Are you ready for a delicious and healthy meal that will tantalize your taste buds? These Blackened Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa are packed with fresh flavors and a little kick. The blackened cod is seasoned to perfection and paired with a refreshing, sweet mango salsa that complements the spiciness of the fish. Topped with a creamy seasoned sour cream and crunchy cabbage, these tacos are sure to become a family favorite! Perfect for a light dinner or a fun taco night, let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Method in Detail
Prepare the Blackened Seasoning
Start by combining all of your spices to make the blackened seasoning. In a small dish, mix together the paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, ground oregano, and cayenne pepper. Stir them until everything is well incorporated. This seasoning will give your cod that smoky, spicy flavor that makes the fish “blackened” when cooked.
Season the Cod
Next, slice your cod into 1-inch filets. Take each filet and press the blackened seasoning into both sides, ensuring it’s well-coated. Allow the seasoned fish to sit for about 5 minutes. This will help the seasoning to soak into the fish and infuse it with all those bold, rich flavors.
Make the Seasoned Sour Cream
While the cod is soaking up the seasoning, it’s time to make the creamy, tangy topping for your tacos. In a small bowl, combine the dairy-free sour cream, mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This seasoned sour cream will add a nice creamy texture to balance the spice from the fish.
Massage the Cabbage Slaw
Now, let’s prepare the slaw that will add a crunch to your tacos. In a separate small bowl, mix the shredded green cabbage with the remaining 1 tablespoon of lime juice and the 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Using your hands, massage the cabbage for a minute or two. This softens the cabbage and helps it absorb the lime juice, making it the perfect texture to complement the other taco ingredients.
Make the Mango Salsa
For the fresh and vibrant mango salsa, start by dicing the mangoes, roma tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Add all these ingredients into a bowl, and squeeze the juice from one lime over the mixture. Add the salt to taste. Stir everything together gently to combine, making sure the flavors marry well. This salsa will bring a burst of sweetness and freshness to balance the spiced cod.
Cook the Fish
Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a stainless steel pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add a piece of parchment paper to the pan and coat both sides with a bit more avocado oil. Carefully place the cod filets in the pan, and cook for about 3 minutes on one side. After 3 minutes, gently flip the fish over and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. The cod should be nicely blackened and cooked through. Once done, remove the fish from the pan and set it aside.
Assemble the Tacos
Now it’s time to assemble your tacos! Start by warming your corn tortillas. Place a generous spoonful of guacamole on each tortilla (if using), then add a piece of blackened cod. Top it with a dollop of the seasoned sour cream, followed by a heaping spoonful of mango salsa. Finally, add a portion of the cabbage slaw for crunch. Fold up the tortilla and your taco is ready to enjoy!
Necessary Tools
- Stainless steel pan
- Small bowls for seasoning and salsa
- Parchment paper
- Spoon for mixing
- Knife and chopping board
Blackened Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa
Cuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes10
minutes25
minutesIngredients
For the Fish:
1 lb cod
2 tbsp avocado oil
1 tbsp blackened seasoning (from the mix below)
For the Blackened Seasoning:
3 tsp paprika
2 tsp salt
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp ground oregano
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
For the Mango Salsa:
2 cups mango, diced (about 3 large mangos)
1/2 cup roma tomatoes, diced
3 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
2 tbsp red onion, diced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1/2 tsp salt (or more to taste)
For the Seasoned Sour Cream:
1/2 cup dairy-free sour cream
1 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp honey
Pinch of salt
1 tbsp lime juice (divided)
For the Cabbage Slaw:
1 1/2 cups green cabbage, shredded
1 tbsp lime juice
1/4 tsp salt
For Serving:
Corn tortillas
Guacamole (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Blackened Seasoning: In a small dish, combine the paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne. This is your blackened seasoning.
- Season the Cod: Slice your cod into 1-inch filets. Pat the seasoning into the fish and let it sit for 5 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Make the Seasoned Sour Cream: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayo, 1 tbsp of lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Massage the Cabbage Slaw: In another small bowl, mix the shredded cabbage with the remaining lime juice and salt. Massage it gently with your hands to soften the cabbage.
- Make the Mango Salsa: Dice your mango, roma tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Combine them in a bowl with lime juice and salt. Stir well to bring all the flavors together.
- Cook the Fish: Heat the avocado oil in a stainless steel pan over medium-high heat. Place parchment paper in the pan, coating it with oil. Add the cod filets and cook for 3 minutes on one side. Flip gently and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Once cooked, remove from heat.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the corn tortillas and start building your tacos. Add a spoonful of guacamole (optional), a piece of blackened fish, a dollop of seasoned sour cream, mango salsa, and the cabbage slaw. Wrap it up and enjoy!
Notes
- Patting the Fish: Be sure to pat the blackened seasoning into the fish filets well. This helps the spices stick better while cooking.
- Cooking the Fish: Cod cooks quickly! Be sure not to overcook the fish to maintain its tender texture.
- Adjusting the Spice: If you prefer your tacos milder, you can reduce the cayenne pepper in the blackened seasoning.
- Massage the Cabbage: Take your time massaging the cabbage to ensure it softens up, giving your tacos the perfect crunch!
Serving Suggestions
These tacos are perfect for a fun taco night! Serve them with a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad. You can also pair them with crispy tortilla chips for an extra crunch. To add more flavor, a squeeze of extra lime on top gives them a zesty kick!
Fun Fact
Did you know that mangoes are often called the “King of Fruits”? They are packed with vitamins A and C, making them not only delicious but also a healthy addition to your meal.
Conclusion
These Blackened Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa are the ultimate way to enjoy fresh and flavorful fish in a fun, easy-to-make meal. With the perfect balance of heat from the blackened seasoning and sweetness from the mango salsa, these tacos are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re enjoying them for a casual dinner or serving them at a party, this recipe will bring a burst of sunshine to your plate! Enjoy!
