Blackened Fish Tacos are a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. The fish, typically seasoned with a bold blend of spices and cooked until crispy on the outside, pairs wonderfully with fresh toppings like tangy cabbage slaw, creamy avocado, and a drizzle of zesty lime crema. The smoky and spicy blackened seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the fish, while the soft tortillas provide the perfect base to hold all the ingredients together. These tacos are fresh, light, and full of vibrant flavors—ideal for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
For the Blackened Fish:
- 4 white fish fillets (such as tilapia, mahi-mahi, or cod)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Lime Crema:
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cabbage Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple, or a mix)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional Toppings:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Blackened Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Season the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. Rub the blackened seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the fish fillets, pressing gently to adhere.
- Cook the Fish: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the fish fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is golden brown and cooked through. The fish should easily flake with a fork. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Lime Crema: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prepare the Cabbage Slaw: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, red onion, and cilantro. Add the lime juice, and season with salt and pepper. Toss until well mixed.
- Warm the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos: To assemble, place a few pieces of blackened fish on each tortilla. Top with cabbage slaw, avocado slices, a drizzle of lime crema, and a squeeze of lime juice. Add hot sauce if desired for extra heat.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately with extra lime wedges and hot sauce on the side.
Blackened Fish Tacos are a flavorful, fresh, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of smoky, spicy fish, cool crema, and crunchy slaw creates a balance of textures and tastes that will leave you coming back for more.
