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crispy fish taco bowls with mango salsa served on cilantro lime rice with avocado, cabbage, and lime wedges

Crispy Fish Taco Bowls with Mango Salsa | Fresh, Flavor-Packed, and Family-Friendly!

Samantha
These crispy fish taco bowls with mango salsa are bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors! Crunchy fish, juicy mango salsa, creamy avocado, and cilantro lime rice come together for the ultimate easy dinner or meal prep win. A high-protein, family-friendly favorite that’s naturally gluten-free and packed with omega-3s.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Mexican-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Crispy Fish:

  • 1.5 lbs white fish fillets cod, mahi-mahi, halibut
  • ½ cup gluten-free or regular panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup cornmeal
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil spray or 2 tbsp olive oil for pan-frying

For the Mango Salsa:

  • 1 ripe mango diced
  • ¼ red onion finely diced
  • ½ red bell pepper diced
  • ¼ cup cilantro chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt to taste

Other Bowl Components:

  • 2 cups cooked cilantro lime rice
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage green or purple
  • 1 ripe avocado sliced
  • Optional: lime wedges jalapeño slices, crema or Greek yogurt

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Mango Salsa
    In a bowl, combine diced mango, red onion, bell pepper, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
  • Step 2: Cook the Rice
    Prepare your cilantro lime rice if not done already. Keep warm.
  • Step 3: Bread the Fish
    Pat the fish dry and season with salt and pepper. In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, and cumin. Coat each fillet lightly in the mixture.
  • Step 4: Cook the Fish
    - Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F. Spray fish with olive oil and cook for 8–10 minutes until crispy.
    - Pan-Sear: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Cook fish 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  • Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
    Divide rice between bowls. Top with cabbage slaw, crispy fish (broken into chunks), mango salsa, and avocado slices. Garnish with lime wedges and optional toppings.

Notes

Secret Tips for the Best Crispy Fish Taco Bowls with Mango Salsa

1. Choose the Right Fish: For the crispiest fish taco bowls, opt for firm, mild white fish like cod, mahi-mahi, or halibut. These varieties hold up well during air frying or pan-searing and pair beautifully with mango salsa.
2. Pat the Fish Dry: Before breading, pat your fish fillets very dry with paper towels. This simple step ensures the coating adheres well and results in that irresistibly crispy fish texture.
3. Use Fresh Mango: The secret to an unforgettable mango salsa is perfectly ripe mango. Look for fruit that gives slightly to the touch. Overripe mango will make the salsa too watery, while underripe won’t deliver the sweet contrast this healthy fish taco bowls recipe needs.
4. Boost the Omega-3s: For even more omega-3 fatty acids, drizzle the assembled bowl with a touch of extra virgin olive oil or add slices of avocado—both rich in heart-healthy fats.
5. Season Every Layer: Don’t forget to season your cilantro lime rice with plenty of fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt. Well-seasoned rice brings out the full flavor of your crispy fish taco bowls with mango salsa.
6. Layer for Texture: To achieve that ultimate bite, layer your bowl thoughtfully: start with fluffy cilantro lime rice, then crisp cabbage, juicy mango salsa, and crispy fish. Finish with creamy avocado and a squeeze of fresh lime.
7. Prep for Meal Prep Success: When preparing these fish taco bowls meal prep-style, store components separately. Keep the crispy fish in an airtight container lined with paper towels and reheat it in the air fryer to restore crispness.
8. Swap Grains to Customize: While cilantro lime rice is classic, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or brown rice also work great in these healthy fish taco bowls. This gives you flexibility for low-carb or high-fiber versions.
9. Use the Air Fryer for Convenience: Air frying your fish not only creates perfectly crispy fish with less oil but also makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, it keeps the kitchen cooler on warm days—perfect for enjoying these summer fish taco bowls.
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