Mango Salsa Grilled Fish Tacos (Printable)

Light grilled fish topped with tangy mango salsa in crisp lettuce shells for a fresh, healthy dish.

# Ingredient list:

→ Fish

01 - 1.1 lb white fish fillets (tilapia, cod, or halibut)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
09 - Juice of 1 lime

→ Mango Salsa

10 - 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced
11 - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
12 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
13 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
15 - Juice of 1 lime
16 - Salt to taste

→ Lettuce Shells and Assembly

17 - 8 large crisp lettuce leaves (romaine, butter, or iceberg)
18 - 1 small avocado, sliced
19 - Extra lime wedges for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the fish fillets. Allow to marinate for 10 minutes while preparing the salsa.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine diced mango, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Season with salt to taste and set aside.
03 - Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the marinated fish fillets on the hot grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the flesh becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat and allow to rest for 2 minutes. Gently flake the fish into bite-sized pieces using a fork.
04 - Arrange lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Divide the grilled fish evenly among the lettuce shells. Top each with mango salsa and avocado slices. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Fish cooks in under 10 minutes, so you're eating before hunger gets real.
  • The mango salsa is bright enough that you won't crave salt or cream to feel satisfied.
  • Lettuce shells mean zero guilt and somehow taste more fun than traditional tortillas.
  • This hits that sweet spot where indulgent feeling and actually-good-for-you collide.
02 -
  • Overcooked fish is dry fish—the moment it looks opaque and flakes, pull it off the heat, because carryover cooking will keep it going.
  • Your mango salsa can sit in the fridge for up to 4 hours before serving, which means you can prep it earlier and feel ahead of the game at dinner time.
03 -
  • Pat your fish completely dry before seasoning—this small step is what separates a sad, steamed fillet from one with an actual crust.
  • Buy your fish the same day you plan to cook it, and if the smell seems off at all, trust your nose and pick something else.
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