Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
350 | 8g | 2g | 48g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
10g | 5g | 25g | 1 g |
Why I Love Mexican Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa
I have a serious affinity for the complexity that is inherent in culinary culture. A lot of that passion, I think, traces back to my mixed heritage, the Afro-Southern blend of my upbringing. But also, there’s this innate curiosity to explore new tastes and kitchen traditions beyond my own. And there is no more perfect embodiment of this exploration than my Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa.
Inspired by heartwarming Southern food principles and the exotic array of flavors from West Africa, I was also lucky enough to be influenced by the enriched culinary culture of the world. This Mexican recipe, for example, is an amalgamation of years of kitchen adventures.
A Creative Twist
The flavor profile of Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa is truly exceptional, bursting with a medley of tang, heat, and sweetness in each bite. Being an Atlanta-local with Nigerian roots has encouraged me to be bold in my kitchen choices, thus making the traditional Mexican fish tacos more exciting. This recipe, with a twist of Mango salsa, becomes a crossroads where Latino heat meets African tang, making it a favorite in any family or party spread.
Culinary Inspiration
The inspiration for this recipe came from my personal culinary hero, Pati Jinich. A renowned Mexican chef, her original version of fish tacos opened up a world of flavorful possibilities for me. I am forever grateful for her creativity, which has definitely rubbed off on my own approach in the kitchen and made my cooking style what it is today.
This recipe pairs nicely with dishes that have a creamy note to contrast the tangy and spicy flavors of the taco. A Mexican corn pudding or a Southern staple like mac and cheese would be a harmonious sidekick to our star dish.
In conclusion, venturing into a new type of cuisine can seem daunting, but it’s ultimately an enriching experience. You can authentically honor a culture’s cuisine while adding your signature touch. And this recipe is a prime example of that balancing act.
What You’ll Need
- For Fish Tacos:
- 1.5 pounds white fish fillets
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For Mango Salsa:
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt to taste
- Additional Toppings:
- 1/2 cup sour cream, optional
- 1/2 cup guacamole, optional
- Lime wedges, for serving
Method
Step One
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grill grates. While your grill is preheating, prepare the fish by placing it in a shallow baking dish. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour the marinade over the fish, and let it sit for 15 minutes.
Step Two
While the fish is marinating, prepare the mango salsa. Combine the diced mangoes, red onion, jalapeno pepper, and cilantro in a bowl. Add in the lime juice and salt, then stir until everything is well mixed. Set the salsa aside.
Step Three
Once the grill is ready and your fish has finished marinating, place the fish onto the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until the fish is opaque and flaky. Once your fish is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
Step Four
While your fish is resting, warm up your corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side or until they are lightly toasted. Once your tortillas are warmed, assemble your tacos by placing a portion of the grilled fish onto each tortilla along with some of the mango salsa.
Step Five
Serve the tacos with any additional toppings you like such as sour cream, guacamole, and lime wedges. Enjoy your fish tacos with mango salsa immediately while they are warm and the flavors are at their peak.