Blackened Fish Tacos Recipe

The first time I made blackened fish tacos, I was blown away by how simple and flavorful they were. The perfectly seasoned fish, crunchy cabbage, and creamy white sauce wrapped in warm tortillas created a symphony of textures and tastes. They’re now one of my favorite weeknight dinners because they come together so quickly while tasting like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant.

If you’ve never had blackened fish before, get ready for a treat. ‘Blackening’ is a cooking method where fish gets coated in a mix of spices, then pan-fried to perfection. It forms a slightly charred crust while staying flaky and tender inside. Toss it in a tortilla with fresh toppings, and you’ve got an irresistible taco. Trust me, you won’t need an excuse to make these again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Packed with bold flavors and effortless to make, here are some reasons you’ll adore these blackened fish tacos.

Quick and Easy

You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen for incredible tacos. This recipe can be ready in just 30 minutes. The blackening seasoning is super quick to whip up, and the fish cooks in less than 10 minutes.

Fresh and Healthy

These tacos offer a balanced, healthy meal. The fish is a great lean protein, paired with colorful veggies for added crunch and nutrients. Perfect for guilt-free indulgence.

Easily Customizable

Blackened fish tacos can fit almost any taste. Adjust the seasoning to make it spicier or tone it down, switch the fish to shrimp or chicken, and choose toppings you love. It’s a versatile meal anyone can enjoy.

Vibrant Combination of Textures

The contrast between smoky fish, creamy sauce, and fresh, crunchy toppings makes every bite exciting. Each taco is like a little flavor-packed experience for your taste buds.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long it takes to make these delicious tacos from start to finish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

You’ll need a handful of fresh and simple ingredients for the perfect blackened fish tacos.

• Cod (or other fish): 4 fillets (about 1 lb)
• Blackening seasoning: 2 tbsp
• Corn tortillas: 8 small
• Pico de gallo: 1 cup
• Shredded cabbage: 2 cups
• Lime juice: 2 tbsp
• Butter: 2 tbsp
• Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup
• Sour cream: 1/4 cup

Variations

Want to make it your own? Here are alternative ingredients and tools you’ll need.

Ingredient Alternatives

• Use shrimp, halibut, or mahi-mahi instead of cod.
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier sauce.
• Top with avocado slices or mango salsa for added flavor.

Equipment Needed

• Nonstick skillet: Ideal for cooking the fish without it sticking.
• Sharp knife: For slicing fish and prepping vegetables.
• Mixing bowls: To blend the sauce and seasoning.
• Cutting board: For chopping cabbage and garnishes.

How to Make Blackened Fish Tacos?

This step-by-step guide will help you recreate restaurant-quality tacos right at home.

Step 1: Season the Fish🐟

Start by slicing your fish into manageable portions if needed. Coat each piece generously with your blackening seasoning. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes so the flavors fully absorb.

Step 2: Prepare the Toppings

While the fish sits, shred your cabbage, mix your pico de gallo, and whisk together the creamy white sauce with mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and a bit of seasoning. Set these aside for an effortless assembly later. 🥗

Step 3: Pan-Fry the Fish

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and melt butter until foamy. Add the fish to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until darkened and flaky. Be gentle when flipping to keep the pieces intact. 🔥

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas🌮

Briefly heat your tortillas in a dry skillet or over a flame to make them soft and pliable. This also enhances the overall flavor of the tacos. 🌾

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Flake the cooked fish into bite-sized chunks and layer it in tortillas. Add shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and a drizzle of white sauce. Garnish with lime wedges and extra seasoning if desired. Serve warm and enjoy! 🍋

Tips for Making the Recipe

Make the most out of this recipe with these helpful tips.

Don’t Skip Marination: Allowing the fish to sit with the blackening seasoning for at least 30 minutes deepens the flavor and ensures every bite is seasoned perfectly.

Use Fresh Tortillas: Fresh, warm tortillas make a huge difference. Heat them up for a slightly toasty bite that complements the smoky fish.

Flip Carefully: Fish can be delicate, especially after cooking, so flip and handle it gently with a spatula to avoid it falling apart.

How to Serve Blackened Fish Tacos?

For a truly gorgeous plate, arrange the tacos neatly on a serving dish. Garnish them with wedges of lime or slices of avocado. Serve alongside sides like Mexican rice, guacamole, or refried beans for a complete meal.

For extra fun during gatherings, create a taco bar where guests can assemble their tacos with their favorite toppings.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a glance at the nutrition you’re getting per serving of these tacos.

• Calories: 385
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 22g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is great for meal prepping or saving for later.

Make Ahead

You can prepare the blackening seasoning and white sauce ahead of time and store them in airtight containers. When ready to cook, all that’s left is seasoning & frying the fish.

Storage

Store leftover fish in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out. Toppings like pico de gallo and white sauce can also be refrigerated for 2-3 days.

Take your taste buds on a delicious adventure with these easy blackened fish tacos. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just a weeknight craving, this recipe delivers bold flavors, flaky fish, and endless customization to fit your taste. Enjoy tacos that are as irresistible as they are easy to create! 🌮💫