Coconut Lime Tilapia with Mango Salsa
Coconut-lime tilapia is an easy yet satisfying dish that combines the bright, sweet flavors of tropical fruit with the delicate flavor of tilapia, making it a perfect meal for a hot summer day. The fish is marinated in a mixture of coconut milk, lime juice, and lime zest, which infuses it with a subtle tropical flavor. After marinating, the tilapia is pan-seared until cooked through, and then topped with a vibrant mango salsa. The salsa is made with diced mango, red onion, red bell pepper, and cilantro, and it adds a perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and crunch to the dish. Served together, the coconut-lime tilapia and mango salsa create a flavor combination that is both refreshing and satisfying.
The origins of this dish can be traced back to the bustling markets of Southeast Asia, where vendors would grill fresh tilapia over open flames and serve it with a variety of tropical fruit salsas. Over time, the dish made its way to the shores of the United States, where it quickly became a favorite among home cooks and restaurant chefs alike. Today, coconut-lime tilapia with mango salsa is a staple of many tropical-themed menus, and it is a dish that is sure to please everyone who tries it.
Coconut Lime Tilapia with Mango Salsa Coconut Lime Tilapia with Mango Salsa Coconut Lime Tilapia with Mango Salsa Coconut Lime Tilapia with Mango Salsa
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 10 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 4 tilapia fillets
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1 lime, juiced and zested
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 mango, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
  1. In a bowl, combine coconut milk, lime juice, and lime zest. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Marinate tilapia fillets in the coconut lime mixture for 30 minutes.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix diced mango, red onion, red bell pepper, cilantro, and shredded coconut to make the salsa.
  4. Heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  5. Cook marinated tilapia fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side, until cooked through.
  6. Serve tilapia topped with mango salsa.
  7. Enjoy the tropical flavors of coconut lime tilapia with mango salsa!
Why It Works
  • The marinade infuses the tilapia with a subtle tropical flavor, which is complemented by the bright, sweet flavors of the mango salsa.
  • Searing the tilapia until cooked through creates a crispy exterior, while the interior remains moist and flaky.
  • The mango salsa adds a perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and crunch to the dish.