Description
This vibrant and spicy recipe features perfectly grilled ripe mangoes infused with a tangy lime dressing and a bold chili kick. The mangoes are peeled, sliced, and grilled to develop a slightly charred exterior while maintaining their juicy sweetness. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh lime zest and cilantro, this dish serves as a refreshing appetizer or side that balances sweetness with zest and heat.
Ingredients
Mangoes and Marinade
- 4 ripe mangoes
- 1½ tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or safflower)
- 2 tsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp chili powder
Garnish
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to high heat to prepare for grilling the mangoes, allowing the fruit to char slightly and develop great flavor.
- Prepare the Mangoes: Peel the mangoes carefully using a vegetable peeler. Stand each peeled mango upright and slice off one side near the center pit to create a large half. Repeat on the opposite side. Continue peeling and slicing to obtain eight large fruit pieces in total.
- Skewer and Coat: Insert two skewers into each mango piece to stabilize them for grilling and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle the mangoes with the neutral oil and lime juice, turning them to ensure even coating. Then sprinkle evenly with kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and chili powder to season.
- Grill the Mangoes: Place the skewered mangoes directly over the grill’s heat. Grill for 8 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the mango pieces develop slightly charred marks and a smoky aroma.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the grilled mangoes from the grill and transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle generously with fresh lime zest and chopped cilantro for a bright, fresh finish before serving.
Notes
- Choose ripe but firm mangoes to ensure they hold shape while grilling.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or a broiler set to high heat as an alternative.
- Adjust cayenne and chili powder amounts to control the spice level according to your taste preferences.
- Skewering the mangoes helps keep the fruit stable and makes turning easier on the grill.
- This dish is great served as a spicy, sweet side or appetizer and pairs well with grilled meats or seafood.