10 a pound.

Not only is it affordable, but it’s also incredibly fast to cook, making it ideal for a quick meal. The flexibility to customize the toppings allows you to adapt the dish to your schedule and available time. Whether you’re prepping for a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, these Mahi-mahi tacos can easily fit into your meal plan and satisfy your craving for something delicious.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe for Mini Loaded Baked Potatoes shines because it combines a versatile and delicious choice with healthy benefits. Using Mahi Mahi in tacos, for example, offers a mild and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with various seasonings like taco seasoning, fajita seasoning, or blackening seasoning. This makes for a great addition to fish tacos, which are not only nutritious but also a great alternative to traditional meat fillings.

Additionally, the recipe is ideal for those who are in a crunch for time. It ensures you get a healthy and nutritious dinner without relying on take-out. You can easily use store-bought mango salsa or prepare the salsa ahead of time to streamline the cooking process, making this meal both quick and satisfying.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

When making Mahi-Mahi Tacos, the quality of the fish is key. We often buy frozen Mahi-Mahi from Costco, Sams, or our local grocery store like Walmart. Whether you choose wild-caught or fresh fish depends on availability and preference. If you use frozen Mahi-Mahi, be sure to defrost it in the refrigerator overnight for the best results. For an added kick, we love using a blackening seasoning made with cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and cumin. You can also opt for a store-bought version if you’re short on time.

To give the tacos a savory touch, we like adding bacon—specifically, thick-cut bacon cooked until it’s crunchy. It pairs perfectly with the corn tortillas, which we prefer over flour tortillas for a more authentic taste that complements the Mahi-Mahi. The mango salsa is another highlight, made with fresh mango and tomatoes. If you don’t like cilantro—which some people say tastes like soap—feel free to leave it out or substitute it with another herb. Jalapeño adds a nice heat, but you can use bell pepper if you want something milder. Don’t forget the red onion for a bit of bite, and fresh lime juice to tie everything together.

For the finishing touch, we like to drizzle a cilantro lime sauce over the tacos, made from plain Greek yogurt. If you prefer, you can substitute the yogurt with sour cream or even mayonnaise for a richer flavor. This sauce adds a refreshing element that balances the spice from the blackening seasoning and the sweetness of the mango salsa. The combination of these ingredients creates a delicious and well-rounded taco experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

To make delicious Mahi Mahi Tacos with Mango Salsa, start by preparing the mango salsa. First, finely dice the mango, tomatoes, jalapeño, and red onion, then place everything in a mixing bowl. Next, chop some fresh cilantro and add it to the bowl along with freshly squeezed lime juice and a pinch of salt. Mix all the ingredients together to combine the flavors, then cover the salsa and refrigerate it while you prepare the other components.

For the cilantro lime sauce, gather your ingredients and place them in a food processor or blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, and then set it aside. Meanwhile, make the blackening seasoning by mixing cayenne powder, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and cumin in a bowl. Coat the mahi-mahi fillets with a little oil and then evenly apply the seasoning mixture to the fish.

Now, heat a cast-iron pan over high heat and add some more oil. Once the pan is hot, lower the heat to medium-high and add the seasoned mahi-mahi. Cook the fish undisturbed for about three minutes, then flip and cook for another minute and a half, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat and cut the fish into bite-sized chunks. Finally, construct your tacos by adding the blackened mahi-mahi, crispy bacon, mango salsa, and cilantro lime sauce to each tortilla, and enjoy!

Top Tips

When making Mahi Mahi Tacos, it’s essential to focus on the details to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Start by ensuring your tortillas are pliable; heating them properly is key to prevent them from breaking. You can achieve this by heating them on a gas stove, in a pan over medium heat, or quickly in the microwave. Each method works well, but I personally find that the gas stove gives the best results. 🍽️

When cooking the fish, remember to flip it only once. This technique ensures it cooks undisturbed, allowing it to develop a delicious blackened crust while staying moist. For added flavor, consider using store-bought blackening seasoning and make sure it contains salt. If it doesn’t, just add about ½ teaspoon of salt to the fish. As for the toppings, recommended toppings such as mango peach salsa from Costco can complement the fish beautifully. These tips will elevate your tacos to a whole new level of deliciousness! 🌮

Side appetizers recipes

Cilantro Lime Hearts of Palm Rice

Southwest Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Crave-Worthy Loaded BBQ Chicken Totchos

INGREDIENTS

Blackened mahi-mahi tacos are a fantastic choice for a quick and easy meal. These summer tacos are not only fast to prepare but also come with delicious mango salsa and a cilantro lime sauce. The toppings are customizable, allowing you to adjust them to your taste. Whether you’re looking for a straightforward dish or something that stands out, these fish tacos are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the blackened flavor that adds a special touch to these versatile and satisfying tacos. 🌮

Blackened mahi-mahi tacos are a delightful choice for a fresh and flavorful meal. Start by seasoning 1 pound of mahi-mahi with ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon chili powder, and ½ teaspoon cumin. Cook the seasoned mahi-mahi in 2 tablespoons of oil, such as avocado oil, until it’s nicely blackened. For added richness, include 6 slices of cooked bacon, chopped, and serve the fish in 8 corn tortillas. 🌮

Next, prepare a vibrant mango salsa to complement the tacos. Combine 1 mango (or peaches if preferred), 3 ounces of cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, ¼ cup cilantro, ½ large jalapeño (with seeds and membrane removed), ½ medium red onion, and 2 tablespoons lime juice. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt for a tangy kick.

To add a creamy touch, mix up a simple cilantro lime sauce using ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt, ½ cup cilantro, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, and ½ large jalapeño (seeds and membrane removed). Season with ¼ teaspoon salt for the perfect finishing touch. This combination of flavors creates a deliciously balanced meal that’s sure to impress. 🌟

INSTRUCTIONS

To make the mango salsa, finely dice mango, tomatoes, jalapeño, and red onion and mix them in a mixing bowl. Chop the cilantro and add it to the bowl, along with lime juice and salt. Mix everything well and taste; add more salt if needed. Cover the salsa and refrigerate it while you prepare the rest of the dish. 🥭

For the cilantro lime sauce, combine all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Set this aside.

Next, prepare the mahi-mahi by mixing cayenne powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and cumin. Pat the mahi-mahi dry with a paper towel, then coat it with 1 tablespoon of oil and apply the seasoning mixture evenly. Heat a cast-iron pan or non-stick pan over high heat with the remaining oil. Once hot, reduce the heat to medium-high and cook the mahi-mahi, undisturbed, for 3 minutes. Flip and cook for another minute and a half or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fish and cut it into bite-sized chunks. Finally, assemble your tacos by adding mahi-mahi, bacon, mango salsa, and cilantro lime sauce to each tortilla. Enjoy! 🌮

NOTES

When preparing Mahi Mahi Tacos, remember to heat the tortillas before filling them to make them pliable and less likely to break. You can use a gas stove, a pan over medium heat, or even the microwave to warm them up. If you’re short on time, store-bought blackening seasoning can simplify the process, but ensure it includes salt; if not, add ½ teaspoon to the fish. Keep in mind that the nutritional information provided is only an estimate and takes into account the tortillas, fish, salsa, and sauce. 🌮

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories in mahi mahi tacos with mango salsa?

Mahi mahi tacos with mango salsa are delicious and nutritious, and each serving contains 500 Calories. In terms of fat, you’ll find 7g of Total Fat, which is about 9% of the Daily Value (DV). Additionally, the Sat (saturated fat) content is included in this nutritional profile. So, if you’re tracking your calorie and fat intake, these tacos offer a tasty option with clear nutritional details. 🌮

What do you eat with mango salsa?

Mango salsa is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. You can enjoy it with Mexican food such as tacos, Mexican salads, or burrito bowls. It also complements spicy Cajun chicken, salmon, and dishes with a cilantro lime flavor. For a satisfying meal, try it alongside grilled steak, pork, poultry, shrimp, or other types of fish. This salsa adds a fresh, tangy touch to many different foods. 🌮

What is better for fish tacos?

When it comes to fish tacos, choosing the right type of fish is crucial for the best flavor and texture. For grilled fish tacos, you need a fish that stands up well to high heat and doesn’t fall apart on the grill. Cod and tilapia are classic choices for their mild flavor and firmness. However, for a richer taste, you might opt for tuna, salmon, or swordfish, which are fattier and hold up well under grilling. Each of these options brings its own unique qualities to your tacos. 🌮

How do you eat fish tacos?

To enjoy fish tacos at their best, start with warm corn tortillas and add your favorite fixings. Top them with fresh limes, which may seem like a small detail but significantly enhances the flavor. The tartness of the limes balances the savoriness of the fish and adds a refreshing contrast to the textures in each bite. This simple addition makes a noticeable difference in every good fish taco you make.