Ingredients
Blackened Fish
- 1 pound cod (or other firm white fish like halibut or mahi mahi)
- 2 tablespoons high heat oil (such as canola or vegetable oil)
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Mango Salsa
- 1 mango, diced
- 1/4 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 heaping tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 1/2 lime, juiced (about 1 tablespoon)
- Pinch of salt
Tacos Assembly
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
Instructions
- Make the Blackened Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, dried basil, oregano, thyme, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to form the blackened seasoning blend.
- Prepare Mango Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, diced red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine and allow flavors to meld while you prepare the fish.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet (cast iron recommended) over medium-high heat until hot.
- Warm the Tortillas (Optional): Place one or two tortillas at a time on the skillet to warm, about 20-30 seconds per side. Keep warm by stacking them in a tortilla warmer or covering with a clean kitchen towel on a plate.
- Season the Fish: Generously coat the fish on all sides with the blackened seasoning blend.
- Cook the Fish: Add the high-heat oil to the hot skillet. Then add the seasoned fish and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on one side until blackened and seared.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip the fish carefully and cook another 4 to 5 minutes, or longer depending on thickness, until fully cooked and opaque.
- Assemble Tacos: Transfer the cooked fish to a platter and break it into bite-sized pieces. Place pieces of blackened fish onto warm corn tortillas, top with shredded red cabbage and spoon mango salsa on top. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a cast iron skillet if possible as it helps achieve the best sear for the blackened fish.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount based on your heat preference.
- For thicker fish fillets, increase cooking time slightly to ensure the fish is cooked through.
- You can substitute cod with halibut, mahi mahi, or any firm white fish.
- Warm tortillas improve texture and make the tacos more enjoyable.
- Leftover mango salsa can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
