Alex Lau
What’s your favorite type of mango? Did you say Ataulfo? Carabao? Are you a Tommy Atkins loyalist? With so many varieties to try, this list of our best mango recipes should come in handy. Go beyond mango salsa–topped fish tacos into a world of impressive mango desserts (including layer cakes, meringues, and puddings), savory-sweet mango sauces (there’s plenty of chile-lime action in here), and tons of variations on mango relishes, salads, and more.
When buying mangoes, look for fruit that’s heavy for its size. The flesh should give when you gently squeeze it. Ripe yellow-skinned mangoes may show off a few wrinkles—don’t be deterred, these are supremely sweet and ready to be cut immediately. Store firmer mangoes at room temperature until ripe and then stash in the fridge only as necessary for no more than 3 days.
Photograph by Heami Lee, food styling by Frances Boswell, prop styling by Sophie Strangio5/31
Sweet and Salty Mango Lassi
This cooling Indian yogurt drink with mango and cumin strikes the right balance of sweet and savory. Chef Preeti Mistry recommends adding a splash of white rum “if that’s your thing.”
Tropi-Cobb Salad
This twist on an old favorite has mango, buttery avocado, curry-spiced chicken, and tart cherry tomatoes. A bright lime dressing brings it all together.
Photo by Emma Fishman, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich 8/31
Halo-Halo
The Filipino dessert layers shaved ice and condensed milk on top of all sorts of texturally contrasting ingredients for a deliciously chewy, crunchy, creamy, sticky, and refreshing result. Watch how it’s made.
Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Chris Morocco and Tom Cunanan, prop styling by Elizabeth Jaime10/31
Tomato and Mango Salad in Aguachile
Aguachile is the spicy relative of ceviche that leans heavily on chiles for heat and lime juice for acidity. Here, hearts of palm, mango, and tomatoes replace the traditional raw shrimp.
Fruit Sandwiches
Mango stars in these snacky little sandwiches (a.k.a. fruit sandos), the delightfully squishy Japanese dessert we can’t get enough of.
Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Amy Wilson15/31
Grilled Spiced Snapper with Mango and Red Onion Salad
Make this lime- and cilantro-dressed mango salad to spoon over a whole grilled fish and you’ll be tempted to make it again the next weekend to spoon over roasted chicken, a pan-seared pork chop, or simple bowl of steamed rice.
Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Susie Theodorou, prop styling by Sophie Strangio25/31
Tropical Trifle With Coconut and Rum
This creamy mango dessert features a coconut–chia seed pudding and a rum-soaked combo of fresh fruit (we went with mangoes, bananas, and star fruit, but you could sub in passionfruit, pineapple, kiwi, or whatever tropical fruits you can get your hands on).
Michael Graydon & Nikole Herriott31/31
Mango-Lime Curd
This tangy, versatile curd is truly one of our best mango recipes. Use it to fill a layer cake or meringue pie. Layer with whipped cream in a parfait glass. Or, you know, just dip shortbread cookies into it.