Grilled Fish with Tartar Sauce and Mango Salsa is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the smokiness of grilled fish with the creamy richness of tartar sauce and the fresh, zesty sweetness of mango salsa. This dish brings together a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet elements that make it both light and satisfying. The grilled fish fillets, seasoned simply with salt and pepper, serve as a canvas for the bold flavors of the accompanying sauces. The tartar sauce adds a creamy texture with a hint of tang from pickles, capers, and lemon, while the mango salsa brings a refreshing tropical twist with its mix of sweet mango, crisp red onion, and fragrant cilantro. Whether served for a casual weeknight meal or at a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to impress and please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Grilled Fish with Tartar Sauce and Mango Salsa is an ideal choice for anyone who enjoys fresh, light, and flavorful meals. The combination of the smoky grilled fish, creamy tartar sauce, and sweet and tangy mango salsa creates a truly irresistible dish. It’s quick to make, taking only 20 minutes from start to finish, and it’s a great option for a healthy yet satisfying meal. The mango salsa adds a vibrant pop of color and flavor, making this dish visually appealing as well as delicious. Plus, it’s highly customizable: you can adjust the amount of lemon juice, pickles, or capers in the tartar sauce, and modify the spiciness or sweetness of the mango salsa based on your preferences. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for outdoor barbecues, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving a flavorful yet light dish.
Ingredients
For the Grilled Fish:
- White fish fillets
- Salt and pepper
For the Tartar Sauce:
- Mayonnaise
- Chopped pickles
- Capers
- Lemon juice
For the Mango Salsa:
- Mango, diced
- Red onion, diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt
Variations
- Spicy salsa: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of chili flakes to the mango salsa to introduce some heat.
- Different fish: You can substitute white fish with other types of fish like salmon, tilapia, or snapper.
- Add avocado: For extra creaminess, add some diced avocado to the mango salsa.
- Herb swap: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can use parsley or basil as an alternative.
- Tarter sauce alternative: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier version of tartar sauce.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to cook the fish evenly.
Step 2: Season the Fish
Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper, ensuring they are coated evenly on both sides.
Step 3: Grill the Fish
Place the fish fillets on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 4: Make the Tartar Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, chopped pickles, capers, and lemon juice to make the tartar sauce. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Prepare the Mango Salsa
In another bowl, combine the diced mango, red onion, chopped cilantro, and salt to make the mango salsa. Stir to combine the ingredients and adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the grilled fish fillets with a generous dollop of tartar sauce and a spoonful of mango salsa on top. Enjoy immediately with your favorite sides!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Fish doneness: Ensure the fish is fully cooked by checking that it flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature of the fish should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Grill basket: If your fish fillets are delicate and prone to falling apart, use a grill basket to keep them intact while grilling.
- Freshness matters: Use the freshest mango possible for the salsa. The ripe mango will provide the best sweetness and flavor.
- Make the tartar sauce in advance: The tartar sauce can be prepared a few hours ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Customize the salsa: If you like your salsa spicier, feel free to add chili or red pepper flakes to taste.
How to Serve
Grilled Fish with Tartar Sauce and Mango Salsa is versatile and pairs beautifully with various sides. Serve it with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or rice for a complete meal. You can also serve it with roasted potatoes or a refreshing cucumber salad. For a more tropical twist, serve it alongside coconut rice or a quinoa salad with avocado.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover fish, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on a stovetop with a splash of water to avoid overcooking.
Freezing
It’s not recommended to freeze the fish once it’s been grilled, as the texture may change when thawed. However, you can freeze the tartar sauce and mango salsa separately for later use.
Reheating
To reheat the grilled fish, do so gently in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat, or wrap the fish in foil and reheat in the oven. The tartar sauce and mango salsa should be served cold and not reheated.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, you can use other fish like salmon, tilapia, or even shrimp. Adjust the grilling time depending on the thickness of the fish.
2. Can I make the tartar sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the tartar sauce can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
3. How can I make the mango salsa spicier?
You can add diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the mango salsa for an added kick.
4. Can I make this dish without a grill?
Yes, you can cook the fish on a stovetop in a pan with a little oil or bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes.
5. How can I tell if the fish is cooked through?
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque appearance. You can also check the internal temperature, which should reach 145°F (63°C).
6. Can I use a store-bought tartar sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought tartar sauce if you’re short on time, but homemade tartar sauce is recommended for better flavor.
7. Can I use frozen mango for the salsa?
Fresh mango is preferred for its sweetness and texture, but if frozen mango is your only option, make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before using.
8. Can I prepare the mango salsa ahead of time?
Yes, the salsa can be made up to 2 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to give it a stir before serving.
9. How can I make this dish more filling?
To make this dish more filling, you can serve it with a side of rice, couscous, or roasted vegetables.
10. Can I use a different sweetener for the mango salsa?
If you prefer a sweeter salsa, you can add a drizzle of honey or agave syrup to the mango mixture.
Conclusion
Grilled Fish with Tartar Sauce and Mango Salsa is a delicious and vibrant dish that brings together the perfect combination of smoky, creamy, and sweet flavors. It’s easy to make, full of fresh ingredients, and perfect for any occasion, from a casual dinner to a special gathering. The tartar sauce adds richness to the grilled fish, while the mango salsa brings a refreshing and tangy twist that balances out the dish. Whether you’re serving it with your favorite sides or enjoying it on its own, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
PrintGrilled Fish with Tartar Sauce and Mango Salsa
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Grilled Fish with Tartar Sauce and Mango Salsa is a vibrant and flavorful dish. The perfectly grilled white fish is topped with a creamy tartar sauce and a refreshing mango salsa, making it a light yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets of white fish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of chopped pickles
- 1 tablespoon of capers
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 mango, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper.
- Grill the fish for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, pickles, capers, and lemon juice to make the tartar sauce.
- In another bowl, combine the mango, red onion, cilantro, and salt to make the mango salsa.
- Serve the grilled fish with tartar sauce and mango salsa on top.
Notes
- You can use any firm white fish such as tilapia, cod, or halibut for this recipe.
- Adjust the sweetness of the mango salsa by adding more or less salt, depending on your preference.
- Serve with a side of rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes