These blackened fish tacos bring a burst of flavor with every bite! The fish gets a tasty, spicy crust, and the chipotle-lime sauce adds a zesty kick that makes it really special.
Who doesn’t love tacos? I love piling mine high with toppings! Grab your favorite veggies and dig in—you’ll be reaching for seconds in no time. 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Fish: Tilapia, cod, or mahi-mahi work beautifully for this dish. If you want to switch it up, try salmon or trout for a richer flavor or even shrimp for a different texture.
Spices: The blend of spices is essential. Smoked paprika adds depth, but you can use regular paprika if needed. For a smokier kick, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke or chipotle powder instead of cayenne if you like it spicier.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: Using sour cream gives a rich taste, but Greek yogurt is a healthier option with a similar tanginess. You can also use a dairy-free yogurt for a vegan version!
Cabbage: Purple cabbage adds a nice crunch and color, but green cabbage or even shredded lettuce can be used if that’s what you have on hand. Add some diced avocado for creaminess if you like!
How Do I Get My Fish Perfectly Blackened?
Blackening fish can seem tricky, but with the right technique, you’ll get a delicious, crusty exterior while keeping the fish tender inside. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet on medium-high; it should be hot but not smoking. This step is crucial for that blackened effect!
- Make sure the fish is thoroughly coated with the spice mix. The spices form a crust when they hit the hot oil.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side. Don’t flip the fish too soon! Wait until it’s golden and releases easily from the skillet.
- Let the fish rest after cooking. This allows the juices to settle, keeping the fish moist.
How to Make Blackened Fish Tacos With Chipotle-Lime Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fish:
- 1 lb white fish fillets (tilapia, cod, or mahi-mahi)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Chipotle-Lime Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1-2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust based on heat preference)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
For Assembly:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious taco recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 10-12 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be ready to enjoy these tasty blackened fish tacos in about 25-30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fish:
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, and black pepper. This will create a flavorful spice mixture. Take your fish fillets and rub this mixture all over them, ensuring they are well-coated for maximum flavor.
2. Cook the Fish:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. Carefully add the seasoned fish fillets to the skillet. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want the fish to be blackened and cooked through. Once done, remove the fish from the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing it into strips.
3. Make the Chipotle-Lime Sauce:
While the fish is cooking, prepare the chipotle-lime sauce. In a bowl, mix together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, and garlic powder. Add salt to taste. If you like it spicier, you can add more chipotle peppers to your liking!
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Time to put everything together! Warm your corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they are soft and pliable. On each tortilla, layer some of the shredded purple cabbage first, then place the sliced blackened fish on top. Drizzle generously with the chipotle-lime sauce and add fresh cilantro. If you like, sprinkle some crumbled queso fresco on top.
5. Serve:
Now, it’s finally time to dig in! Serve your delicious fish tacos with lime wedges on the side for that extra burst of citrus flavor. Enjoy your homemade blackened fish tacos!
Can I Use a Different Type of Fish?
Absolutely! You can substitute the white fish with other varieties like salmon or snapper. Just keep in mind that thicker fillets may require a longer cooking time. Aim for about 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through.
Can The Chipotle-Lime Sauce Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, and feel free to adjust the lime juice or chipotle seasoning to freshen it up!
How to Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers. The fish can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days, while the sauce will last 3-4 days. Reheat fish gently in the microwave or a skillet to maintain texture.
Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
Sure! To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the fish seasoning or add extra minced chipotle peppers to the sauce. You can also garnish with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!
