Simple Grilled Mangos: A Taste of Summer on the Grill

The first time I tasted grilled mango, I was at a small beachside cafe in Tulum, Mexico. The air was thick with the scent of salt and woodsmoke, and the sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange and pink. The sweetness of the perfectly ripe mango, kissed by the char of the grill, was an explosion of flavor that perfectly captured the magic of that moment. I’ve been chasing that taste of summer ever since, and this simple recipe brings me right back.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-3 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes (includes cooling time)
• Servings: 3
• Yield: 3 servings
• Dietary Type: Vegan

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup organic sugar (aka evaporated cane juice, any natural sugar should work)
• 2/3 cup water
• 2 inches gingerroot, sliced thin
• 3 ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and sliced
• 3 tablespoons Earth Balance margarine

Equipment Needed

• Small saucepan
• Grill
• Bowl

Instructions

1. First, prepare the ginger syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and sliced gingerroot.

2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Stir occasionally to prevent the sugar from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

3. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool completely. This cooling process will allow the ginger flavor to infuse the syrup.

4. When the syrup is fully cooled, remove the ginger slices and discard them. The syrup is now ready to be used.

5. While the syrup is cooling, prepare the mangoes. Peel, pit, and slice the mangoes into ½-inch thick slices. This thickness will allow them to hold their shape on the grill without falling apart.

6. Melt the Earth Balance margarine in a microwave-safe bowl or in a small saucepan over low heat.

7. Brush the mango slices generously with the melted margarine. This will help prevent the mangoes from sticking to the grill and will also add a touch of richness and flavor.

8. Preheat your grill to medium heat. If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on the stove will also work.

9. Carefully place the mango slices on the preheated grill.

10. Grill the mango slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are slightly charred and have grill marks. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly. Turning once during the grilling process.

11. Remove the grilled mango slices from the grill and place them in a bowl.

12. Pour the cooled ginger syrup over the grilled mangoes, making sure to coat them evenly.

13. Cover the bowl and let the mangoes cool in the syrup for at least 15 minutes. This will allow the mangoes to absorb the flavor of the syrup and become even more delicious.

14. When ready to serve, cut the mango into bite-sized chunks or whatever size you need for your desired application.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Ripeness is key: Use ripe but firm mangoes for the best results. Overripe mangoes will be too soft and will fall apart on the grill.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill: Grill the mango slices in batches to avoid overcrowding the grill, which can lower the temperature and prevent the mangoes from browning properly.
• Use a clean grill: Make sure your grill is clean before grilling the mangoes to prevent them from sticking.
• Add a pinch of salt: A tiny pinch of salt in the ginger syrup enhances the sweetness of the mangoes.
• Infuse the margarine: For an extra layer of flavour, melt the Earth Balance Margarine with a clove of garlic or a sprig of rosemary before brushing on the mangoes. Remove the garlic or rosemary before grilling.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Grilled mangoes are delicious served warm or cold. They can be enjoyed as is for dessert, added to salads, used in salsas, or served as a side dish with grilled meats or fish.

To store leftover grilled mangoes, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They can be reheated gently in a microwave or eaten cold. The texture of the mango will change after being refrigerated.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	215.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	8 g	4%
Total Fat	1 g	1%
Saturated Fat	0.2 g	1%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	3.9 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	54.4 g	18%
Dietary Fiber	4 g	16%
Sugars	51 g	204%
Protein	2.1 g	4%

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ginger syrup for a touch of heat.
• Citrus zest: Grate the zest of a lime or orange into the ginger syrup for a brighter flavor.
• Different fruits: This recipe also works well with other fruits like pineapple, peaches, and plums.
• Herbs: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like mint or basil to the ginger syrup for a unique flavor profile.
• Non-dairy butter: You can substitute coconut oil for the Earth Balance margarine.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen mango for this recipe?
A: While you can use frozen mango, fresh mangoes will yield the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before grilling.

Q: How do I know when the mangoes are ripe enough?
A: Ripe mangoes will have a slight give when gently squeezed. They should also have a fragrant aroma near the stem end.

Q: Can I make the ginger syrup ahead of time?
A: Yes, the ginger syrup can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Q: What if I don’t have a grill?
A: You can use a grill pan on the stove or even bake the mangoes in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Q: Can I use honey instead of sugar in the syrup?
A: Yes, you can substitute honey for the sugar in the syrup. However, the flavor will be slightly different.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope this simple grilled mango recipe brings you as much joy as it brings me. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual backyard barbecue to an elegant dinner party. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make it your own. Try serving it with a scoop of coconut ice cream or a drizzle of lime juice for an extra touch of indulgence. And please, let me know what you think – I’d love to hear about your culinary adventures!