Mango with Chili Sauce

Gina Whitley
By
Gina Whitley
Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Sabores de mi Cocina", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine,...
10 Min Read

Mango Chili Sauce Recipe

Mango chili sauce is a vibrant blend of flavors that combines the sweetness of mango with the spicy kick of chili. Perfect for elevating your homemade dishes with a tropical and fresh taste that captivates everyone.

Preparation time

This sauce is quick and easy to prepare, ideal for any occasion.

  • Preparation: 15 minutes
  • Cooking: 0 minutes
  • Total: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the sauce

  • 1 fresh medium mango
  • 1 – 2 serrano chilies
  • 1 small red onion
  • 2 roma tomatoes
  • 1/2 red bell pepper
  • Juice of 1 lime (approximately 2 tablespoons or 30 ml)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

If you don't have fresh mango, you can use previously thawed frozen mango to maintain the sweet flavor and texture. If you can't find serrano chili, jalapeño chili is a good option to adjust the spice level.

Utensils we will use

  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Mixing spoon
  • Lemon squeezer or fork
  • Kitchen gloves (optional for handling chilies)

Preparation

1. Prepare the fresh ingredients

  1. Wash and peel the mango: Wash the mango under the tap and dry it with absorbent paper. Carefully peel with a knife or peeler, then cut into medium cubes of approximately 1 cm.
  2. Clean and cut the serrano chilies: Wash the chilies and, wearing gloves, remove the seeds and membranes to control the spiciness. Then finely chop them.
  3. Chop onion, bell pepper, and tomato: Peel and cut the red onion into small cubes. Cut the red bell pepper into cubes similar to the mango. Remove the seeds from the tomatoes and chop them into cubes.

2. Mix the ingredients

  1. Combine all solid ingredients: In a bowl, gently mix the mango, chilies, onion, bell pepper, and tomato.
  2. Add cilantro and lemon juice: Incorporate the chopped cilantro and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture. Stir to integrate the flavors.

3. Refrigerate to intensify the flavor

  1. Let the salsa rest: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salsa for about an hour. This helps the flavors integrate and intensifies the sweet and spicy contrast.

To finish and serve

Before serving, check the seasoning and adjust with a little more lemon juice if you want an extra touch of acidity or a little more chili if you prefer more spice. Serve your mango chili salsa accompanying fish, seafood, or as a complement to tacos and tostadas. This sweet chili fusion salsa is ideal for any dish that wants a tropical flavor with a touch of mango fire.


Benefits and properties of Spicy Mango Sauce for your health

This sauce is not only delicious, but its ingredients provide valuable nutritional benefits for the body.

  • Mango: Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C, it helps strengthen the immune system and improves digestion.
  • Serrano chili: Contains capsaicin, which helps improve metabolism, is anti-inflammatory, and can relieve muscle pain.
  • Cilantro: Provides antioxidants and is known for its detoxifying and digestive properties.
  • Lemon: Rich in vitamin C, it contributes to skin health and iron absorption.

Combining these ingredients results in a sauce that adds flavor without adding fats and with few calories, perfect for your dishes to take care of your diet.


Varieties and combinations to enhance Mango and Chili Sauce

There are several ways to give your mango and chili sauce a different twist to adapt it to different tastes and culinary uses.

  • With "diablo" mango: Using a mango with a more acidic touch enhances the sweet and spicy contrast.
  • Add habanero chili: Spicier for those who like the extreme mango fire flavor.
  • Include pineapple chunks: Consolidates the sweet part, giving a more complete tropical flavor.
  • Incorporate a touch of honey: To soften the spiciness and create a very harmonious sweet chili fusion sauce.
  • Versions with varied tropical fruits: Combine mango with cucumber or jicama for fresh and crunchy textures.

For example, you can try this sauce accompanying a jicama tostada with tuna and mango for a balanced sensory experience.


Basic tips for mastering Mango Chili Sauce

  • Control the spiciness: Always taste the chili before adding too much to the mixture to adjust the level according to your preferences.
  • Use firm but ripe mango: An overly ripe mango can make the sauce too liquid and sweet, while a hard one will not provide enough juice or flavor.
  • Handle chilies with care: To avoid irritation, use gloves and do not touch your face while cutting them.
  • Refrigerate before serving: Letting the sauce rest allows the flavors to blend and the texture to become more homogeneous.
  • Don't forget the fresh cilantro: It adds freshness and a characteristic aroma that balances the sauce.

On what occasions to enjoy Mango Chili Sauce?

Spicy mango sauce is perfect for all kinds of informal gatherings and everyday dishes. It is wonderful to accompany seafood and fish at a family meal or a fresh summer dinner. It is also an ideal touch for tacos Baja California style or to please friends at a barbecue.

Thanks to its sweet chili flavor, it provides a tropical profile that enhances any dish, as well as boosts recipes with chicken or pork. Its freshness and spiciness make it indispensable for outdoor celebrations or for a quick craving at home.


Alternatives and combinations for Mango and Chili sauce

RecipeKey ingredientsDifference/advantage
Mango with Chili SauceMango, serrano chili, limeEasy, fresh, and versatile with balanced sweet and spicy flavor
Pineapple Habanero SalsaPineapple, habanero chili, onionSpicier and with a very intense tropical flavor
Tomato and Chili SalsaTomato, jalapeño chili, onionClassic with a more acidic and less sweet flavor
Tropical Pico de GalloTomato, onion, mangoFresh texture with larger chunks and little liquid sauce
Cucumber and Mango SalsaCucumber, mango, serrano chiliMore refreshing, with a crunchy texture
Morita Sauce with MangoMango, morita chili, onionSmoky flavors combined with tropical sweetness

Exploring Flavor Backpacks: 4 common mistakes and how to avoid them

  • Using unripe mango: This reduces the sweet flavor and makes the sauce bland. Always choose firm but ripe mango.
  • Adding too much chili without tasting: The spiciness can dominate and overshadow the overall flavor. Add the chili little by little, tasting at each step.
  • Not removing chili seeds: The seeds have a higher concentration of spiciness that can alter the balance of the sauce.
  • Not letting the sauce rest: Serving it immediately does not allow the flavors to integrate and the sauce is less harmonious.

Inspiration for using your Sweet and Spicy Mango and Chili Sauce

Looking for ideas for your mango and chili sauce? Try adding it to a beef burger with mango sauce for a fresh and different touch. It's also excellent for bringing Baja California-style fish tacos to life, combining it with fresh ingredients and Parmesan cheese to create a dish with tropical and spicy flavor at the same time

Another option is to use it as a dip with classic chips or tostadas, or to give a twist to salads like the mango, cucumber, and chili salad, where the sauce adds sweetness and freshness.

With a little practice, this fusion sauce will become a staple that you can adapt to all your favorite dishes. Experiment with the sweet chili and tropical spice to surprise your guests.

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Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Flavors of my Kitchen", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine, with international recognition.
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