This post was created in partnership with the National Mango Board. All opinions are our own. Alex and I used to only use mangos for one thing: mango salsa. After we got married 10 years ago, it was one of the first recipes we made together. The way the sweet, tropical mango flavor melded with the red onion, cilantro and lime won me over instantly. But now, Alex and I are trying to get a little more creative with our mango use. Because mangos aren’t just for salsa; they can be the main event too! Keep reading for this mango tacos recipe, including how to grill mangos and make our creamy green mango taco sauce.
How to grill mangos
This recipe came from a crazy idea: what if mangos were at the front and center of a taco? Instead of diced for salsa, what if they were cut into strips and grilled? Turns out, grilled mangos are incredibly delicious. And placed in a tortilla over a layer of refried black beans, with a drizzle of a creamy cilantro lime dream sauce–they’re pretty heavenly. Thus, our grilled mango tacos were born! How to grill mangos? It’s actually very simple: and we didn’t even use a charcoal grill! We used a grill pan, which makes those beautiful black char marks on the grilled mangos. To grill them simply slice the mango into strip, then drizzle with olive oil, chipotle powder and kosher salt. Heat a grill pan to medium high, then add the mango and grill for about 2 minutes per side, until blackened. You also can use a charcoal or gas grill, but using a grill pan makes it very easy to make grilled mangos in any season!
Mango facts
The variety of mango we used for these mango tacos is called a Honey mango, one of the six main varieties of mangos sold in the US. A few fun facts about the Honey mango:
When it’s ripe, the skin turns to a deep golden color and small wrinkles appear. So, wrinkled equals ripe! It’s smaller, sweeter and more tender than the larger varieties of mango more common in the US.Native to Mexico, it’s also known as the Champagne or Ataulfo mango (so look for any of those names in the grocery!)Like all mangos, the Honey mango is very high in vitamin C and is also a good source of vitamin A and fiber. One cup of diced mangos provides 100% of your daily vitamin C.
Mango taco sauce
Now back to this mango taco sauce, something we’re calling dream sauce. You might think there’s enough mango in these mango tacos already, but guess what? It’s also in the mango taco sauce. Instead of dairy, the dream sauce uses mango to make its creamy texture. Pureed with cilantro and lime, the mango adds a creamy, lightly sweet body to the sauce. You only need a few drizzles, but the dream sauce packs in great flavor. Aside from mango tacos, you can use the dream sauce for just about anything: a dip for roasted veggies or homemade fries would be our pick! While the ingredient list for these mango tacos may look a little long, there are only 10 grocery ingredients outside of salt, pepper and oil. The tacos are also vegan, and they’re a great fit for Meatless Monday AND Taco Tuesday. We’re head over heels about these grilled mango tacos, and we hope you are too!
More mango recipes
Love mangos? Us too. Here are a few more delicious mango recipes:
Mango Black Bean ChiliGrilled Teriyaki Mango SkewersTropical Mango Bowls with Citrus DrizzleEasy Mango Salsa RecipeMango & Shrimp Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
This grilled mango tacos recipe is…
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, plant-based, and dairy-free.
More taco recipes
Aside from these grilled mango tacos, here are a few more of our favorite taco recipes on A Couple Cooks: No reviews
2 garlic cloves 2 15-ounce cans black beans 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil ½ teaspoon kosher salt Black pepper
For the mango dream sauce
2 Honey* mangos (1 cup diced) 1 green onion 1 cup packed cilantro leaves and tender stems 2 tablespoons lime juice (1 lime) ¼ teaspoon cumin ¼ teaspoon kosher salt 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons water
For the tacos
3 Honey* mangos Extra virgin olive oil Chipotle powder Kosher salt 8 tortillas Sliced radishes, for the garnish Torn cilantro leaves, for the garnish
**See How to Warm Tortillas for more!
Huevos Rancheros TacosInstant Pot Tacos with Smoky LentilsBBQ Bean Tacos with Pineapple Salsa“Verde” Lentil Vegan TacosSpiced Chickpea Tacos with Avocado CreamRefried Bean TacosCauliflower Tacos with Yum Yum Sauce
