Blackened Tilapia Fish Tacos Recipe
Fish tacos are a delightful and versatile dish that brings together fresh, vibrant flavors with the rich, satisfying taste of blackened tilapia. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a festive gathering with friends, blackened tilapia fish tacos are sure to impress. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the ingredients and procedure to create this delicious dish.
Ingredients
For the Blackened Tilapia:
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges for serving
For the Creamy Lime Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Procedure
1. Prepare the Blackened Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
2. Season the Tilapia:
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Rub each fillet with olive oil, then generously coat them with the blackened seasoning mixture, pressing it onto the fish to ensure it sticks.
3. Cook the Tilapia:
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a small amount of oil to the pan. Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through and has a nice blackened crust. Remove from the pan and let rest for a few minutes before flaking into bite-sized pieces.
4. Prepare the Creamy Lime Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the sour cream or Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds. To assemble the tacos, start with a layer of shredded red and green cabbage on each tortilla. Top with flaked blackened tilapia, then add diced tomatoes, red onion, and fresh cilantro. Place a few slices of avocado on each taco.
6. Drizzle with Sauce and Serve:
Drizzle the creamy lime sauce over the assembled tacos. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Tips for the Best Blackened Tilapia Fish Tacos
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder taco, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the blackened seasoning.
- Freshness Matters: Use the freshest ingredients possible, especially for the fish and vegetables, to ensure the best flavor.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add or substitute toppings based on your preference. Pickled jalapeños, corn salsa, or a sprinkle of cotija cheese can be delicious additions.
- Warm the Tortillas: Warming the tortillas helps to make them more pliable and enhances their flavor.
Blackened tilapia fish tacos are a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful, nutritious meal that’s easy to make and sure to please. With a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and creamy elements, these tacos will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to savor every bite of these delicious fish tacos.