Not sure how to cut a mango? My step-by-step photos and video will show you the easiest way to slice and dice a mango.
Save the Recipe!
Don’t be intimidated by the mango! With their slippery flesh and awkward pit, it’s no surprise many people end up butchering them (or avoiding them altogether). The good news? My simple, foolproof technique makes cutting a mango quick and super easy!
Whether you’re adding fresh mango to Mango Salsa, Fruit Salad, my fab Mango Smoothie, or just can’t get enough of it on its own, my tips and tricks make prep fast and frustration-free. So let’s skip to the chase and get into it, peeps!
How to Tell if a Mango Is Ripe
To tell if a mango is ripe, gently squeeze it! A ripe mango will give slightly under pressure, similar to a ripe avocado or peach. Also give it a sniff. It should be smell a bit sweet and fragrant near the stem. The color isn’t always a reliable indicator, since mangoes come in many varieties with different skin tones!
Watch How to Cut a Mango
How to Cut a Mango
Here’s the easiest way to a cut a mango, step-by-step, with photos to help you every step of the way! For full details, check out the recipe card below.
Stand the mango upright. Set the mango upright, with the stem facing up.
Slice off the “cheeks.” Cut about ¼ inch off-center on one side of the stem to slice off one “cheek.” Repeat on the other side.
Score into cubes. Take one cheek and score the flesh in a grid pattern. Do the same with the other cheek.
Scoop it out. Turn the cheek inside out. Scoop out the cubes with the knife.
Trim the pit. Cut the thin strips of flesh left on each side of the pit, dice it up, and enjoy!
How to Store Cut Mango
- To store: place cut mango in an airtight containerand store it in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- To freeze: spread the cubes/slices on a baking sheet and place in the freezer until frozen. Then transfer the pieces to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen mango lasts up to 6 months!
How to Serve Fresh Mango
Add fresh mango to Fruit Salad, blend it into a Mango Smoothie, layer it on yogurt or on top of an Acai Bowl, or use it as a topping for ice cream or Blueberry Pancakes!
Or make a Mango Salsa and spoon it over Grilled Chicken Breast, Grilled Chicken Thighs, or my Grilled Pork Tenderloin. Also make fun skewers with cubed mango and other fruit, or savory skewers with prosciutto and fresh mozzarella!
More Tips on How to Cut Fruit!
Tips & Tricks
How to Cut a Watermelon (Into Cubes & Slices)
Tips & Tricks
How to Cut a Pineapple
Tips & Tricks
How to Cut a Cantaloupe (3 Ways!)
If you’ve tried this How to Cut a Mango tutorial or any other recipe on my website, please let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you. Please consider leaving a 🌟 star rating while you are here!
How to Cut a Mango (With Video!)
Ingredients
- Ripe mango(es)
Instructions
- The mango has an oblong, flat pit in the middle. Place the mango upright, with the stem facing up, on a cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, cut about ¼ inch off-center on one side of the stem to slice off one “cheek” (the fleshy side of the mango). Repeat on the other side. You should now have two large halves.
- Take one cheek and, without cutting through the skin, score the flesh in a grid pattern (like a tic-tac-toe board). Do the same with the other cheek.
- Turn the cheeks inside out by pushing the skin side up from underneath (it will look like a hedgehog!). Use a spoon or knife to scoop out the cubes.
- Cut the thin strips of flesh left on each side of the pit. Dice it up and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- A mango is ripe when it gives slightly when gently squeezed (similarly to a peach or pear).
- Need strips of mango? Place each cheek skin-side down on a cutting board. Slice lengthwise through the mango cheek, cutting all the way through the flesh and the skin to create strips. Take each strip and gently peel the skin off with your fingers or a paring knife.
- Do you need to peel mango before eating? Yes, the skin can be irritating to your mouth (it contains urushiol…the same compound found in poison ivy)!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’ve always wondered how to cut a mango. The photos were so helpful!
Yay!! So great to hear ๐
Grace
Learning techniques like this make cooking fast and easy. Thank you for helping me become a better cook!
Love this! Thanks for your review!
Grace
Appreciate handy tips like this. Jacques Pepinโs La Technique has been a great technical resource and Tastefully Grace is as well!
What a compliment! Thank you – and so glad my tips were helpful!
Grace
This made my life so easy! Thanks for the tip!!
Love hearing this!! Thanks for letting me know!
Grace