Learn how to cut a mango easily without a mango slicer. This guide explains how to cut a mango into cubes, slice a mango into strips and even make a mango rose!
How to Cut a Mango—Without Buying a One-Use Gadget
Updated on Nov. 02, 2023
The juicy mango is arguably one of the sweetest fruits the tropics have to offer, but freeing the soft fruit from its thick skin can be tough. The deliciousness of the mango is worth every effort, though!
Here’s a simple hack on how to cut a mango, and the best part is you won’t need any kitchen gadgets to get the job done! You can use the juicy fruit in salads, salsa and all kinds of mango desserts.
How to Clean a Mango
Hold the whole fruit under cool running tap water. Rub it gently with your hands as you rinse it. You may also use a clean vegetable brush to scrub the surface of the mango. Don’t be overly concerned, since you won’t be eating the skin—you just want to remove any dirt that might dirty your cutting surface and the fruit inside.
How to Cut a Mango Without a Slicer
Before learning how to cut a mango, you’ll need to note that there are four sides to a mango—two wider sides (called the cheeks) and two narrower sides—with a pit/seed in the middle.
Directions
Step 1: Cut the mango in half
Hold the mango vertically on a cutting board with the two mango cheeks facing to the left and right. Using a chef’s knife, make a lengthwise cut as close to the long, flat seed as possible to remove each side of the fruit.
If you hit the pit of the mango, simply move the knife slightly off-center and then slice through.
For the remaining two sides, slice carefully around the pit. Then, discard the pit or set it aside to grow in your garden.
Step 2: Make “hedgehog” cuts
Score each side of the fruit lengthwise and widthwise, being careful not to cut through the skin. You want to form a grid.
Step 3: Scoop out the cubes of mango
Using your hand, push the skin up, turning the fruit out. Cut the fruit off of the skin with a knife. You should end up with perfect cubes of mango. It’s that easy!
5 Different Ways to Cut Up a Mango
- Hedgehog cuts: This is the method mentioned above, where you form a grid on the mango cheek using a knife, then invert the skin until the cubes stand out—like quills on a hedgehog.
- Cubes: The flesh from the “hedgehog” is carefully cut out. You can eat the cubes as-is.
- Diced: Take a slice of mango, cut it vertically and then horizontally, forming a small dice.
- Strips: You can also julienne mango. Cut and peel a slice of mango. Then, cut thin matchstick-like strips. Use mango strips to garnish green salads.
- Rose: Peel a mango cheek. Put it horizontally on a cutting board and slice thinly. Gently separate out the slices, forming a line. The slices should still be overlapped with each other. Then, start rolling it inwards from one end. Once done, it will resemble a rose. Use this delicate mango rose to garnish salads or top a pastry, like a mango tiramisu.
The Best Recipes to Make with Fresh Mango
Mango Pineapple SalsaThis tropically sweet mango pineapple salsa will be a welcome addition at any party or potluck. Just add chips!
Mango Fudge Refrigerator Ribbon CookiesI’ve always thought that a ribbon cookie is especially nice. Although it’s a single cookie, it really seems like two or three different cookies because of its lovely layers of flavor. These refrigerated ribbon cookies have a rich chocolate layer balanced by a bright orange-mango layer—a very special combination. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
You can also try this no-bake sweet mango delicacy- mango delight!
Coconut Mango Bread Pudding with Rum SauceAll the fun flavors of Puerto Rico come together in a dessert that's both exotic and familiar. Topped with a brown sugar rum sauce, it's even better with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. —Jennifer Jackson, Keller, Texas
Pork Tenderloin with Mango RelishColorful mango relish is a refreshing counterpoint to the “heat” in the meat rub I use to pep up a number of pork dishes. These roasted tenderloins are sure to turn out nice and juicy. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
Mango Ice CreamThis mango ice cream checks all the boxes for a light and fruity summer treat. With only four ingredients, it makes enough for the whole family. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Caribbean Shrimp & Rice BowlI had a similar rice bowl on vacation and re-created this lighter version at home. It takes me back to the islands every time I make it. Try grilling the shrimp for more beachy flavor. —Lauren Katz, Ashburn, Virginia
Mango Pie with Coconut CrustThis was the first pie I created myself. Mangoes are one of my favorite fruits, and they deserve to be represented in a pie. Of course, everything is better with coconut. —Jennifer Worrell, Niles, Illinois
Pulled Pork SlidersIn these pulled pork sliders, we combine the smoky heat of chipotle peppers with a cool tropical coleslaw and soft Hawaiian buns. You can slow-cook a pork shoulder from scratch or use leftover pork—your choice!
Grilled Chicken, Mango & Blue Cheese TortillasHere's a fantastic outdoor appetizer to kick-start your summer get-togethers. We double or triple the ingredients when we host parties. —Josee Lanzi, New Port Richey, Florida
Conga Lime PorkDinner guests won’t be too shy to get in line when this yummy chipotle pork moves to the buffet table. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Mango & Coconut Chicken SoupI love preparing dinner in a slow cooker because it's "carefree cooking." This chicken dish uses ingredients that I love, such as coconut milk, edamame and fresh ginger. The Asian-style entree is perfect for a potluck party. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Peppered Tuna KabobsWhen we barbecue, we like to wow our guests, so dogs and burgers are out! We make tuna skewers topped with salsa—the perfect easy recipe. My five kids like to help me put them together. —Jennifer Ingersoll, Herndon, Virginia
Island Mango SlawThe cooling effect of tropical fruit and Greek yogurt meets jalapeno spice in this snappy mango slaw. To ensure ripeness, you may want to buy your mango a day or two ahead. —Jenn Hall, Collingswood, New Jersey
Mango-Peach SmoothiesThis is my toddler son's favorite breakfast—he'll take one of these over pancakes any day! Get creative when mixing fruits and fruit-flavored yogurts; we love peach yogurt with mango, strawberry yogurt with blueberries or pina colada yogurt with mango and banana. —Dana Herra, DeKalb, Illinois
Jerk-Spiced Mango Pineapple ChutneyI grew up eating mango, pineapple and spicy food, so enjoy the combination of these flavors. I try to make this chutney during the summer when the fruit is most flavorful and affordable. It's fine to adjust the spiciness according to your liking. You can serve this with any meat, but also with fish, such as salmon.—Sugiyarti Jorgenson, Kodiak, Alaska
Blackened Catfish with Mango Avocado SalsaA delightful and tasty rub makes this quick recipe fantastic. While the fish is sitting to allow the flavors to blend, you can easily assemble the salsa. My family loves this! —Laura Fisher, Westfield, Massachusetts
Crab Louie Lettuce WrapsParty guests can mingle and enjoy these tasty portable lettuce wraps without having to juggle plates and forks. — Michael Watz, Normal, Illinois
Mango Avocado Spring RollsAs a fan of mangoes and avocados, I love these wraps. You can substitute tortillas for rice paper wrappers, and lettuce or spinach for sprouts. —Gena Stout, Ravenden, Arkansas
Mango Gelatin SaladMy Aunt Nannette often made this salad as a convenient make-ahead dish. The mango mold has hints of apricot and can be served with pork, chicken and beef—or for dessert. —Debra Sult, Chandler, Arizona
Mango LassiThis mango lassi recipe blends tangy yogurt and a ripe, juicy mango into a drink that's both filling and thirst-quenching.
Tropical Island Shrimp KabobsShrimp, mango and pineapple on skewers make a sunny presentation at parties. To boost flavors, we use a coconut milk, lime juice and cilantro marinade. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
Pork & Mango Stir-FryA recipe is special when everyone in your family raves about it. My finicky eaters each give a thumbs-up for this hearty, nutty stir-fry. —Kathleen Specht, Clinton, Montana
Summer Splash Chicken SaladWhen it’s too hot to eat inside, I head out to the patio. Shred some rotisserie chicken and toss with mango, watermelon and grapes for an ooh-ahh healthy chicken salad. —Barbara Spitzer, Lodi, California
Tropical Quinoa Breakfast BowlI have been making this quinoa, coconut, pineapple and mango dish since I was in high school. To make it even more tropical, add some diced papaya.—Billy Hensley, Mount Carmel, Tennessee
Grilled Mango & Avocado SaladA big hit with my family, this light salad is so easy to make! The healthy option of mango and avocado is simply the best combination you could serve. —Amy Liesemeyer, Tucson, Arizona
Pork Tacos with Mango SalsaI've made quite a few tacos in my day, but you can't beat the tender filling made in a slow cooker. These are by far the best pork tacos we've had—and we've tried plenty. Make the mango salsa from scratch if you have time! Yum. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Shrimp in Mango Chili SauceOn-hand ingredients make a tasty shrimp entree in a matter of minutes! Try the shrimp over waffles or rice for another yummy option. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Cheeseburger BowlMeet our new favorite bunless burger option: the cheeseburger bowl! Whether you are cutting carbs, eat gluten-free or forgot to buy buns, you'll love this take on a burger.
Asian Salmon TacosThis Asian/Mexican fusion dish is ready in minutes—perfect when time is tight! If the salmon begins to stick, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and continue cooking. —Marisa Raponi, Vaughan, Ontario
