When the sun starts shining a bit brighter and the air fills with the promise of summer, my thoughts always drift to vibrant, fresh meals that celebrate the season. This Blackened Tilapia with Mango Salsa is a perfect match for those sunny days, bringing together the bold flavors of Cajun spices and the sweet, juicy notes of ripe mango. Imagine the sizzle of tilapia fillets hitting the skillet, complemented by a refreshing salsa that dances on your taste buds.
Whether you’re looking to impress friends at a gathering or simply want to enjoy a delicious homemade dinner after a busy day, this dish is both quick and crowd-pleasing. With just 25 minutes from prep to plate, you can savor a meal that’s as delightful in flavor as it is in presentation. So, let’s get cooking and bring the taste of summer to your table with this delightful recipe!
Why You'll Love This Blackened Tilapia with Mango Salsa
- This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, with just 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The bold flavors of the blackened seasoning combined with the sweet, refreshing mango salsa create a delicious explosion of taste that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
- Its versatility allows you to serve it as a main dish or as part of a vibrant summer feast with friends and family.
- Visually, this dish is stunning, with the beautiful colors of the mango salsa contrasting beautifully against the dark, seasoned tilapia, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Blackened Tilapia with Mango Salsa Ingredients
Discover the fresh ingredients that bring this dish to life!
For the Fish
- Tilapia fillets – 4 fillets, a mild fish that soaks up flavors beautifully.
- Blackening seasoning – 2 tablespoons, for a spicy kick that’s essential to the blackened tilapia experience.
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon, to help the fish brown perfectly while keeping it juicy.
For the Salsa
- Ripe mango – 1, diced; its sweetness balances the spicy fish beautifully.
- Red onion – 1/2, diced; for a touch of sharpness and color variation in the salsa.
- Jalapeno – 1, minced; adds a subtle heat that elevates the whole dish.
- Cilantro – 1/4 cup, chopped; enhances the freshness of the salsa and ties the flavors together.
- Lime juice – Juice of 1 lime; brightens up the salsa with its zesty flavor.
- Salt – to taste; enhances all the ingredients while making the dish pop.
Enjoy preparing this delightful Blackened Tilapia with Mango Salsa that’s sure to impress!
How to Make Blackened Tilapia with Mango Salsa
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Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat, reaching a nice temperature that will give the fish a beautiful char. This step is crucial for that perfect blackened crust!
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Rub the tilapia fillets with olive oil, which helps the seasoning stick. Generously coat each fillet with the blackening seasoning, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
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Cook the tilapia for 4-5 minutes on each side, until the fish is blackened and cooked through. Look for a lovely crust and a flaky texture to ensure it’s done.
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Combine mango, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl to create the salsa. Stir gently to blend the flavors, and experience the delightful aroma that fills the air!
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Serve the delicious blackened tilapia topped generously with mango salsa. Enjoy each colorful layer of flavor that makes this dish a true delight!
Optional: Garnish with extra cilantro for an added touch of freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Blackened Tilapia with Mango Salsa are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the mango salsa up to 3 days in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and prevent browning. Simply dice the mango, chop the red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and mix them with lime juice and salt, then refrigerate overnight for the flavors to meld beautifully. For the tilapia, rub the fillets with olive oil and blackening seasoning and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply grill or pan-sear the tilapia for 4-5 minutes on each side, and top with the chilled mango salsa for a deliciously easy and flavorful meal that feels fresh and vibrant without the last-minute rush!
Blackened Tilapia Variations
Feel free to make this dish your own with these delightful twists!
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Spicy Twist: Add more cayenne pepper to the blackening seasoning for an extra kick that will tantalize your taste buds.
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Fruit Fusion: Try swapping the mango with diced pineapple or peach for a sweet, tropical flair that brings a new character to the dish. It’s a vibrant way to celebrate summer!
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Herb Upgrade: Experiment with fresh basil or mint in the salsa for a refreshing minty twist that brightens every bite and awakens your senses.
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Dairy Delight: Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy, tangy balance that complements the spicy fish beautifully.
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some toasted almonds or pistachios over the salsa to add a delightful crunch that contrasts with the softness of the tilapia and salsa. It creates a delightful texture variation!
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Vegetable Boost: Include diced avocado in the salsa for a rich creaminess that pairs beautifully with the heat of the jalapeno.
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Citrus Splash: Replace lime juice with orange juice for a sweeter acidity that adds a new layer of flavor and a bright color to the salsa.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute the blackening seasoning with your favorite gluten-free spice mix, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy this tasty dish without worry!
How to Store and Freeze Blackened Tilapia with Mango Salsa
Fridge: Store the blackened tilapia and mango salsa separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: Freeze the blackened tilapia in a tightly sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the mango salsa, as the texture will change upon thawing.
Reheating: Reheat the tilapia gently in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy the freshness of the mango salsa cold.
Prep for Future Meals: Consider preparing extra blackened tilapia to have on hand for quick meals. It can easily be paired with salads or in tacos!
What to Serve with Blackened Tilapia with Mango Salsa?
Bring the vibrant taste of summer to your table by complementing your blackened tilapia with delightful side dishes!
- Coconut Rice: The creaminess of coconut rice pairs beautifully with the spicy flavors of the tilapia, adding a touch of tropical flair.
- Grilled Asparagus: Crunchy, smoky asparagus makes for a fantastic contrast to the tender fish and adds a nutritious green element.
- Refried Black Beans: Earthy black beans lend a hearty texture that balances the lightness of the tilapia, creating a satisfying meal.
- Avocado Salad: A fresh, zesty avocado salad with lime and tomatoes brings additional brightness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn served alongside the fish evokes nostalgic summer dinners and adds a tasty crunch.
- Mango Mojito: Sip on a refreshing mango mojito as a delightful drink pairing, complementing the salsa with its tropical notes.
- Key Lime Pie: Finish your meal with a tangy slice of key lime pie that echoes the citrus elements of the salsa for a perfect sweet ending.
Each pairing enriches your dining experience, bringing out the best in every bite of your blackened tilapia!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the Blackened Tilapia with Mango Salsa, always preheat your grill or skillet to ensure the fillets develop a perfect char and crust.
- When rubbing the tilapia with olive oil and seasoning, make sure to coat it evenly to maximize flavor in every bite.
- Avoid overcooking the fish; it should be flaky and opaque, typically taking around 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- For the salsa, use ripe mango to balance the spice of the blackening seasoning, and don’t hesitate to adjust the jalapeno based on your desired heat level.
Blackened Tilapia with Mango Salsa Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe mangoes for the salsa?
Absolutely! When selecting mangoes, look for ones that are slightly soft to the touch, which indicates ripeness. They should have a fragrant smell at the stem and their skin may show a bit of color variation. If you see green spots, it’s a sign they’re not fully ripe yet. Aim for vibrant yellow-orange mangoes for the sweetest flavor!
How long can I store leftovers of Blackened Tilapia with Mango Salsa?
Very! Store the blackened tilapia and mango salsa separately in airtight containers. The tilapia will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, while the salsa can last about the same. To enjoy the best taste and texture, eat your leftovers sooner than later!
Can I freeze the blackened tilapia?
Of course! To freeze the blackened tilapia, allow it to cool completely, then place it in a tightly sealed freezer bag. Ensure to press out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It should keep well for up to 2 months. For the best taste, always label your bags with the date!
What should I do if my tilapia isn’t cooking evenly?
No worries! If your tilapia fillets aren’t cooking evenly, it might be because they’re too thick or the heat is not consistent. Ensure your skillet is well preheated before adding the fish. If you see dark spots or charring, carefully reduce the heat to medium and cook the fish gently, flipping only when it easily releases from the pan—this will keep its lovely crust intact.
Is this dish safe for those with shellfish allergies?
Absolutely! This Blackened Tilapia with Mango Salsa is entirely shellfish-free, making it safe for individuals with shellfish allergies. Always double-check the ingredients in your blackening seasoning for potential allergens, but rest assured, this meal is a delicious, allergy-friendly option!
Can I use different types of fish for this recipe?
Very much so! While tilapia is a fantastic choice for its mild flavor, you can swap in other firm white fish like catfish, mahi-mahi, or snapper. Just be aware that thicker fillets may require a bit more cooking time. Follow the same seasoning and cooking method, and enjoy a delicious variation!
Equipment
- skillet
- grill
Ingredients
For the Fish
- 4 fillets Tilapia a mild fish that soaks up flavors beautifully
- 2 tablespoons Blackening seasoning for a spicy kick that's essential to the blackened tilapia experience
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil to help the fish brown perfectly while keeping it juicy
For the Salsa
- 1 Ripe mango diced; its sweetness balances the spicy fish beautifully
- 1/2 Red onion diced; for a touch of sharpness and color variation in the salsa
- 1 Jalapeno minced; adds a subtle heat that elevates the whole dish
- 1/4 cup Cilantro chopped; enhances the freshness of the salsa and ties the flavors together
- 1 Lime juice juice of 1 lime; brightens up the salsa with its zesty flavor
- Salt to taste; enhances all the ingredients while making the dish pop
Instructions
Steps
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat, reaching a nice temperature that will give the fish a beautiful char. This step is crucial for that perfect blackened crust!
- Rub the tilapia fillets with olive oil, which helps the seasoning stick. Generously coat each fillet with the blackening seasoning, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Cook the tilapia for 4-5 minutes on each side, until the fish is blackened and cooked through. Look for a lovely crust and a flaky texture to ensure it’s done.
- Combine mango, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl to create the salsa. Stir gently to blend the flavors, and experience the delightful aroma that fills the air!
- Serve the delicious blackened tilapia topped generously with mango salsa. Enjoy each colorful layer of flavor that makes this dish a true delight!
