Light Mango Salsa Tilapia Tacos (Printable)

Seasoned tilapia with fresh mango salsa in warm corn tortillas

# What You Need:

→ For the Tilapia

01 - 4 tilapia fillets (approximately 1 pound 2 ounces total)
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

# How to Make It:

01 - Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, whisk together cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each fillet, then drizzle with lime juice and let rest for 2 minutes.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place tilapia fillets in the hot skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork. Transfer to a plate and break into large chunks.
03 - While the fish cooks, combine diced mango, chopped red onion, diced red bell pepper, minced jalapeño, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a mixing bowl. Toss gently to combine, being careful not to break down the mango pieces.
04 - Place corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds until warm and pliable.
05 - Lay each warm tortilla on a serving plate. Layer shredded red cabbage on the bottom of each tortilla, top with tilapia chunks, and generously spoon mango salsa over the fish.
06 - Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for additional brightness and flavor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The whole meal comes together in half an hour, making it perfect for those nights when you want something restaurant-quality without the stress.
  • Mango salsa brings a natural sweetness that lets the fish shine instead of drowning it in heavy sauces.
  • It's the kind of dish that works just as well for a casual Tuesday as it does when you're trying to impress someone at the table.
02 -
  • Overcooking tilapia is your biggest enemy because it's such a delicate fish; the moment it turns opaque and flakes under a fork, it's done and you need to get it off the heat.
  • Make your salsa at least 5 minutes before eating if you have the time, because the lime juice softens the mango slightly and melds all the flavors together into something greater than the sum of its parts.
03 -
  • If your pan is crowded with tilapia, cook it in two batches instead of trying to force it all in at once; the fish deserves its own space to sear properly.
  • A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before eating brings everything into focus and prevents the salsa from tasting tired after sitting for a few minutes.
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