Zesty Blackened Fish Tacos with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Dive into a burst of flavors with these Zesty Blackened Fish Tacos. Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these tacos feature succulent fish fillets beautifully seasoned with a bold spice blend, then expertly blackened for that irresistible crispy exterior. Each bite is complemented by a fresh, crunchy slaw of red and green cabbage, balanced with a deliciously creamy avocado-cilantro sauce that brings the dish together. Whether you prefer corn or flour tortillas, these tacos are sure to impress your family and friends. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lime for an extra zing, and enjoy a healthy and vibrant meal that celebrates the essence of Mexican cuisine.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
23
Ingredients
Ingredients
fish fillets (mahi, tilapia, salmon, etc.)
1 1/2 lbs (skinless and boneless)
smoked paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons (ground)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (ground)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
onion powder
1 teaspoon (ground)
cumin
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons
corn or flour tortillas
6-8 (depending on size)
red cabbage
1/2 (sliced thin)
green cabbage
1/4 (sliced thin)
red onion
1/2 medium (chopped)
fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup (chopped)
lime
1 (juice of)
honey
1/2 teaspoon (more or less to taste)
sour cream
1/2 cup
ripe avocado
1 (pitted and skinned)
cilantro leaf
1/4 cup
small lime
1 (juice of)
jalapeno
1 (chopped and seeded)
salt
to taste
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, onion powder, cumin, salt, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper to create a spice blend.
2
Carefully coat both sides of the fish fillets with the spice mixture, ensuring they are evenly seasoned.
3
To prepare the Avocado-Cilantro Sauce, combine the ripe avocado, fresh cilantro leaves, juice of one small lime, jalapeno, and honey in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding salt to taste. Set aside.
4
Prepare the slaw by combining the sliced red cabbage, sliced green cabbage, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro in a large mixing bowl. Toss well to combine.
5
In a heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned fish fillets, cooking in batches if necessary. Avoid moving the fish as it cooks to achieve a nice blackened exterior. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
6
Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the heat. If desired, warm the tortillas in the same skillet for 30 seconds on each side to enhance their flavor.
7
Break the cooked fish into 2-3 inch pieces and distribute evenly among the warmed tortillas. Top with the slaw mix and drizzle generously with the Avocado-Cilantro Sauce. Garnish with extra cilantro leaves and sliced jalapeno if desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an added zing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is Zesty Blackened Fish Tacos with Creamy Avocado Sauce.
What type of fish is recommended for these tacos?
You can use skinless and boneless mahi, tilapia, or salmon fillets.
What ingredients are needed for the blackened spice blend?
The spice blend contains smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, onion powder, cumin, salt, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe serves 6 people.
What is in the Avocado-Cilantro Sauce?
The sauce is made of ripe avocado, fresh cilantro leaves, lime juice, jalapeno, honey, and salt.
How do you prepare the avocado sauce?
Combine the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.
What vegetables are used in the slaw?
The slaw uses sliced red cabbage, sliced green cabbage, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro.
How long should the fish cook on each side?
Cook the fish for 4-5 minutes per side until it flakes easily with a fork.
What is the secret to getting a blackened exterior?
Avoid moving the fish as it cooks in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
What kind of tortillas are suggested?
The recipe recommends using 6-8 corn or flour tortillas.
How should I warm the tortillas?
Warming the tortillas in the skillet for 30 seconds on each side will enhance their flavor.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy and vibrant meal celebrating Mexican cuisine.
What is the purpose of the lime wedges served on the side?
The lime wedges provide an extra zing when squeezed over the tacos.
How much fish is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of fish fillets.
Does the spice blend contain sugar?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of brown sugar.
What provides the heat in the spice rub?
Cayenne pepper provides the heat in the blackened seasoning.
How should the cabbage be prepared?
The red and green cabbage should be sliced thin for the slaw.
What kind of oil should be used for frying?
The recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How much garlic powder is used?
One teaspoon of garlic powder is used in the spice blend.
What size pieces should the fish be broken into?
Break the cooked fish into 2-3 inch pieces for serving.
Is there honey in the avocado sauce?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of honey is used to balance the sauce.
Can I use sour cream in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 cup of sour cream is listed as an ingredient.
What type of paprika is best for this dish?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of smoked paprika.
How much cumin is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Should the jalapeno be seeded for the sauce?
Yes, the jalapeno should be chopped and seeded.
What garnishes are recommended?
Garnish with extra cilantro leaves and sliced jalapeno if desired.
How much onion powder is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
What is the texture of the avocado sauce?
The sauce should be blended until it is smooth and creamy.
Is dried oregano used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano is included in the spice blend.
How do you prepare the red onion for the slaw?
The 1/2 medium red onion should be chopped before being tossed with the cabbage.