Sunshine State Special: Grilled Mahi Mahi Tacos with Fresh Mango Salsa

Introduction

There is something undeniably magical about the combination of perfectly charred seafood and the bright, sweet acidity of fresh fruit. These Florida-style grilled Mahi Mahi tacos are designed to transport your tastebuds straight to the coast, capturing the essence of a sunny beachside vacation in every bite. The star of the show is the Mahi Mahi, a firm and mild fish that stands up beautifully to the high heat of the grill, developing a delicious golden crust while remaining tender and flaky on the inside. By using the Arteflame grill, you achieve that coveted restaurant-quality sear without the risk of the fish falling apart through grates.

Complementing the savory, spiced fish is a vibrant homemade mango salsa that adds a crunchy, sweet, and spicy kick. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that celebrates fresh ingredients and outdoor cooking. Whether you are hosting a summer backyard party or just looking for a healthy, flavorful weeknight dinner, these tacos bring the heat and the sweet in perfect harmony. Fire up your Arteflame and get ready to serve a dish that looks as incredible as it tastes.

Ingredients

The Fish & Marinade

• 1.5 lbs Mahi Mahi fillets, skin removed
• 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil (plus more for the grill)
• 1 tbsp Chili powder
• 1 tsp Ground cumin
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper

The Mango Salsa

• 2 Ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and diced
• 1 Red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 Red onion, finely chopped
• 1 Jalapeno, seeded and minced (keep seeds for extra heat)
• 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1-2 limes
• Salt to taste

Assembly & Toppings

• 8-10 Corn or flour tortillas
• 2 cups Red cabbage, shredded
• 1/2 cup Sour cream or Mexican crema
• 1 tbsp Sriracha or hot sauce (optional for spicy crema)
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mango Salsa

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced mangoes, red bell pepper, red onion, minced jalapeno, and chopped cilantro.
2. Squeeze the fresh lime juice over the mixture and season with a pinch of salt.
3. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
4. Cover and refrigerate the salsa for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 2: Season the Mahi Mahi

1. In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pat the Mahi Mahi fillets dry with a paper towel.
3. Rub the fish with olive oil to coat all sides lightly.
4. Sprinkle the spice blend generously over the fish, pressing it in gently to ensure it adheres.

Step 3: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Start a fire in your Arteflame grill and allow it to burn down until the center cooktop reaches searing temperature (around 400°F - 450°F).
2. Lightly oil the flat steel cooktop with a high smoke point oil (like avocado or grapeseed oil) to prevent sticking and ensure a good crust.

Step 4: Grill the Fish and Tortillas

1. Place the seasoned Mahi Mahi fillets onto the hot flat cooktop. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side. You want a blackened crust on the outside and the meat to be opaque and flaky inside.
2. While the fish finishes cooking, place the tortillas on the outer, cooler edge of the cooktop. Toast them for 30-60 seconds per side until they are warm and have slight grill marks.
3. Remove the fish and tortillas from the grill. Let the fish rest for 2 minutes before flaking it into large chunks with a fork.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

1. Take a warm tortilla and lay down a bed of shredded red cabbage for crunch.
2. Top with generous chunks of the grilled Mahi Mahi.
3. Spoon the chilled mango salsa over the fish.
4. Drizzle with sour cream (or spicy crema) and garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Tips

Cooking fish on a grill can sometimes be intimidating, but the Arteflame cooktop makes it effortless. The key to perfect Mahi Mahi is patience; when you place the fish on the hot steel, do not try to move it immediately. Let the proteins sear and release naturally from the metal. If it feels stuck, it likely needs another minute to form that delicious crust. For the salsa, try to dice your ingredients into uniform sizes—this ensures that every bite has the perfect ratio of sweet mango, crunchy pepper, and spicy onion.

If you want to elevate the presentation and flavor, consider quickly grilling the lime wedges on the flat top before squeezing them over the tacos. Grilled citrus releases more juice and has a complex, smoky sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the spice rub on the fish. Additionally, keep your knife sharp when cutting the mango to avoid mashing the fruit.

Variations

While Mahi Mahi is the traditional choice for these Florida-style tacos, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the proteins or the salsa to suit what is fresh at your local market or what you have in your pantry. The spice rub works well with almost any white fish or even shellfish, and the salsa can be tweaked to lean sweeter or spicier depending on your crowd's preference. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

• Shrimp Tacos: Swap the fish for large shrimp. Grill them quickly on the flat top for 2-3 minutes total.
• Pineapple Salsa: Substitute the mango with fresh pineapple for a sharper, more acidic sweetness that cuts through the spice.
• Grouper or Snapper: Use Grouper or Red Snapper fillets if Mahi Mahi is unavailable; both hold up well to grilling.
• Low Carb Bowl: Skip the tortillas and serve the grilled fish and salsa over a bed of cilantro-lime cauliflower rice or mixed greens.
• Spicy Kick: Add a diced Habanero pepper to the salsa instead of Jalapeno for an authentic Caribbean heat level.

Best pairings

To turn these tacos into a complete fiesta, you need sides and drinks that echo the tropical, fresh vibes of the main dish. You want to avoid heavy, creamy sides that might overpower the delicate fish. Instead, aim for sides that offer acidity, crunch, or a savory balance to the sweet salsa. The beverage choice is equally important; a cold, crisp drink cuts through the spice of the taco seasoning and refreshes the palate between bites.

• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grill corn on the cob on the Arteflame and dress with cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: A fluffy, aromatic side that soaks up the juices from the tacos.
• Black Beans: Simmered with garlic and cumin for a savory protein boost.
• Classic Margaritas: The tartness of lime and tequila is the ultimate companion for fish tacos.
• Mexican Lager: A cold beer with a lime wedge is a simple, refreshing choice.

Conclusion

These Florida Grilled Mahi Mahi Tacos with Mango Salsa are more than just a recipe; they are a celebration of fresh flavors and open-fire cooking. The combination of the smoky, spice-rubbed fish and the cool, sweet salsa creates a balance that is hard to beat. Using the Arteflame grill allows you to achieve a professional-grade sear while keeping the process fun and interactive for your guests. It is the perfect dish for warm evenings, bringing a taste of the tropics to your own backyard.

We hope this recipe becomes a staple in your outdoor cooking rotation. It is healthy, quick to prepare, and visually stunning. Don't be afraid to experiment with the salsa ingredients or try different catch-of-the-day fish options. Gather your friends, fire up the grill, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Sunshine State. Happy grilling!