You are currently viewing Grilled Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa | Tropical BBQ Recipe

First Posted May 9, 2025 | Last Updated on May 15, 2025 by BBQ Pit Master

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Looking to bring a taste of the tropics to your dinner table? These Grilled Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa are the perfect way to do just that.

Bursting with flavor and a hint of spice, they make for a delightful meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Imagine succulent pieces of fish, perfectly grilled to perfection, paired with a fresh and vibrant mango salsa that adds a refreshing punch.

These tacos are not just a dish; they are an experience that will transport your taste buds to a sunny beachside.

Quick and easy to prepare, these tacos are ideal for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Plus, they’re incredibly customizable—feel free to switch up the fish or add your favorite toppings!


Creating the Perfect Summer Meal

The vibrant Grilled Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa bring the essence of tropical flavors right to your dinner table. The combination of succulent fish, soft corn tortillas, and a refreshing mango salsa promises an indulgent experience for your senses.

Imagine biting into a taco filled with flaky fish, complemented by a sweet and zesty salsa. Each element works together, making these tacos a delightful choice for warm summer evenings.

The Star Ingredients

To create these Grilled Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa, focus on high-quality, fresh ingredients. The choice of fish, such as tilapia or mahi-mahi, is crucial for a tender bite after grilling.

Mango salsa is the highlight here, introducing sweetness that balances the spices of the marinated fish. The diced mango, combined with red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro, creates a colorful and flavorful topping that mirrors the dish’s tropical theme.

Marinating the Fish

Marinating the fish is a vital step that infuses it with flavor. A simple mixture of olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder transforms the fish into a zesty delight.

Allow the fish to marinate for about 20 to 30 minutes; this not only enhances the taste but also helps in achieving a perfectly grilled texture.

Grilling Techniques

Grilling the fish requires attention to ensure it cooks evenly and achieves that perfect flaky consistency. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat for optimal results.

Grill the marinated fish for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, monitoring closely until it’s cooked through. This method locks in moisture and flavor, giving you the best possible outcome for your tacos.

Assembling the Tacos

Once the fish is grilled to perfection, it’s time to assemble the tacos. Start by warming the tortillas on the grill for a few seconds until they’re soft and pliable.

Flake the grilled fish into bite-sized pieces and layer them into the tortillas. Top with the vibrant mango salsa, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice to enhance the flavors.

Grilled fish tacos with mango salsa are served on a wooden board, topped with colorful salsa and fresh herbs, perfect for enjoying outdoors.

Serving Suggestions

Present the Grilled Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa on a rustic wooden table, garnished with fresh cilantro sprigs for an inviting look. Pair this dish with a refreshing drink to complete the experience.

These tacos are perfect for summer gatherings, bringing a lively atmosphere to any meal. Serve immediately while warm for the best taste, allowing everyone to enjoy the vibrant flavors right away.

Delicious Grilled Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa Recipe

Three grilled fish tacos with mango salsa and cilantro are served in soft tortillas on a wooden board. A text overlay reads: "Grilled Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa.
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Grilled Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa | Tropical BBQ Recipe

Author BBQ Pit Master

These Grilled Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa feature tender, flaky fish that is marinated and grilled, then wrapped in warm tortillas. The mango salsa adds a sweet and spicy contrast, creating a delightful blend of flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb white fish fillets (like tilapia or mahi-mahi)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 ripe mango, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Sliced avocado and lime wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Fish: In a bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the fish fillets and coat well. Allow marinating for 20-30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Mango Salsa: In another bowl, mix together the diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt to taste and set aside.
  3. Grill the Fish: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated fish for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and flaky.
  4. Warm the Tortillas: While the fish grills, warm the tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds per side until soft.
  5. Assemble Tacos: Flake the grilled fish into bite-sized pieces and place in the warm tortillas. Top with mango salsa, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
  6. Serve: Enjoy your delicious Grilled Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa immediately, while the fish is still warm.

Cook and Prep Times

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: 320kcal
  • Fat: 10g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g

Brief Background

Grilled fish tacos are a coastal favorite, combining flaky, smoky fish with the bright, tropical sweetness of mango salsa.

Inspired by Baja-style street food, this dish is light, refreshing, and perfect for summer meals or beachside cookouts.


Grilling Tips or Variations

  • Choose firm fish: Mahi-mahi, cod, halibut, or tilapia work well and hold up on the grill.

  • Use foil or a fish basket: This prevents delicate fillets from breaking apart or sticking.

  • Oil the fish: Lightly coat with oil and seasoning to help prevent sticking and add flavor.

  • Grill over medium heat: Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily.

  • Let it rest: Allow the fish to sit for a couple of minutes before flaking it into taco portions.

Tasty Variations

  • Spice it up: Add chili powder, chipotle, or cayenne to the seasoning blend for extra heat.

  • Tortilla upgrade: Char corn tortillas directly on the grill for added smoky flavor.

  • Add crema: Top with a lime crema made from sour cream, lime juice, and garlic.

  • Mango mix-ins: Toss diced avocado, red bell pepper, or cucumber into the mango salsa.

  • Tropical slaw: Replace mango salsa with a pineapple slaw for a crunchy, sweet variation.


Suggested Sides and Drinks


Recommended Products


Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of fish works best for grilled fish tacos?
Firm white fish like mahi-mahi, cod, halibut, or tilapia are great options. They hold up well on the grill and have a mild flavor that pairs well with mango salsa.
2. How do I keep the fish from sticking to the grill?
Make sure the grill is clean and well-oiled. Also, brush the fish with oil before grilling and avoid flipping too early—let it naturally release when it’s ready.
3. Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, but thaw it completely and pat it dry before marinating or grilling. Excess moisture can affect texture and flavor.
4. What goes in the mango salsa?
Mango salsa typically includes diced mango, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice. You can also add avocado, bell pepper, or cucumber for variation.
5. What toppings go well with grilled fish tacos?
Besides mango salsa, try shredded cabbage, avocado, crema or sour cream, hot sauce, pickled onions, and fresh lime wedges.

Three grilled fish tacos with mango salsa are topped with purple cabbage and cilantro, displayed on a plate with lime wedges; text overlay reads “Grilled Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa.”.