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Blackened fish tacos have easily become my favorite taco—they never get old. These fish tacos are so delicious thanks to the medley of fresh ingredients stuffed into each toasted corn tortilla. My fish tacos are made with heavily seasoned and blackened flakey white fish topped with fresh cilantro, purple cabbage, avocado, tomato, lime juice, and chipotle mayo.
For blackened fish tacos I usually use cod, haddock, or similar light/flakey white fish. It’s very easy to cook and light in flavor, essentially taking on the flavor of the spices and toppings. You could also substitute with mahi-mahi or any other white fish you prefer.
If you like this recipe, you have to try my fried fish tacos next. My blackened salmon tacos and spicy shrimp tacos are also phenomenal substitutes for white fish. If you’re a beef lover, try my carne asada tacos and my skillet flank steak fajitas! All of these taco recipes pair nicely with a side of cilantro lime rice!
If you aren’t sure about blackened fish, try making these with beer-battered fish for a baja-style taco!
Table of Contents
Tips for Blackening Fish
Blackening is a Cajun-style technique involving generously seasoning meat with a blend of spicy, smokey spices and pan-searing or grilling on high heat. It renders the fish with a dark caramelized crust due to the rub of spices.
There are a handful of pre-made blackening spices out there, Old Bay being one of my favorites and most accessible. You can also make your own blackening seasoning (recipe below) with a combo of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, dried thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper. This is a great combo that never fails!
Generously coat all four sides of the fish in blackening seasoning for ultimate flavor and punch. Be sure to get skinless filets so you can season all sides. Some premade blackening seasoning can be a little spicy and or salty, so be sure to taste a little before using. Most of the time, you won’t need to add any additional salt to the dish.
I usually sear the blackened fish in a cast iron skillet and serve in the skillet to keep the fish warm. Cast iron gives you a fantastic grill-like seared finish.
How to Toast Tortillas
My favorite way to eat tacos or fajitas is with toasted corn tortillas. If you have a gas range, place the tortillas directly on the grates and fire up the burner. Cook on medium-low heat for about 15 seconds per side, flipping with a metal spatula.
The edges of the tortilla will start to char and crisp and the center will be soft, warm, and pliable. If you’ve run into ripping or tearing corn tortillas, this will remedy the problem and make them much more sturdy and flavorful. This can also be done with flour tortillas.
Cotija Cheese
Cotija cheese is a relativity mild and salty crumbly cheese that usually comes in block form. It’s a common cheese used in a lot of Mexican recipes. You’ll sometimes see cotija sprinkled on refried beans, tacos, or Mexican street corn. It’s amazing on fish tacos because it’s light and mild. It’s the only type of cheese that really jives with fish.
I use the medium-sized holes on my grater for small crumbly bits that you can easily sprinkle—almost like magic cheese dust.
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Blackened Fish Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound cod, haddock, or mahi mahi (skin removed)
- 3 tablespoons blackening seasoning such as Old Bay
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, for searing
- 1 package 6-inch corn tortillas, toasted
Toppings
- Chipotle mayonnaise
- 1 bag shredded purple cabbage or freshly shredded red/purple cabbage
- 1 plum tomato, diced
- 1 bunch of cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 lime cut into small wedges
- Finely grated cotija cheese
Homemade blackening seasoning (makes 6 tablespoons)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon ground dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare all your taco toppings and set them aside. This can be done well in advance aside from the avocado. If making your own blackening seasoning, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix. You will not use all of it, you can save it for later in a sealed container.
- Pat the fish dry with a paper towel. Rub both sides of the fish with blackening seasoning making sure the filets are generously seasoned all over.
- Meanwhile, heat oil over medium-high heat in a skillet. Sear the fish until fully cooked through and flakey, about 5 minutes per side. Fish should have a nice blackened exterior.
- Break fish apart into thin strips using the tip of your spatula. Serve in the skillet to keep warm.
- Serve with warmed or toasted corn tortillas with tomato, avocado, shredded cabbage, cilantro, chipotle mayo, and cotija cheese. Serve with lime wedges. See the note below on toasting tortillas!
Blackening seasoning
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or container and mix to incorporate. This recipe makes 6 tablespoons so you will have plenty extra.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What brand Chipotle mayo do you recommend?
Hi Julie,
I use Kraft chipotle mayo. It’s perfect.