| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 11g | 2g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 18g | 3g | 28g | 0.3g |
Why I Love Mexican Fish Fillets in Tangy Mango Sauce
There’s something about the tangy sweetness of mangoes that has always spoken to my palate. As a child growing up in Texas, surrounded by a rich tapestry of Tex-Mex flavors, I was introduced to many unique combinations, and my love for the fusion of fresh fish with vibrant citrusy fruit was born. Among these recipes, Fish Fillets in Tangy Mango Sauce holds a special place in my heart.
Interweaving of Flavors
Whenever I prepare this dish, I’m always taken back to my first encounter with it at a local Mexican eatery. I still remember the enticing blend of seafood and fruitiness, a real explosion of flavor and color which was impossible not to fall in love with. It reminds me of the dishes prepared by Chef Rick Bayless, known for his knack of creating vibrant, enchanting Mexican flavors.
Flexible and Adaptable
Part of the beauty of Fish Fillets in Tangy Mango Sauce is its adaptability. While I love using tilapia or salmon, the recipe can be tweaked to any type of fish, absorbing and amplifying the flavors we choose to accompany it with. The lightly caramelized onions, minced garlic, and tartness of the lime, melded with the sweetness of ripe mangoes, make something inherently simple utterly captivating. It’s got that perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that sing harmoniously in every bite.
This dish, though distinct and flavorful in its own right, can also complement other dishes well. Pair it with a light green salad or a creamy coleslaw and you have yourself a feast! I always serve it over a bed of cooked rice to soak up the delicious sauce—it’s simply too good to waste.
As a teacher, I love sharing this children-friendly recipe with my students, letting them experience the joy of creating something truly delicious from scratch. It’s a great way to introduce children to cooking and the beautiful complexity of flavors that can be found in a simple fillet of fish, when paired with the right ingredients.
At the end of the day, this charming recipe is a perfect example of what I love about cooking. It’s the marriage of simple and flavorful ingredients, tips and tricks learned over the years, and the sheer joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones.
What You’ll Need
- 6 fish fillets (tilapia, salmon, or your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 6 portions of cooked rice to serve
Method
Step One
First, season the fish fillets with salt and pepper to your liking. Set them aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step Two
In a large, non-stick pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the pan and sauté them until they become translucent and aromatic.
Step Three
Next, add the diced mangoes to the pan. Cook them until they become soft, which should take about 5 minutes. After that, add the lime juice, honey, cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue cooking the mixture for another 2-3 minutes until all the flavors meld together.
Step Four
Place the fish fillets into the pan with the sauce. Cook them for around 3-5 minutes on each side or until they become opaque and flaky. Be careful not to overcook them.
Step Five
Once the fish is perfectly cooked, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro. Allow it to cook in the sauce for another minute or two, enabling the flavors to further combine.
Step Six
Finally, divide the cooked rice among 6 plates. Top each one with a fish fillet and a generous spoonful of the tangy mango sauce. Serve hot and enjoy your Fish Fillets in Tangy Mango Sauce!
