Imagine a dish that transforms your ordinary dinner into a vibrant culinary escape – where delicate, perfectly seared tilapia meets a bright, zesty mango salsa that literally bursts with flavor in every single bite! This Mexican-inspired recipe is not just a meal; it's a quick, healthy, and absolutely mouthwatering experience that will transport you to a sunny beach with just one forkful. Whether you're a seafood lover or looking to impress dinner guests with minimal effort, this Tilapia with Mango Salsa is about to become your new go-to recipe.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the mango salsa first by combining diced mango, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, and fresh lime juice in a medium bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and mix well. Set aside to let flavors meld while preparing the fish.
- Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better sear and prevents steaming.
- Season both sides of the tilapia fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat the pan.
- Once the pan is hot, carefully place the seasoned tilapia fillets into the skillet. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden brown and edges start to turn opaque.
- Gently flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side, or until the fish is completely cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove tilapia from the pan and transfer to serving plates. Top each fillet generously with the prepared mango salsa.
- Garnish with additional fresh cilantro leaves if desired. Serve immediately while the fish is hot and the salsa is fresh.
Tips
- Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry before cooking to ensure a golden, crispy exterior. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear!
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for the best fish-cooking results. The right pan prevents sticking and helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color.
- Don't overcrowd the pan – cook the tilapia in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and prevent steaming.
- For the freshest salsa, prepare it just before serving. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Choose a ripe but firm mango for the best texture and sweetness in your salsa.
- If you're sensitive to heat, remove the jalapeño seeds to reduce the spiciness while maintaining flavor.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the fish at its most tender and the salsa at its freshest.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 74kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 15mg
