Description
Spicy blackened fish tacos blend Cajun-inspired seasoning with fresh coastal flavors. Crisp tortillas, zesty slaw, and tangy lime crema invite you to savor this quick, delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (0.45 kg) white fish (cod or halibut)
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) paprika
- 1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
- 1 tsp (5 ml) onion powder
- 1 tsp (5 ml) dried thyme
- 1 tsp (5 ml) dried oregano
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
- ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) black pepper
- 6 corn tortillas (or flour tortillas)
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, lightly chopped
- ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 2 lime wedges
Instructions
- Sauce Preparation: Blend lime juice, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic salt, chipotle pepper, and cilantro in a food processor until silky smooth, then refrigerate to intensify flavors.
- Fish Seasoning: Coat fish thoroughly with blackening spice, ensuring an even and bold coverage across the entire surface.
- Skillet Heating: Ignite a cast-iron skillet or grill pan to high heat, creating an intense searing environment for rapid cooking.
- Fish Cooking: Sear fish for 3-4 minutes per side, developing a dark, crispy exterior while maintaining a succulent, flaky interior.
- Tortilla Warming: Quickly warm corn tortillas until pliable with slightly charred edges, enhancing their aromatic qualities.
- Taco Assembly: Layer cabbage as a crisp foundation, place blackened fish on top, and generously sprinkle fresh cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese for textural complexity.
- Final Touches: Cascade creamy sauce over the taco components and garnish with vibrant lime wedges, balancing rich, spicy flavors with a citrusy brightness.
Notes
- Sauce Preparation Tip: Blend sauce ingredients a few hours ahead to intensify flavor profiles and allow ingredients to harmonize beautifully.
- Spice Coating Technique: Press blackening spice firmly into fish to create a dense, even crust that locks in moisture and delivers maximum flavor impact.
- Heat Management Crucial: Ensure skillet or grill pan is scorching hot before adding fish to achieve that signature dark, crispy exterior without overcooking the delicate protein.
- Taco Assembly Strategy: Layer ingredients strategically – start with cabbage as a moisture barrier, place fish precisely, then add toppings to create a balanced, textural masterpiece that prevents soggy tortillas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg