Fish Tacos with Mango Slaw

in Cinco de Mayo, Lighter & Healthier, Mango, Mexican & TexMex, Seafood, Tilapia

Before I retired to the Mommy Sector, my day ended at 5pm (on a rare good day). I’d sit in traffic – because even against the flow, traffic in Houston always stinks. I’d get home, stand in front of an open the fridge, and then the real rush hour began – figuring out what to make for dinner, and then getting that on the table so we could eat before 8.

Simply Suppers is full of everyday dinner recipes: staple recipes that won’t take two hours to make. I picked one of the most involved recipes (30 minute marinating and 3 components) to start with and still finished the other two components before the fish was finished marinating.

The Foodie Groom doesn’t exactly jump at the chance to eat Fish Tacos. He likes fish but he often complains that about the fish being too dry and bland when he orders fish tacos out.

These fish tacos passed the Foodie Groom and Foodie Baby test. She dug the Mango Slaw (minus the jalapenos, of course) – crunchy red and green cabbage tossed with juicy mango and a citrusy dressing. He dug the fish – juicy tilapia marinated in lime juice and chili powder. I dug the avocado crema – a cool, creamy topping to round out the flavors. And we agreed that we’d put them on the menu again next week.

Fish Tacos with Mango Slaw

Juicy tilapia filets topped with a fresh, crunchy mango slaw.

Ingredients

  • For the Mango Slaw
  • 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage
  • 1 1/2 finely shredded red cabbage
  • 1 cup diced mango
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (about half a small onion)
  • 2 Tbsp seeded and chopped fresh jalapeno
  • 3 Tbsp fresh lime juice, plus more to taste
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & Pepper
  • Small handful chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
  • For the Avocado Crema
  • 1 large avocado, peeled, pitted, and coarsely chopped
  • 2 Tbsp lime juice, plus more to taste
  • 2 heaping Tbsp sour cream ( used plain greek yogurt)
  • Salt & pepper
  • For the Fish Tacos
  • 1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 4 tilapia filets
  • Salt & pepper
  • 8 small tortillas
  • 8 lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large zipper bag, add 1/4 cup olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and chili powder. Squish to mix. Add tilapia filets and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Make the mango slaw and avocado crema while you wait.
  2. Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove the fish from the bag and discard marinade. Season filets with salt and pepper.
  3. Cook the fish 3-5 minutes on each side, until nicely browned and the fish is just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and break into large pieces.
  4. To make the mango slaw, combine cabbages, mango, red onion, and jalapeno in a bowl. Toss with olive oil and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper. Fold in the cilantro just before serving.
  5. To make the avocado crema, place the avocado, 2 Tbsp sour cream, lime juice in a blender and puree. Add additional sour cream if necessary. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Place half a filet on each tortilla, topped with mango slaw, drizzled with avocado crema, a lime wedge, and additional cilantro.

Quick Notes

Need a shortcut? Pick up a package of pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw. I'm a big fan of lime, I always add more to taste.

Notes

Yields: 4-6 servings

Adapted from: Simply Suppers

Estimated time: 45 minutes

219 comments… add one
  • fish and mangoes!! never tried this before.

  • What a fabulous taco! A wonderful combination of favors. Yummy!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

  • Kate

    I love the addition of the mango too! We will definitely try these. Thanks!

  • Stephanie

    Yum! These sound wonderful–thanks!

  • Margaret

    Looks tasty!

  • Lindsay

    Sounds like a great cookbook!

  • The colors in those tacos are fabulous! Can’t wait to give it a whirl!

  • Madeline

    The tacos look delicious! And the cookbook sounds great!

  • Ooo, that recipe and cookbook sound like winners!

  • Nikki

    those look incredible!

  • That napkin is so cute and funky 🙂

  • Sign me up for a simple cookbook…As much as I like a challenge in the kitchen I also appreciate the simple things too.

    And on a note about fish tacos…i wander if the bland issue associated with fish tacos has more to do with the shell than the fish. Most fish tacos (from restaurants- anyway…that i’ve had) are given in a soft corn tortilla, which, if not done right, can overpower the taste of everything else inside the taco. These however look delightful!

  • Jessie

    I love fish tacos and these look great!

  • Alicia at Aligirl Cooks

    I love making fish tacos! I’ll have to try this mango slaw next time I make them.

  • Hilary Baldwin

    I LOVE fish tacos and the avacado crema with mango slaw sounds like a wonderful pairing! I hope to win the cookbook since it my anniversary Monday and would love to make this for my hubby!

  • SuzyQ

    I have yet to try a fish taco…these look yummy!

  • Stephanie

    The cookbook looks exciting–who doesn’t love a tasty but simple meal?

  • Cheryl

    I would love some help with supper ideas. This book sounds great!

  • Sarah R

    They look like something you would get in a restaurant, but by the sounds of it are even better! Yum!

  • It would be great to cook from a book instead of from a blog for once!

  • Megan

    These look wonderful!

  • Mmm, they look delicious!

  • Anna

    mmm, these look delicious!

  • Om nom nom. These sound delicious! Perfect summer porch dinner. Thanks for sharing!

  • these look great! fish tacos are an all-time favorite at our house! we make it all the time! the best one i ever had was at some hole-in-the wall in san diego! nearly 10years since i had it at that place and i’ve never stopped drooling thinking about it!!

  • Megan

    Love the colors. Looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it!!

  • Laura

    These look fantastic. I’ve been looking for a good fish taco recipe because its my boyfriend’s favorite food. I will definitely be trying these

  • Amanda

    These look wonderful!

  • Lindsey

    I love mango salsa on my fish, so naturally this sounds amazing to me!

  • I have never been a big seafood eater, but these may change my mind.

  • Your photos are gorge! I love fish tacos and these look amazing. Anything with mangos in it is extra points with me. This mango slaw looks so fresh and delicious. I also posted a fish taco recipe recently from food and wine magazine that has a cabbage slaw and lime guacamole if you want to check it out on my blog!

  • Bridget

    Sounds yummy 🙂

  • I just bought some tilapia on Sunday and I can’t wait to try this recipe!

  • Jason

    I don’t really eat fish, but I love mangos.

  • Chris M.

    Thanks for the great recipe and giveaway.

  • This recipe sounds delicious! We LOVE mangos!!

  • Jessica H.

    Yum! Add a big margarita and I’m set. I can’t wait to try this out on the next nice weather day.

  • Jeanne ODonnell

    I have never tried fish tacos, but I love fish! Go figure!

  • Catherine

    Yummy! Was hoping for a new fun fish recipe for Friday!

  • Simply Suppers sounds like the perfect cookbook for my life. I’m looking forward to checking it out.

  • Morgan

    Love Love LOVE Fish Tacos! Can’t wait to try this recipe!!!!

  • Anna M

    I love fish tacos with my entire being! 🙂

  • tiff

    Fish tacos are one of my favorite foods! These look really good.

  • Bethany in Boone

    I LOVE fish tacos.

  • Wendy

    I love fish tacos!

  • Amy P.

    Those tacos look so beautiful and fresh!

  • Carissa

    Simple, quick meals are a necessity in our house for sure. I’m often lucky if I’m leaving work before 7, so something that goes from fridge to table in under 45 minutes is perfect! Those fish tacos look awesome. Yum!

  • Liesel

    I love love love quick recipes for the weeknight. I am often home after 5 or 6 so this would be great! I can’t get the husby to eat fish, but I would enjoy these on a rare bachelorette night. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Tiersa McQueen

    Anything on a tortilla tastes good to me!

  • I could definitely use some quick and delicious dinner recipes!

  • Kari

    I have heard people rave about fish tacos but I still haven’t tried them yet. They look delish!

  • These look delicious! I have only made fish tacos at home once before, and have been wanting to make them again. This recipe is definitely going in my meal plan in the very near future. (And, I love the colorful napkin in your photos!)

  • Ohhh yeah, we’ve driven through Houston several times now on our relocations, and the traffic IS bad — at all times of the day it seems. Atlanta is just as bad, and oddly, even is the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. I would sit in the Mpls-SP traffic for an hour or more on a route that should’ve taken me 15 minutes, if that. Looks like you made out alright! With fish tacos (and avocado crema!) to boot.

    Cheers,

    *Heather*

  • Amy

    Looks delicious! And great for spring or summer

  • Julie R

    I love fish tacos. I can’t wait to try this new recipe.

  • Yum! I’ve always been afraid to try fish tacos, but these look really great!

  • Jamie

    Those sound delicious!!!

  • Jessa

    Everything about these tacos sounds great, and here in the midwest tilapia is easily available and affordable, so I’m always looking for ways to use it.

  • kelly c

    i love fish tacos, but have not had mango salsa – will DEF try this!

  • Deanna D.

    We love fish tacos! I’ll have to try these!

  • Those look yummy! And.. I am always looking for a good taco recipe!

  • Franci

    I love fish tacos! I need to try it with this mango salsa…

  • I love fish tacos!

  • valerie

    These tacos looks scrumptious! Thanks for the great dinner idea!

  • Christine J

    That looks so delicious! I’ve got to get around to trying mango salsa.

  • Jynielle

    These look great! Me and my husband have been getting fish tacos lately when we dine out! Thanks for the giveaway offers!

  • Karen

    The cookbook looks awesome!

  • Allyson

    Yum! Fish tacos! Sounds amazing!

  • Christina

    We love fish tacos around here – I’m excited to have a fresh recipe! Thanks!

    And Simple Suppers?? YES PLEASE! 🙂
    christina(dot)francisco(at)gmail(dot)com

  • Mmm, fish tacos!

    And as an aside, I love that napkin!

  • Hayley

    Love the combination of fish and fruit salsa!

  • Beth G

    We are always looking for new, quick things to make when we get home from work, this book sounds perfect!

  • Yum! I bet my picky fish eating hubby would like these too : )

  • Cynthia

    Looks yummy!

  • Carol Davis

    I LOVE fish tacos!!

    I’m a little jealous of you not having to deal with Houston traffic anymore. I’m still in it daily!

  • Alyson

    Not a big fish taco fan myself, but these sound so good!!!

  • Susan M. Bell

    This looks so good. I tried avocados for the first time a couple years ago, and I am so hooked. Can’t wait to try the avocado crema for sure. Yummy.

  • Jennifer Evans

    I have fish tacos on my menu for this week- I will try these. I love fish tacos but haven’t found
    a favorite in H-town- Where is your favorite place to eat them?

  • Those look AMAZING! Can’t wait to try them for dinner this week 🙂

  • Rachel M

    Looks great! 😀

  • Oh my goodness. That looks incredible. Definitely going to try this with the tilapia I just purchased!

  • Stephanie

    Houston traffic is awful! I love me fish tacos.

  • Liss Vasquez

    Looks delish!

  • Beth

    With an 8 month old and a work day that doesn’t end until 6 this is exactly the kind of book I need!! I’ll start with these tacos for now. 🙂

  • Looks great! Think I will have to put these on the menu for next week.

  • Danielle

    Fish tacos are one of my favorite things to make! So easy but with so much potential to be absolutely delicious. Big Star in Chicago makes some of the best tacos. Mmmmmm.

  • Jennifer

    Yum! I’m tempted to cheat and use HEB mango pico de gallo, but this looks so yummy!

  • Kate H.

    I have been hesitant to try fish tacos, but I might have try these. They sound delicious.

  • Sarah

    I need to try these! And I’d love one of those cookbooks.

  • I’m not a fan of fish, but the mango slaw sounds amazing! The cookbook sounds like one that would get a lot of use around my house! 🙂

  • Thao

    i’ve been looking for a new cookbook!! this fish tacos look delicious!!!!!! can’t wait to try it out for me and the bf! =)

  • Erica

    Mmm yum! Such a creative combination…love the addition of avocado crema!

  • Jessica

    We adore fish tacos in our household. Very toddler friendly too. We like to make a zesty sauce to top the tacos for some added kick.

  • I’ve never made fish tacos. I think these will be on my to-make list!

  • Meg L.

    My husband and I have the same problem. By the time I’m home from work, and we’ve gone for our run (before sunset), we usually are too lazy/don’t have the time to cook a real meal. This is very exciting!

  • Lovey

    Now I know what to do with that fish in the refrigerator. Looks yummy!

  • Looks wonderful. I’m excited to try it!

  • Dakota Campbell

    YUM!

  • Karen

    Would love to win a cookbook!

  • Mmm, those look fantastic! I always order fish tacos when I see them on menus but I’ve never made them myself. The avocado crema might convince me to try it!

  • banana

    I love fish tacos!! I however, have never tried them with a Mango Slaw – – this recipe looks delicious and screams warm weather 🙂

  • Elaine

    And I hate eating supper too late on a week/work day!

  • Pam R

    Yum! These look delicious!

  • Oh, I LOVE fish tacos! I made them last year for my birthday…the mango slaw sounds amazing! And who wouldn’t want a go-to source for quick weeknight dinners?

  • That is a gorgeous taco!

  • Krissy

    We had fish tacos for dinner last night. I love them! These sound absolutely delicious!

  • yum! I’ve actually never had a fish taco, but these look delicious!

  • Kaili

    Yum, yum, yum!! Have got to try these!

  • I want these tacos for breakfast, right now!!! They look so colorful and delicious.

  • The idea of fish tacos really weirded me out until my husband convinced me to actually try one. Soooo good!

  • jen

    those look great! I would love a cookbook of easy meals! I like to cook but I don’t have much time with a toddler running (and climbing) around!

  • Annette D

    Fish tacos are one of my favorite things to eat! YUM!

  • Fish tacos are one of my absolute favorite meals, and these look just fantastic! I love the avocado crema, sounds like it would be so refreshing! What a perfect spring meal.

  • Julie Gobin

    I’m always trying to incorporate fish in our dinner rotation. . .this sound delish!

  • Savannah S.

    Yum! I’m not a big fan of Mexican food but these look great!

  • Now I’m hungry! Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Tayler

    looks so yummy! i love mangos

  • Susan Smith

    Never tried fish tacos, but these look delicious!

  • Brittany W.

    Love cookbooks! Can never have enough. Those fish tacos look amazing, too!!

  • Nikki

    Love, love, love fish tacos!

  • These look really amazing. Before I saw this post, I was toying with the idea of doing something similar with Shrimp. This looks amazing and now I am more than tempted to try this! These look so good! Can’t wait to try this.

  • catie

    yum!! can’t wait to see who wins!

    catiejoy (at) gmail (dot) com

  • Anne-Marie

    Yum. I have never made fish tacos at home before but will have to try.

  • simple sounds fantastic!

  • Erin

    I love mango!

  • Jordan

    fish taco’s are my fav!

  • Alicia Osland

    I’m so excited to try the mango slaw, especially since it’s so fresh tasting! Thank you for posting this recipe!!

  • Amanda

    we need quick supper ideas now that I’ve entered the mommy of two sector!

  • I love mango salsa! I put it on chicken and fish! Add avocados and it’s great on pork chops too!

  • Kelly

    These look amazing! I’m always so afraid to make fish, but this just might be my breaking point.

  • Angela S.

    I can see this book being a godsend – cooking something complicated after a long day of dance is not super realistic haha

  • Katie B

    Yum! I’m not normally a fan of fish, but I think I’m going to have to try these!

  • I love to do fish tacos – my husband will actually eat fish this way!

  • seedless grape

    I love fish tacos. I’ll have to try this recipe!

  • Heather E

    I’d love a copy of the book. The recipe looks yummy too!

  • Yasmine

    These tacos look wonderful! would love to try them soon!

  • Ramona Kintz

    The taco looks great. Sign me up for the book. Would like to see what other marvels the book has. Love simple.

  • Jill

    cant wait to make these for dinner tonight!!!!!!!!!!

  • Lauren

    My 7 yr old finally started eating fish….. Will have to try this.

  • Mellybrown

    Hmmm. Looks so good! Those tortillas look really good too — are they store bought or homemade?

  • Denise

    I can’t wait to try these! I’ve never bought a mango in my life, but I will be for this recipe!

  • Cherise

    Never actually tried any fish tacos but sounds like a great idea for the grumbling ones who will gobble up anything they can’t see ^^

  • Leah

    Sounds amazing!

  • Betsy

    Love fish tacos!!! They are my absolute favorite!

  • Julie

    I love fish tacos! Never tried them with mango. Sounds amazing.

  • My husband loves fish tacos! Great pics as always!

  • Theresa

    I’ve never tried fish tacos, but see recipes for them ALL THE TIME. I really should try something new!

    Thank you for the giveaway!

  • Those look delicious! I hope I win!

  • TJ

    Looks delicious!

  • Caitlin

    can’t wait to try these. my husband won’t touch anything avocado… I hope his are still tasty!

  • Janice Jung

    omg…fish tacos AND avocado crema??? Love it!!

  • Wow these tacos look amazing! I definitely don’t have time during the work week to make elaborate dinners. What a great cookbook!

  • Emily Holm

    This recipe would be great with corn and bean salsa (i.e., can of corn, can of black beans, chopped tomoatoes, avacado, red onion, garlic, hot sauce, and tons of red wine vinegar). I love the recipe because it’s so easy – I don’t even measure my ingredients. I taste and taste until I get it right.

  • This recipe looks great! We love fish at our house, so we will sure be trying this soon!

  • Allison C

    Looks yummy! Can’t wait to test it out.

  • Danelle Manship

    I have always been scared of fish tacos but these make me want to try them. They look delish!

  • Sara

    I love fish tacos and order them at restaurants and make them at home!

  • Amy Martindale

    Planning on trying this soon! Thanks!

  • Amanda

    Those look very yummy! I want to make all the recipes.

  • That looks delicious! We LOVE fish tacos!

  • These look like they taste like summer. And what’s better than something that TASTES LIKE SUMMER?!?!? Other than summer itself, of course. Nothing. Love it!

  • Cassie

    Those look so good!

  • Audrey

    I love fish tacos, I will have to try these!

  • Emily O.

    Looks like a great cookbook from this & the reviews on Amazon!

  • Oo! I love mango! This sounds so good!

  • That looks delicious!

  • Maggie M

    sounds yummy! mangos are my favorite

  • Looks absolutely scrumptious! We love fish tacos, will definitely have to try the mango salsa!

  • Ann Grismore

    I love mangos and tilapia but hadn’t thought of putting them together before. I’m excited to try this!

  • Katrina

    This looks exactly like some fish tacos I had in Mexico on my honeymoon. Definitely different than the ones I usually make. Curious how the spice level is on these.

  • My husband loooves fish tacos. I may have to try making these for him one day soon.

  • Jen C.

    I love mango slaw! This one looks amazing.

  • Yan

    Mango slaw looks amazing!

  • Patty

    Sounds delicious!!!

  • Jeanne in Toledo

    I collect cookbooks and read them like novels…sure would love to add one of these to my collection!!!

  • I love fish tacos – but have a hard time finding good fresh fish in CO.

  • Michelle N.

    Wow! Those look yummy! I’ve been looking for a different recipe for fish that was unique. Thanks!

  • Debbie L

    I love fish tacos. Don’t we all need a quick supper once in a while.

  • Alex

    I am always looking for a good fish taco recipe, Canada isn’t exactly a goldmine for excellent Mexican!

  • I love a good fish taco. Haven’t made them in our house in a while, so I might have to give this recipe a shot!

  • My husband LOVES fish tacos and I have been searching for a great recipe, fate have it there is a ripe mango hanging out on my counter I need to use.. totally making these tonight! Thanks for the recipe!

  • Tracy

    This recipe looks great and I love your website.

  • Delilah

    This looks great! Beautiful colors and a nice, light recipe for Spring & Summer. Can’t wait to try it!

  • Kelly

    The fish tacos look delicious. I ‘m a mango lover, so I’d love to try the mango salsa.

  • Lindsey

    Looks like the perfect summer meal!

  • Jennie

    I just recently combined pineapple and leftover mango into a salsa–so tasty! Now I want to try it on fish tacos!

  • I’ve been thinking I should try something fruity in fish tacos. I’ll have to pick up a mango next time I make some.

  • Cathy

    These look great!!!! I can’t wait to try them…..

  • Stephanie

    Looks wonderful. Delicious flavors, textures and colors all married together!

  • Sounds like a perfect dinner to get me in the mood for summer!

  • paige c

    yum. i am going to make these tomorrow night!

  • Marci

    I’ve been looking for a fish taco receipe, and this one looks amazing! Thanks for heads up on the cookbook too.

  • The tacos sound delish, of course, but I also want to say I really love that napkin 🙂

    • @Cara, I’ve gotten several comments on the “napkin.” It’s actually a piece of fabric that my husband found in the remnant bin at Joann’s. (And how luck am I that my husband knows where the fabric store is *and* what a remnant bin is?!). I have great plans to actually sew it into a napkin one day 🙂

  • Grace

    Sounds like a great cookbook!

  • Paul

    Looks tasty! Will have to enjoy these outside on the patio (if it ever stops raining here). I think I’ll grill the fish though! Thanks for the idea!

  • Lindsey Kay

    Oh my goodness. I am getting married in June and would love to have an easy book of quick recipes to feed my new Husband!! 🙂

  • I love fish tacos! And I love how colorful this recipe is!

  • Fish-love it! Tacos-my favorite! Mangos-Yum! Looks awesome!!! Can’t wait to try….when I can eat solid food again. Braces are no fun 🙁

  • oooh i LOVE the salsa!

  • I made tilapia tacos the other night and they were delicious!

  • Yum! Hoping the warmer weather inspires more light recipes in our kitchen.

  • Mandy

    Yum! We are big fans of fish tacos…kids gobble them up!

  • I tried this last night and it was fantastic. I liked the fish in the tacos with the avocado crema and the mango slaw but the fish stands very well on its own as well! Thanks for sharing this recipe. My family loved it.

  • Chris Magee

    These look so good! Recipe saved and on my list of things to try! 🙂

  • Kristina

    Wow those tacos look amazing! I just found your blog today but I think I will be coming back to it many times 🙂

  • Stumbled across your site today! An adaptation of these are a staple in our house. I had not thought about mangos though. Delicious! From one Texan to another “Howdy!” 🙂

  • Hannah V

    Yum! Love the pictures!

  • Christina

    I looove fish tacos! I can’t wait to try this recipe.

  • Ronda

    Can’t wait to try these!

  • Jenn

    Sounds delish!!!

  • Emily

    Yum!!!

  • Jocelyn

    These look fantastic! Glad I caught this before the deadline to enter, too! Thanks!

  • I have some tilapia that needs to be used. I’m making this tomorrow!

  • those tortillas look so good, did you make them or are they store bought?

    • @Brooke – those are whole wheat tortillas that I picked up from the deli at my grocery store. They make them fresh every day around noon – their whole wheat tortillas taste better than mine.

  • Made this recipe for dinner tonight and they were so tasty! YUM! The slaw is definitely the star of this recipe and I wouldn’t mind having it as a side dish to… well, just about anything 🙂 It was REALLY good. Perfect balance of flavors! Also, I took your suggestion and used a bagged coleslaw mix as a short cut.

    Thanks so much for a super yummy and easy recipe!

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