Blackened Fish Tacos (2024)

This recipe for Blackened Fish Tacos is so quick and easy. It takes just 7 ingredients and less than 30 minutes to have these tacos ready for Taco Tuesday or any other day of the week you’re craving tacos. Spicy blackened cod, zesty cabbage slaw, and smooth, creamy avocado cilantro lime crema are the perfect combination of flavors. Just add on your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links. See ourDisclosure Statement for more information. I received the cod in this recipe complimentary from Sitka Salmon Shares.

Fish tacos are literally my fiancé’s answer to “What do you want for dinner this week?” every single time I ask.

I stopped asking because making them used to take more time and effort than I really wanted to put into any tacos recipe. I’d MUCH rather make a simple Broiled Cod recipe. There were always just so many components and ingredients.

Tacos are supposed to be easy. Because my fiancé is never going to stop requesting them, I just had to find a way to make an easy fish tacos recipe that doesn’t use a ton of ingredients or take a lot of time to prepare.

I went with simple blackened cod for the fish. The slightly spicy flavor is perfect when combined with the crunchy cabbage slaw and creamy avocado cilantro lime sauce.

And after he tried them, he said “I’d like these every week now, please.”

Why This Recipe Works

This really is a quick and easy recipe. Cutting the cabbage into thin strips might be the hardest part and even that is super easy! The slaw and sauce both come together in just minutes and the fish cooks in only 5-6 minutes.

This recipe only takes 7 ingredients (plus a little olive oil and salt). You can make your own blackening seasoning, but to save time, I use a store-bought one. For this particular recipe, I used Cajun’s Choice, but I’ve had other brands and they are all pretty good.

This recipe can easily be modified to suit a low carb, keto, or gluten free diet. Actually, as written, it already fits into any of those different lifestyles, but your choice in tortillas or taco shells will make a difference. See the Tips and Techniques section further down the post or in the recipe card for more information.

I enjoy these as keto fish tacos by using a low carb whole wheat tortilla. If I’m craving seconds, I’ll skip the tortilla for round 2.

How to Make Blackened Fish Tacos

What You Need To Make This Recipe

To make this recipe, you will need:

Cabbage Slaw

• 4 cups of cabbage, sliced thin (green or red or a combination can be used)
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Avocado Cilantro Lime Crema

• 1 avocado
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup cilantro
• 1 lime, juiced
• pinch of salt

Blackened Cod

• 1.5 pounds of cod fillets (thinner portions, if possible)
• 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Chef’s Tip: use thinner portions of cod so that it cooks through in a skillet in just 5-6 minutes. If your cod fillets are thicker, you may need to transfer your pan (make sure it’s oven-proof!) to the oven to finish them.

The cod I am using is from my monthly share from Sitka Salmon Shares. It’s the best seafood straight from Alaska to your door – they even tell you who your fisherman is! To learn more about Sitka, you can visit their website. If you decide to order, use code “DLB” to save $25 off of your first share (not including the Taste of Fall share).

The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.

Prep!

Thinly slice the cabbage, chop 1/4 cup of the cilantro, and juice 2 limes. You’ll also want to cut your avocado in half, discard the pit, and remove the flesh to use in the fish tacos sauce.

Create!

Combine the cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a medium bowl and toss well. Set aside.

Add the avocado, sour cream, cilantro, lime and salt to a blender or food processor. Process until smooth, set aside.

Season both sides of the cod with the blackening seasoning and press into the fish.

Some people will ask how to blacken fish, but all blackening really is is the type of seasoning that you apply to the fish. Then, cook at a high heat until it darkens.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.

Add the cod and cook 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook an additional 2-3 minutes or until the fish is opaque and flakes away easily with a fork. You can also check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It needs to be between 130-140°F.

Cut the fish into chunks or shred with a fork.

Present!

To assemble the tacos, add the cabbage slaw and blackened cod to flour or corn tortillas or taco shells and top with dollops of the avocado sauce and your favorite toppings from the list below.

I usually just add a little Mexican cheese, a squeeze of lime, and maybe a few jalapeno’s if I’m feeling spicy. My fiancé always adds pineapple.

Fish Taco Toppings Suggestions

• Crumbled queso fresca or cojita cheese
• Pickled or fresh jalapeno slices
• Pineapple or mango chunks
• Fresh cilantro
• Pico de gallo
• Sriracha or sriracha lime mayonnaise
• Lime wedges

Tips and Techniques

• If your cod fillets are thicker, you may need to transfer your pan (make sure it’s oven-proof!) to the oven to finish them. They need to be opaque throughout and flake easily with a fork. When in doubt, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure that it reaches between 130-140°F.
• You can easily modify this recipe to be gluten free or low carb. Choose either gluten free or low carb tortillas or skip the tortilla all together!
• Store leftovers separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Use within 2-3 days.

FAQ’s

What Kind Of Fish Is Best For Fish Tacos?

You want to use a mild, white fish for most fish tacos, unless the recipes specifically calls for a different type, like salmon, for instance.

Cod is very mild and a bit sweet making it a great, family friendly choice. I find tilapia to sometimes be more “fishy” tasting and while halibut works great, it is much more expensive than cod.

Cod is a very delicate fish and will fall apart easily once it’s cooked. You’ll likely have to use chunks or shred it rather than use whole pieces in your tacos.

What Sides Do You Serve With Fish Tacos?

Some sides that pair well with fish tacos are:

• Black, pinto or refried beans
• White, Spanish, or cilantro rice
• A simple salad
• Chips and queso dip or salsa

What Sauce Do You Use On Fish Tacos?

A lot of fish tacos recipes will call for some variation of a cilantro and lime sauce. This recipe uses an avocado and sour cream based cilantro lime sauce. You can omit the avocado, if preferred.

A spicy sauce made with equal parts sour cream and mayonnaise with a little sriracha mixed in it is also really good on fish tacos.

More Seafood Recipes

Here are some other seafood recipes that you might enjoy:

• Broiled Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
• Sheet Pan Salmon Fajitas
• Easy Sheet Pan Teriyaki Salmon
• Lemon Garlic Salmon Cakes
• Blackened Salmon Wraps with Avocado Slaw
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Cakes
• Gluten Free Coconut Shrimp

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