These blackened fish tacos are bursting with flavor! The fish is nicely seasoned and cooked until it’s perfectly crispy, while the chipotle-lime sauce adds a zesty kick that you won’t forget!
Honestly, who can resist tacos? I love stacking them high with fresh toppings. The sauce is so good, I sometimes use it on everything! Give it a try for your next taco night!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fish: White fish like tilapia, cod, or mahi-mahi works best due to their mild flavor. If you can’t find these, try using shrimp or even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Blackening Seasoning: You can use store-bought blackening seasoning or make your own with spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and oregano. Adjust the spice level based on your taste.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are traditional here, but feel free to use flour tortillas if you prefer. Just remember, the cooking time may vary!
Cabbage: I love using purple cabbage for the crunch and color. Green cabbage works too. If you’re looking for a different flavor, try using shredded lettuce or carrots.
Chipotle Peppers: Chipotle peppers in adobo add a nice kick. If you want less heat, use smoked paprika instead, or skip the peppers for a milder sauce.
How Can I Cook the Fish to Get That Perfect Blackened Crust?
Cooking the fish perfectly is key for this dish. To get that lovely blackened crust, follow these steps:
- Make sure your skillet is really hot before adding the fish. This helps achieve that nice char.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary so each piece has enough space.
- Timing is crucial! Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. A good sign is the fish should flake easily with a fork.
- Letting the fish rest after cooking helps keep it tender.
With these tips, you’ll impress everyone with your tasty blackened fish tacos!
How to Make Blackened Fish Tacos With Chipotle-Lime Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb white fish fillets (such as tilapia, cod, or mahi-mahi)
- 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
For the Chipotle-Lime Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook. In no time, you’ll have delicious blackened fish tacos ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fish:
Start by rinsing and patting dry your fish fillets. Then, coat both sides of the fish with the blackening seasoning and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. This seasoning will add a great flavor to your fish.
2. Cook the Fish:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, pour in the olive oil and let it heat up. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned fish fillets to the skillet. Cook the fish for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are cooked through and develop a nice, dark crust. When done, take the fish off heat, let it rest for a minute, and then flake it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the Chipotle-Lime Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning or spice level to your liking.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
In another skillet, place the corn tortillas over medium heat. Warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until they are nice and pliable.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put your tacos together! On each tortilla, add a good amount of the shredded purple cabbage. Next, place the flaked blackened fish on top, drizzle with the chipotle-lime sauce, and finish off with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
6. Serve:
Enjoy your delicious tacos right away! Serve them with lime wedges on the side for an extra splash of flavor. Yum!
Can I Use a Different Type of Fish?
Absolutely! If you can’t find tilapia, cod, or mahi-mahi, feel free to use other white fish like snapper or bass. Just ensure the fish is flaky and mild, so it complements the bold flavors of the blackening seasoning.
What if I Don’t Have Blackening Seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own blackening seasoning by mixing equal parts paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Adjust the cayenne to your spice preference for a milder or spicier version.
Can I Make the Chipotle-lime Sauce in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chipotle-lime sauce up to 2 days ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will meld nicely, but give it a good stir before using to combine everything again.
How to Store Leftover Taco Ingredients?
Store any leftover fish, sauce, and cabbage separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat the fish, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat to retain its texture. Enjoy taco assembly fresh whenever you like!
