A super simple blackened fish taco recipe served with a creamy avocado lime sauce to drizzle on top. Firm white fish is coated with a spicy seasoning blend and pan-fried until lightly charred on the surface for maximum flavor.
This fish taco recipe is inspired by a food adventure just south of the border in Baja California, Mexico. My husband and I stopped at several small seaside villages like Puerto Nuevo for langosta (lobster) and pescado (fish). The food in Baja is incredible. Street cart vendors selling elotes and tacos al pastor, carnitas, carne asada, lengua, and most restaurants have whatever your heart desires.
This recipe uses a Mexican-inspired spice blend that works with any type of fresh fish. This time I choose to Mahi Mahi for its lean flakey texture, which is a match made in heaven rolled up in a corn tortilla and all the taco fixings. Taco Tuesday is never going to the be the same from here on out!
Ingredients for the blackening seasoning
The best blackening season combines smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic, onion, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. It layers on a flavor explosion that takes a mild white fish to bold and rustic in taste.
If you want more heat, just add more chili pepper, or better yet, some cayenne pepper. If you’re following a Paleo or Whole30 diet, you can omit the brown sugar. The sweetness is there to balance the savory seasonings and helps to brown the surface more quickly.
Mahi Mahi only requires a few minutes to cook before it gets dried out, so keep an eye on it. Start with a nice hot pan by pre-heating over medium-high heat for a few minutes until you can feel the heat rising. I use a cast iron skillet, however, stainless steel or nonstick pan will work too.
Press the fish against the pan
Add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan, and then heat until almost smoking. Carefully add the fish and gently press on the fillet with a spatula for a few seconds so the flesh can make direct contact with the hot pan.
This also helps release some of the moisture from the surface of the fish so the meat can brown evenly. Flip the fish and finish cooking. This process takes about 5 to 6 minutes max.
Avocado lime sauce
A quick avocado lime sauce can be made using a blender to create a smooth and creaming topping. It’s a simple combination of sour cream, ripe avocado, cilantro leaves, fresh lime juice and zest, and serrano peppers.
Crema or plain Greek yogurt can be substituted for the sour cream. Any type of pepper can be used, just adjust the amount to your heat tolerance, this sauce is mild. The fresh, tart and creamy sauce cool down the spices on the fish for a tasty pairing.
Additional toppings
- Pico de gallo
- Mango Salsa
- Guacamole
- Lime wedge to squeeze on top
- Shredded cabbage- Green or red
- Crema- A mild Mexican white sauce similar to sour cream
More Mexican recipes
Why do you add brown sugar to the seasoning?
The sugar not only adds a sweet molasses flavor but also speeds up browning on the surface of the mahi mahi. The desirable brown pigments appear at around 200°F (93°C) when the fructose in the brown sugar caramelizes to create a beautiful quick crust.
Blackened Fish Tacos with Avocado Lime Sauce
Ingredients
Avocado Lime Sauce
- ½ cup sour cream
- ÂĽ cup water
- 1 avocado, medium-sized and ripe
- ÂĽ cup cilantro leaves, loosely packed
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, fresh
- ½ teaspoon lime zest, about 1 lime
- ½ teaspoon minced serrano pepper, seeded
Fish Tacos
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons dark brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Âľ teaspoon cumin
- ÂĽ teaspoon chili powder
- ÂĽ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ pounds Mahi Mahi filets, cut lengthwise into smaller pieces if needed
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 8 corn tortillas, 6-inch
- 8 lime wedges
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup red cabbage, sliced thin
- 1 cup green cabbage, sliced thin
- cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Add sour cream, water, avocado, cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, and serrano pepper into a blender.
- Process until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Add more water as needed to achieve desired consistency. Transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate.
- Combine paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, cumin, chili pepper and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle seasoning evenly over both sides of the fish filets.
- Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
- Add fish to pan then cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until the desired degree of doneness. The surface will blacken in color quickly so keep a close eye on the fish.Â
- Warm tortillas according to package directions.
- Divide fish evenly among tortillas.
- Serve with lime wedges, tomatoes, cabbage, and cilantro.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Spice blend makes: 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon.
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Jamie F says
Made these tonight and they were amazing! Hubby kept saying how yummy they were too, thanks I’ll be making them again!
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you so much Jamie! I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed the recipe 🙂
Caroline says
Hi, How did you get the skin off the mahi mahi? Yours looks beautifu. I loved the recipe too. Very tasty and not difficult to cook especially when we are in a hurry.
D L says
just skin like a catfish, rip it off but the fis has to be cold. or just filet it off
chelsea snell says
Can I use tilapia instead of mahimahi?
Jessica Gavin says
Hi Chelsea! Yes, you can absolutely substitute tilapia for mahi mahi.
Lakshmi says
Can you leave out the brown sugar or do you think that would drastically change the flavoring of the fish?
Jessica Gavin says
Hi Lakshmi-You can leave out the brown sugar, you’ll just have a smokier and more savory flavoring. Since there is no sugar, there will be less caramelization on the surface.
Angela says
This is the third time making them in 3 weeks (once substituted with chicken). Follow the recipe to a T. The best tacos we’ve not only ever made, but have ever had. Easy, healthy, delicious. Awesome recipe.
Jessica Gavin says
Hi Angela- This comment truly made my day, I’m still smiling! I’m so happy that you enjoy this recipe, great idea switching it up with chicken, I’ll have to try it too 🙂
Eileen says
Fish tacos are my favorite. I love the idea of using blackened fish.
Jessica Gavin says
Me too Eileen! I made the blackened fish last night just to top on a salad, super versatile!
Jeff Scotti says
My god Jessica, your blackened fish tacos were the bomb!!! So good and so easy to make. I had to share this with my family members, hope you don’t mind. I just know there going to love it. Please keep up the good work… you need to have your own TV cooking show! Thanks again for all your great recipes.
Jessica Gavin says
Hi Jeff! You just made my day even more awesome!!! There’s nothing better than hearing that someone amazing had success with your recipe, thank you 🙂 I’ll keep sharing recipes and hopefully someday I’ll make it to the big screen! I appreciate your support, happy cooking 🙂
Claire says
Absolutely delicious recipe! Served this with a mango jicama slaw from Trader Joes! Thank you!
Jessica Gavin says
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe Claire! The mango jicama slaw sounds amazing! I love TJ for some quick and yummy meal additions 🙂
Carley says
Thank you so much for this recipe! My favorite place for blackend mahi mahi tacos just closed and this sounds like it would taste so close or possibly better then the fish tacos I used to get there. Thank you again!! I’m so excited to make these for dinner!!!
Jessica Gavin says
Hi Carley! I’m so sorry that you’re favorite restaurant closed! Hopefully you can enjoy this recipe just as much, let me know how it goes!
Stephanie Sirgo says
I have a large piece of frozen mahi mahi (skin on) – would you cut into filets, skin, and cook in pieces? Or just cook the large piece and then cut after it is cooked?
Jessica Gavin says
Hi Stephanie! I would remove the skin and cut into smaller fillets and then cook them 🙂
Angela says
Hi Jessica. My husband and I love these fish tacos! He was the one who found your website and made them for me. I was wondering if there is any way to thin out the sauce a little bit. I don’t want to change the taste, so I was hoping you had a good recommendation.
Jessica Gavin says
I’s so thrilled to hear that you and your husband enjoyed the tacos Angela! I would say you could add either a little bit of milk, more lime juice, or a combination of lime and water until you get your desired consistency. You could also add a little less avocado or use a light sour cream if it’s really thick. Let me know how it goes!
Cindy says
Hi are the calories listed for this dish for one taco?
Jessica Gavin says
Hi Cindy! Yes, one taco 🙂
Priya says
Really tasty recipe! My husband said they’re the best fish tacos he’s ever had! …and he’s tried his fair share of them! I made a generous amount of the seasoning with less sugar and more chilli. Served with mango radish salsa. Delicious! The bonus was that this took me 20min to make.
Jessica Gavin says
Wow Priya, that is a huge compliment! I’m glad that adding more spices and less sugar still made them tasty. Fast and yummy is always good!
Tricia says
Made this last night with frozen mahi mahi from Trader Joe’s. I’ve never tried to cook blackened fish before, and your instructions were spot on. Turned out perfectly and my husband was super-impressed. We both loved it and I can’t wait to try it on chicken too! I’ve tried two of your recipes now and both were absolutely delicious. I think I’ll just stay on your site and try a new recipe each night. So many great recipe ideas to choose from!
Jessica Gavin says
Yay Patricia! I like to use the TJ mahi mahi as well. Thank you so much for making my recipes, you made my day with your lovely comment. Let me know what else you try!
Kristina says
Can I substitute the Serrano pepper for a jalapeño or haberno pepper? Just use less perhaps? Looking forward ro making these tonight.
Jessica Gavin says
Hi Kristina- Yes! The jalapeno pepper is actually not as hot as serranos, so you can substitute 1:1 and add more to taste. Habaneros are much hotter, so I would use less and then add more if you want it spicier.
Connie says
I saved this recipe months ago but last night was the first time to try it – what have I been waiting for?!!! It was delicious! I substituted some jalapeno for the serrano pepper (because that was what I had) but otherwise followed the recipe. Your short video is very nicely done too! The fish came out perfectly done and so tasty, and the sauce is perfect! Living in FL we miss the authentic So Cal fish tacos but no worries now, this recipe is even better! Thank you!
Lissete HernandeZ says
Can I use light brown sugar?
Jessica Gavin says
Hi Lissete- Yes, you can use light brown sugar. Thanks!
Liliya says
So yummy! Thank you!
Jessica Gavin says
You’re welcome Liliya!
Michael says
Wow, Thank you for this amazing recipe. I made these Blackened Fish Tacos for my wife yesterday, and I have to admit these are some of the best fish tacos I ever tasted (my wife agrees!) Simplicity make this recipe a rarity; easy to prepare, flavourful, and fresh. This recipe is going into my standard rotation.
Thanks again.
Jessica Gavin says
You’re welcome Michael! So happy to hear that the family enjoyed the recipe and that it will become part of the rotation 🙂
Melissa Dixon says
This is now going to be a staple recipe in our house! The seasoning for the fish was excellent and the avocado cream sauce was to die for!
Angie says
My husband loves fish tacos and this recipe will be my first try making them so I’m super excited to surprise him. We love crispy seared skin on fish, does this recipe still work if I leave the skin on the filets?
Jessica Gavin says
Hi Angie! Yes, if you like crispy skin, you can leave it on. You may want to add another minute or so to the skin side and only add the seasoning to the flesh side so the skin does not become too charred.
Donna says
Can I substitute shrimp in this recipe?
Jessica Gavin says
Yes, you can substitute shrimp for the mahi mahi 🙂
jake says
would all your recipes be considered healthy/losing weight diet friendly?
Jessica Gavin says
Hi Jake- I have a variety of recipes, and enjoy using wholesome ingredients. Many of the recipes can be modified to suit your dietary needs. If you have specific questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!
Jerett says
How long does the avacodo lime sauce keep for?
Jessica Gavin says
I would say 2 days in an airtight container, put some plastic wrap between so the sauce has let exposure to air.
Ellie says
Wow! That was wonderful even my pre-teen boys ate it.
Shannon says
These were so good! I have been teaching my son to cook and when I said this is for dinner he was excited. They were amazing!
Jessica Gavin says
I love that you are teaching your son how to cook! Now he can make this dish next time 🙂
John Harper says
Great recipe! I did sub Mexican crema for the sour cream. You are right about the Avocado sauce. It will darken unless you keep it airtight. I thought about adding some more lime juice to prevent that, but I thought it would change the flavor.
I posted this on my IG feed, and I thought I’d leave you a message here!
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you for your feedback John!
Kay Wakeham says
This is a great recipe. I really love it. Easy after work dinner. I am from Texas and the spices are just right. Although for certain friends, I might kick it up a bit with more serrano peppers or jalepenos. instead.
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you for your feedback! Yes, feel free to add more spicy heat to your liking.
Marie Czarnecki says
I went over the recipe three times, and I don’t see where or what you did with the avocado sauce.. I am not a stupid cook at 80 young but not specified.
Thomas Fennell Jr says
I’m 17 and love to cook this are great recipes to start on. I’m going to Johnson and wales University in Miami.
Cindy says
Wow! These were so great! My whole family loved them. A definite keeper recipe! Thanks!
Eliza says
Hi! Would Ono fish work for this recipe?
Jessica Gavin says
Yes, I think ono would work for the fish tacos.
Sue says
This was delicious! I also used Trader Joe’s frozen defrosted Mahi. I substituted jalapeno for the serrano as I couldn’t find any serrano locally. I used Swerve Brown Sugar (sugar-free) and it worked great. I love the dry rub and plan to use it on salmon and chicken. Who knows what else. My husband is not a Mahi fan but this may have converted him 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Sue says
These were delicious! I also used the Trader Joe frozen Mahi (defrosted). I used Swerve Brown sugar (unsweetened sugar) and it worked great. Also substituted jalapeno for the serrano. Love the spice mixture! This recipe may have converted my spouse into a Mahi fan 🙂
Bill Z says
Used my homemade blackening seasoning and added cumin which worked great. Your Crema is delicious but I swapped out yogurt and kefir for the sour cream. This is the first recipe of yours that I have made, twice now. It is very tasty and healthy and I am looking forward to trying more.
Natalie says
Hey Jessica! Would I be able to make this by baking the fish instead of pan frying?
Ashley Hills says
Can i substitute brown cane sugar for brown sugar?
Lisa Murphy says
Hello!
First time making these delicious fish tacos but definitely won’t be the last!
I thought it was going to be a lot harder but it was so quick and easy, it will be a regular on taco Tuesday!
Thank you so much!
Lisa
Stephanie K says
My husband and I made this together the other night and substituted a plant-based dairy-free sour cream in the sauce. I have to say that the caramelization on the fish from the brown sugar and the brightness of the crema sauce are SO complimentary! Hubby requested that we put this meal on our regular rotation. p.s. ask the fish counter to remove the skin from the fish to save time!
Jessica Gavin says
Great tip on getting the fishmonger to help clean the fish! So happy that you guys enjoyed the recipe.
Christian ross says
This was definately a good recipie base. I made some changes that really made it pop mainly to the sauce. Instead of chili powder I used ancho chili powder. On the sauce instead of water I used heavy cream and added garlic salt to it. Then I used a hand blender to make the sauce creamy. Nothing but rave reviews from every one in attendance.
Shiloh Hollin says
These were stellar! What I appreciate most about them, is no deep fat, no breading and no batter; still you get a great flavor and aroma packed crust. I replace the brown sugar with grated pilancillo because it was already out on the counter and used a brilliant red cashmere chili powder from The oaktown spice shop. For the avocado sauce I replaced the serranos with red, ripe Fresno chiles because that’s what I had on hand.
Jessica Gavin says
Wow, the raw cane sugar sounds like a perfect replacement for the brown sugar! Thank you for sharing your feedback on the recipe.
Roseanne says
We just made this for our daughter’s (17 yr old) birthday dinner. Everyone helped to prepare every step. We left the pepper out cause we thought it would be too spicy, just right for all three! The blackened mahi mahi turned out so delicious! We all thought this dinner was delicious and just right!! This recipe is a keeper! (My 17 yr old probably can make this next time!)
Jessica Gavin says
I love that making the dish was a team effort, always much more fun to cook together! Happy birthday to your daughter!
Edie Lang says
Love this recipe. The spices used for the blackened fish were really good. I had Tilapia on hand so that’s what I used. My husband really liked the Avocado lime sauce. How long can it be stored in the refrigerator?
BTW, I got your book for Christmas. Between the emails I receive and your book, I am enjoying all sorts of new recipes. I am retired but volunteer at an animal shelter in Auburn CA. I am Shelter in Place, so it’s nice to have all these new recipes to fill my time. Thank you.
Caitlin K says
We made this dish for dinner tonight using fresh caught snapper as the fish. The seasoning is perfect and the avocado cream sauce went so well with it! Super easy and delicious! I just got the cookbook and can’t wait to try out the salmon version and many others!
Dolly says
I made it today. I replaced brown sugar with erythritol / monkfruit since I’m doing keto! Soo delicious !
Jessica Gavin says
Great to hear that the natural high-intensity sweeteners work with the spice blend.
Michelle M Heiter says
Jess, you hit this out of the park! So good! My goal was to perfect a fish recipe and this is it! So delicious. I am really enjoying cooking from your website and cookbook. Everything is flavored perfectly.
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you, Michelle! It’s great to hear from you and learn more about your culinary adventures. Hugs!
Dor Berger says
I needed an easy weeknight meal and a break from the routine. This recipe is a WINNER. Easy and it was delicious. I ran out of pepper but had lemon pepper on hand and it gave it a bit of citrus. Would do that again.
Thank you so much for sharing the recipe. My entire family loved it.
Jessica Gavin says
Great job, Dor!
Angshuman Das says
Hi Jessica:
Thanks for your wonderful recipes and the explanations of the science behind them. I have a health-related question in light of the blackened fish. Is charred fish bad for health? I read somewhere that it is linked to cancer risk? Is that right?
Jessica Gavin says
You’re welcome Angshuman! I would consult a physician to ask about the cancer risk of eating charred fish to be sure. For this recipe, it’s more of caramelization of the brown sugar and some darkening of the spices, but it shouldn’t be completely charred or burnt, as the fish only cooks a few minutes per side.
Robin Rossi says
Ok but not enough spice/ heat for me . Crema good.
Michael Rougier says
Ms. Rossi
I understood the assignmen, in 2 places the author explained how to increase the heat.
Valerie C. says
My family has requested these fish tacos multiple times over the last 4 months since I first made it. My son in law was skeptical at first but absolutely LOVED them, especially when I had a little extra blackening seasoning left and decided to do blackened shrimp to go with the fish. My daughter and I are making them again tonight (2nd time this week!). Thank you for such a wonderful recipe Jessica!
Jessica Gavin says
You’re welcome, Valerie! I love that you used the blackening spice for shrimp too!