Easy Fish Tacos (with Mango Salsa & Cod)
If you’re craving a meal that feels fresh, vibrant, and restaurant-quality without spending hours in the kitchen, Easy Fish Tacos (with Mango Salsa & Cod) are exactly what you need. These tacos strike the perfect balance between light and satisfying, combining flaky, pan-seared cod with a bright mango guacamole, creamy avocado, and a touch of spicy mayo—all wrapped in warm tortillas.
Fish tacos have become a beloved staple in many kitchens because they’re versatile, quick to prepare, and endlessly customizable. This version leans into bold flavors while keeping the process approachable, making it ideal for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or a fun Taco Tuesday at home. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you’ll have a colorful, crowd-pleasing meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
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In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to master Easy Fish Tacos (with Mango Salsa & Cod)—from choosing the best fish and perfecting the marinade to creative variations, serving ideas, storage tips, and more. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or already a seafood lover, this recipe will quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Fish Tacos (with Mango Salsa & Cod)
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this recipe, but here are a few highlights that make it truly special:
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Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in just 30 minutes.
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Fresh & Flavorful: Bright citrus, sweet mango, and savory spices create a perfectly balanced bite.
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Healthy & Nourishing: High in protein, rich in healthy fats, and packed with fresh produce.
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Customizable: Adjust the spice, swap the fish, or add extra toppings to suit your taste.
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Family-Friendly: Mild, flaky fish paired with sweet mango appeals to all ages.
These Easy Fish Tacos (with Mango Salsa & Cod) prove that wholesome food can also be exciting, colorful, and deeply satisfying.
What Makes Cod Perfect for Fish Tacos
Cod is one of the best choices for fish tacos, especially if you’re looking for a mild, flaky texture that absorbs flavor beautifully.
Benefits of Using Cod
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Mild Flavor: Perfect for pairing with bold toppings like mango salsa and spicy mayo.
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Firm but Flaky Texture: Holds together during cooking yet breaks into tender flakes.
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Widely Available: Easy to find fresh or frozen at most grocery stores.
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Healthy Protein: Low in fat and high in lean protein.
If cod isn’t available, haddock is an excellent substitute, offering a similar texture and taste. Tilapia, mahi-mahi, or even halibut can also work well in these Easy Fish Tacos (with Mango Salsa & Cod).
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
These tacos are designed to be fast, fresh, and flexible—perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests without stress.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Fish Marinade
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3 tablespoons avocado oil
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Juice of 1 lime
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1–2 lbs haddock or cod, washed and patted dry
This simple marinade enhances the natural flavor of the fish while adding subtle smokiness and brightness.
For the Mango Guacamole
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1 red or orange bell pepper, finely diced
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1 ripe Ataulfo mango, diced
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1 small jalapeño, deseeded and minced
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1 avocado, mashed
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¼ large red onion, finely chopped
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Juice of 1 lime
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1–2 tablespoons olive oil
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Pinch of salt
The mango guacamole is the star topping, offering a creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy contrast to the savory fish.
To Assemble
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Corn or flour tortillas
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Spicy mayo
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Lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Fish
In a bowl, whisk together avocado oil, lime juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the cod or haddock and gently coat each piece. Let the fish marinate for about 15 minutes while you prepare the mango guacamole. This step infuses the fish with flavor and keeps it moist during cooking.
2. Make the Mango Guacamole
In a separate bowl, combine the diced bell pepper, mango, jalapeño, mashed avocado, red onion, lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined but still chunky. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.
3. Cook the Fish
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of avocado oil if the pan isn’t nonstick. Place the marinated fish into the pan and cook for 7–10 minutes, flipping carefully halfway through. The fish should be golden on the outside and flaky inside.
4. Warm the Tortillas
Using the same pan, lightly toast the tortillas for a few seconds per side until warm and slightly crispy. This enhances their flavor and prevents sogginess.
5. Assemble the Tacos
Spread a generous spoonful of mango guacamole onto each tortilla. Top with flaky pieces of fish, drizzle with spicy mayo, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime. Serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Easy Fish Tacos (with Mango Salsa & Cod)
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Don’t Overcook the Fish: Cod cooks quickly; remove it as soon as it flakes easily.
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Use Fresh Lime Juice: It makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
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Warm Tortillas Properly: Warm tortillas are more pliable and flavorful.
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Pat Fish Dry Before Marinating: This helps it sear beautifully.
Delicious Variations
One of the best things about Easy Fish Tacos (with Mango Salsa & Cod) is how adaptable they are.
Grilled Fish Tacos
Instead of pan-frying, grill the marinated fish over medium heat for a smoky, charred flavor.
Crispy Fish Tacos
Lightly coat the fish in seasoned flour or breadcrumbs and pan-fry for extra crunch.
Spicy Fish Tacos
Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade and extra jalapeño to the mango guacamole.
Low-Carb Option
Serve the fish and mango guacamole in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
Dairy-Free Friendly
Skip sour-cream-based sauces and stick with avocado crema or spicy mayo made with dairy-free mayonnaise.
What to Serve with Fish Tacos
Pair your Easy Fish Tacos (with Mango Salsa & Cod) with simple sides for a complete meal:
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Cilantro lime rice
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Mexican street corn (elote)
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Black beans or refried beans
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Fresh fruit salad
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Tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
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Fish: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Mango Guacamole: Store separately with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to prevent browning.
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Tortillas: Warm fresh when serving leftovers.
For meal prep, prepare the mango guacamole and marinade ahead of time, then cook the fish just before serving.
PrintEasy Fish Tacos (with Mango Salsa & Cod)
These Easy Fish Tacos are fresh, colorful, and packed with bold flavor—perfect for busy weeknights or a fun Taco Tuesday at home. Tender, flaky cod (or haddock) is pan-fried until golden, then layered into warm tortillas with a bright mango guacamole, creamy avocado, and spicy mayo. They taste restaurant-worthy but are simple enough to make in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Fish Marinade
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3 tablespoons avocado oil
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Juice of 1 lime
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1–2 lbs haddock or cod, washed and patted dry
For the Mango Guacamole
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1 red or orange bell pepper, finely diced
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1 ripe Ataulfo mango, diced
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1 small jalapeño, deseeded and minced
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1 avocado, mashed
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¼ large red onion, finely chopped
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Juice of 1 lime
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1–2 tablespoons olive oil
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Pinch of salt
To Assemble
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Corn or flour tortillas
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Spicy mayo
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Lime wedges
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together avocado oil, lime juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the fish and coat evenly. Let marinate for 15 minutes while preparing the guacamole.
In a separate bowl, combine bell pepper, mango, jalapeño, mashed avocado, red onion, lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a little avocado oil if needed. Cook the fish for 7–10 minutes, flipping carefully halfway through, until golden on the outside and flaky inside.
Using the same pan, lightly toast tortillas for a few seconds per side until warm and slightly crispy.
Spread mango guacamole on each tortilla, top with cooked fish, drizzle with spicy mayo, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime. Serve immediately.
Notes
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Best Fish Choice: Cod and haddock are mild and flaky, but tilapia or mahi-mahi also work well.
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Extra Crunch: Add shredded cabbage or slaw for texture.
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Spice Level: Leave jalapeño seeds in or add hot sauce for more heat.
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Grill Option: Grill the fish instead of pan-frying for a smoky flavor.
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Dairy-Free Friendly: Skip sour cream-based sauces and stick with spicy mayo or avocado crema.
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Meal Prep Tip: Prep the mango guacamole up to 1 day ahead for quicker assembly.
Nutrition Information (Approximate, Per Serving)
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Calories: ~420 kcal
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Protein: ~32 g
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Fat: ~22 g
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Carbohydrates: ~30 g
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Fiber: ~6 g
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Sugar: ~8 g
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Sodium: ~520 mg
These Easy Fish Tacos (with Mango Salsa & Cod) are a balanced meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fish?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.
What tortillas are best?
Corn tortillas offer a traditional flavor, while flour tortillas are softer and more flexible.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can easily adjust the heat to your preference.
Why Easy Fish Tacos (with Mango Salsa & Cod) Are Perfect for Any Occasion
These tacos are versatile enough for a casual weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for entertaining. The combination of flaky fish, vibrant mango guacamole, and creamy sauce creates layers of flavor that feel indulgent without being heavy. Plus, the quick preparation makes them accessible even on the busiest days.
Final Thoughts
Easy Fish Tacos (with Mango Salsa & Cod) are proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. With tender, flavorful fish, a bright and creamy mango guacamole, and endless customization options, this recipe delivers on taste, nutrition, and convenience. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these tacos bring fresh, bold flavors to the table every time.
