Spicy Snapper with Mango Avocado Salsa: Easy & Flavorful Fish Dish

Do you believe cooking flavorful fresh fish at home is hard? This spicy Snapper with homemade Mango Avocado Salsa makes for a flavorful, healthy and easy dinner.

The creamy avocado and sweet mango in the salsa offer a nice balance to the spicy snapper. And the entire recipe comes together in ender 30 minutes so you can enjoy it for meatless Monday, Lenten Friday or a romantic Wednesday if you want.

Photo byThat Recipe

The ingredient list may look long, but don't be intimidated. This healthy meal is so fast and easy to prepare.

HOMEMADE OR STORE BOUGHT CAJUN SEASONING MIX?

If you want to use a store bought Cajun seasoning mix, feel free. We love Zatarain's and all of Paul Prudhomme's Magic blends.

But, keep this recipe on hand for when you run out because it is so easy to make your own and keep it on hand for kicking up any dish.

WHAT TYPE OF FISH CAN YOU USE INSTEAD OF SNAPPER?

If you don't like snapper or can't find it readily in your area, some comparable substitutions are: catfish, cod, grouper, sea bass, or tilapia.

As with any fish, if you want to eat responsibly be sure to check Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch to make sure your fish is from a sustainable source.

INGREDIENTS FOR SPICY SNAPPER AND MANGO AVOCADO SALSA

I've already mentioned the substitute for the fish above (TLDR: use what you like).

Besides the ingredients below you will need some good olive oil or your favorite cooking oil for pan searing the fish.

MANGO AVOCADO SALSA

Fresh is best for the salsa.

• mango (not a bell pepper, a tropical fruit with a giant seed)
• avocado
• red onion (or yellow or white)
• jalapeno pepper
• garlic cloves
• fresh cilantro
• fresh lime juice

CAJUN SEASONING

If you have a pretty well stocked spice rack you may already have the spices on hand:

• paprika
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• cayenne pepper
• dried thyme
• dried oregano
• salt
• ground black pepper

Recipe

INGREDIENTS

Mango Avocado Salsa

• 1 large mango (peeled and diced)
• 1 large avocado (peeled and diced)
• ½ small red onion (diced)
• ½ medium jalapeno pepper (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro (finely chopped)
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Cajun Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (more if you want it hotter)
• ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper

Fish

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 5-ounce red or yellowtail snapper fillets

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a medium bowl, combine the mango, avocado, red onion, jalapeno, garlic, and fresh cilantro. Add fresh lime juice and season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Set aside.
• In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the Cajun Seasoning. Stir to combine.
• Sprinkle the Cajun Seasoning on both sides of the snapper fillets and rub in gently.
• Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the seasoned fillets into the hot skillet and cook until they are nicely browned and flake easily with a fork, approximately 3-5 minutes per side. Add remaining olive oil to the pan when flipping the fish.
• Serve the Mango Avocado Salsa over the cooked fish.