Seared Ahi Tuna Tacos with Mango Salsa

Ahi Tuna Tacos topped with Mango Salsa and a Greek Yogurt Chipotle Lime Sauce are the perfect weekday dinner. This fast, healthy, and quick meal is ready in less than 20 minutes.  This meal looks fussy but is surprisingly simple to come together and tastes better than your favorite taco shop.

Love Fish Tacos? Also, try my Blackened Shrimp Tacos & Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw.

Ahi Tuna Tacos

Ahi Tuna Tacos are a taco lover's dream.  The flavors and textures in this surprisingly simple recipe POP off the plate.  This recipe looks all sorts of fussy, but it all comes together without a lot of effort in less than 20 minutes for a weekday meal your entire family will swoon over.

All you do is start with a few pieces of gorgeous ahi tuna, sprinkle my homemade Blackening Seasoning, and then follow me easy-to-follow instructions below on searing tuna.  Then mix together a simple mango salsa and a creamy Greek  Yogurt Chipotle Lime Sauce.

This simple combination of flavors is a little spicy, creamy and so savory.  It's a mouthwatering combination that you can enjoy on any night - not just taco Tuesday.

 

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Why You'll Love These Seared Ahi Tuna Tacos with Mango Salsa...

• You'll love these Seared Ahi Tuna Tacos with Mango Salsa because they taste like a taco Tuesday party in your mouth!
• They can be made from start to finish in 20 minutes, making them a great weekday meal option.
• They are healthy and low-calorie!  One taco is less than 200 calories depending on your tortilla choice.
• These tacos are a great way to eat more seafood and fish.
•  You can adjust the spice level to your taste.
• They are customizable and you can mix up the toppings!
• They are so darn delicious!

Ingredients:

Here's an overview of what you'll need to make this Ahi Tuna Tacos recipe, but keep reading for the full ingredient list with amounts and printable recipe.

For the Seared Ahi Tuna:

• Ahi Tuna Steaks: Look for "sushi-grade" ahi tuna - yellowfin tuna-  at the seafood counters OR the frozen section of your grocery store.  Tuna is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a great healthy choice for fish tacos.  It's also a good source of Vitamin B, potassium, vitamin D, phosphorus, selenium, and magnesium.  I don't marinade my tuna steaks for this recipe because I don't think it needs it.  Tuna is already full of flavor.  Tuna like this is best served very lightly seared and mostly raw.
• Blackening Seasoning: I like to sprinkle my Homemade Blackening Seasoning on the ahi tuna to bring out the flavors.  It's a combination of smoked paprika, onion, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne, and oregano.  You can also use Cajun Seasoning to Taco Seasoning too.
• Olive Oil: A nice cooking olive oil will work.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper

 

For the Mango Salsa:

• Mango: Sweet mango makes the perfect base for this fruit salsa for ahi tuna tacos.  Follow my directions on how to peel and cut a mango.  The best mangos for salsa are ripe, but not mushy.
• Red Onion: Red onion adds some richness and bites to mango salsa.
• Jalapeno: You can add as much or as little jalapeno as you'd like to this salsa, to adjust the spice level of the entire ahi tuna tacos.  You can even add some sliced jalapenos to the tacos after you are done if you really like a kick.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is a key flavor to this salsa.
• Lime: You'll also need fresh lime juice for the mango salsa and the Greek Yogurt Chipotle Lime Sauce.

 

Greek Yogurt Chipotle Sauce:

• Greek Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt is the base for this simple sauce.  Use either fat-free or full-fat depending on your dietary preferences.   You can also substitute mayo if that's your preference.
• Chipotles in Adobo Sauce: You'll find this little jar of chilies in the Mexican, Hispanic, or Spanish section of your grocery store.  Remove the dark red peppers and there is a red sauce or juice they are sitting in.  That sauce is what you need to make the sauce.  Start with just a little and add more to taste because it can be powerful and spicy.  It has a rich smoky flavor.  Find it online here.
• Lime: Use the other half of the lime to finish off the sauce.

 

For the Ahi Tuna Tacos:

• Tortillas: Pick whatever type of taco shell fits your diet or preferences.  You can do flour tortillas, hard taco shells, wheat tortillas, or even corn tortillas.
• Garnish: Extra cilantro, lime, and option jalapenos.

All About Ahi Tuna:

Is tuna steak the same as ahi tuna?

Tuna steak can be any variety of tuna while ahi tuna uses the Hawaiian word ahi, which refers to a particular species of tuna called yellowfin tuna.  This recipe is called Ahi Tuna Tacos, but feel free to use any time of sushi-grade tuna you can find.  Any tuna steak will work.  You might also see Bluefin tuna in the store, if you do, I'd save it for simple sushi or poke dish as it is more expensive.

 

Where do I purchase ahi tuna steaks?

Tuna steaks and available in lots of grocery stores these days!  Look for them in the fresh seafood counter or the frozen seafood section.  Most tuna is flash-frozen on the fishing boats to kill parasites and prevent disease so you can eat it raw.  Because of that, that tuna that looks fresh on the seafood counter is often just thawed out from those frozen bags anyway.  If you do buy the frozen thaw it out in the fridge overnight.

Instructions:

Here's an overview on how to make the Ahi Tuna Tacos, but keep scrolling for the full printable recipe.

Tips on How to Sear the Ahi Tuna:

1. Pat the ahi tuna with paper towels.
2. Sprinkle the tuna with salt, pepper, and blackening seasoning.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add two teaspoons of olive oil.  You want to pan pretty hot!
4. When the oil is hot, place the tuna steaks in the pan.  Don't move them!  Sear the ahi tuna steaks for 30 seconds to 2 minutes on the first side.  Flip and repeat.  My preference is to just barely cook the tuna, leaving it seared on the outside and raw on the inside.  That will just take about 30 seconds or less.
5. Use your tongs to sear the sides.
6. Remove the ahi tuna from the pan and place it on a cutting board to cool for 2 minutes.
7. Slice into thin slices for the ahi tuna tacos.

 

Tuna Sear Times:

Burners can vary in temperature though, so watch your tuna when you cook it.  These times can vary from oven to oven.

• Blue Rare: 15 Seconds
• Rare: 30 Seconds
• Medium: 1 Minute
• Well-Done: 2 Minutes

How to Make the Mango Salsa:

1. Chop and dice your mango, red onion, jalapeno, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, toss the ingredients together.
3. Add lime.
4. Season with a touch of salt.

 

You can also follow my full recipe on how to peel, dice, and prepare Fresh Mango Salsa.

How to Make the Chipotle Lime Sauce:

1. To make the Greek Yogurt Chipotle Sauce for the Ahi Tuna Tacos, start with a small mixing bowl.
2. Measure your Greek yogurt.
3. Spoon in the chipotle sauce by pushing the peppers to the side of the bowl.  Start with less and add more to taste.  It can be spicy.
4. Squeeze some lime on top and stir well.
5. You can put the sauce in a piping bag or put it in a zip lock bag with a cut corner to create a pretty sauce line like the photos or just drizzle the sauce on top with a spoon.

 

How to Assemble the Ahi Tuna Tacos:

1. To assemble the Ahi Tuna Tacos, warm the tortillas in the microwave or on the stove.  I like to warm mine in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.  Put in the pan until they are warm on each side.
2. Fill the tacos with the seared tuna slices.
3. Spoon mango salsa on top.
4. Drizzle with the Greek Yogurt Chipotle Sauce.
5. Serve and enjoy!

 

Variations:

These Ahi Tuna Tacos are delicious as written, BUT there are a lot of different ways to serve them.  Here are some ideas.

• Mix Up the Toppings:  You can mix up your toppings with combinations of cheese, slaw, or salsa!  See all my ideas below.
• Mix Up the Fish: You can switch out the fish for these tacos with salmon, tilapia, or cod.  Tuna is really the only type of fish you sear like this though, so any other fish will need to be cooked through either in a pan or in the oven.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: To make these Gluten Free Ahi Tuna Tacos, just use a gluten free tortilla. 
• Give them an Asian Twist: Cook the tuna with soy sauce and sesame seeds.  Make an Asian slaw with cabbage, ginger, and soy sauce.
• Make the Grilled Tacos: Cook the tuna on the grill for a different flavor!

Other Topping Options:

• Greek Yogurt Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
• Homemade Guacamole
• Homemade Salsa
• Peach Salsa
• Strawberry Salsa
• Pineapple Salsa
• Mango Avocado Salsa
• Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing
• Greek Yogurt Chipotle Lime Ranch Dressing
• Shredded Mexican Cheese or Cotija Cheese
• Shredded Red Cabbage

FAQ:

Can I make these ahead of time?

I think these Ahi Tuna Tacos are best enjoyed fresh because they get soggy, but you can do some of the prep work ahead of time.  You can thaw and prep the tuna by sprinkling the seasonings on it.  Store it in the fridge until you are ready to cook it.  You can make the mango salsa and sauce ahead of time too.  When it's time to cook, just sear the tuna and assemble your tacos.

 

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers that are unassembled in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.  The tuna can only stay in the fridge for a short while, but the salsa and sauce will keep for longer.

 

Can I eat ahi tuna raw?

Yes, ahi tuna is a sushi-grade tuna that is safe to eat raw.  It's flash-frozen on the fishing boat which helps keep it fresh to enjoy raw.  Freezing helps to eliminate parasites.

 

What pairs well with fish tacos?

My favorite things to eat with fish tacos are chips and salsa or guacamole, cilantro lime rice, or black bean salad.   See all my serving suggestions to round out your meal below.

These Ahi Tuna Tacos are the Perfect Fast Dinner Idea!

Ahi Tuna Tacos may look fancy, but these delightful healthy fish tacos are the best fast dinner idea.  I love that this recipe can be made in 20 minutes and is so tasty.  It looks like a fancy restaurant-quality meal, without a lot of fuss.

If you LOVE tacos, give these a try!  Also, feel free to customize them to your taste with the different topping suggestions.

 

Serve it With:

• Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
• Chips and Homemade Guacamole or Black Bean Dip
• Black Bean Salad
• Pineapple Avocado Salad
• Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges
• Easy Black Beans and Rice
• Vegetarian Taco Salad

 

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More Taco Recipes to Try:

• Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
• Chipotle Lime Mahi Mahi Tacos
• Lentil Quinoa Tacos
• Black Bean and Sweet Potato Vegetarian Tacos
• Shrimp Lettuce Tacos 
• Sweet Potato Stuffed Taco
• Taco Stuffed Mushroom
• Crock Pot Vegetarian Taco Soup

 

If you make this Ahi Tuna Tacos with Mango Salsa recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a star rating ★ below. Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook too!

 

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