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May 20, 2019

Blackened Fish Tacos with Avocado Lime Sauce

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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.

Blackened Fish Tacos

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!

person adding spices to fish fillets

The best ingredients to use 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.

How to make blackened fish tacos

  • Blend together sour cream, water, avocado, cilantro, lime juice and zest, and serrano pepper until smooth.
  • In a small bowl combine paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili pepper, salt, and pepper.
  • Generously season both sides of the fish with the spice blend.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add fish fillets and cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
  • Serve fish pieces with flour or corn tortillas and avocado lime sauce.

fish fillets cooking in a cast iron skillet

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.

Fish tacos on a plate

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 cools down the spices the on the fish for a tasty pairing.

Additional toppings for fish tacos

  • 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

close up of a blackened fish fillet on top of a tortilla

More Mexican recipes

  • Mexican Street Corn Salad
  • Blackened Chicken Tacos
  • Grilled Tequila Lime Chicken

View all Mexican recipes

If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #jessicagavin on Instagram. I’d love to see what you come up with. Cheers, friends!

Why do you add brown sugar to the blackening 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.

Print Recipe
3.88 from 169 votes

Blackened Fish Tacos with Avocado Lime Sauce

A super simple and flavorful recipe for blackened mahi mahi fish tacos that you won't need to head to Mexico to enjoy!
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time30 mins
Course: Entree
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 8 tacos
Calories: 172kcal
Author: Jessica Gavin

Ingredients

Avocado Lime Sauce-

  • 1/2 cup sour cream, (120ml)
  • 1/4 cup water, (60ml)
  • 1 avocado, medium sized and ripe
  • 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, (4g) loosely packed
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice, (30ml) fresh
  • 1/2 teaspoon lime zest, about 1 lime
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced serrano pepper, seeded

Blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos-

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika, (3g)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dark brown sugar, (5g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, (1g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, (1g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, (3g)
  • 3/4 teaspoon cumin, (1g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 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. 
  • Warm tortillas according to package directions.
  • Divide fish evenly among tortillas.
  • Serve with lime wedges, tomatoes, cabbage, and cilantro.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Blackening seasoning blend makes 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon (20g, 5/8 ounces).
  • Avocado lime sauce makes 
Nutrition Facts
Blackened Fish Tacos with Avocado Lime Sauce
Amount Per Serving
Calories 172 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Fat 5g8%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 1g
Cholesterol 65mg22%
Sodium 146mg6%
Potassium 481mg14%
Carbohydrates 15g5%
Fiber 3g12%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 18g36%
Vitamin A 1350IU27%
Vitamin C 19mg23%
Calcium 60mg6%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Blackened fish tacos coated with a spicy seasoning blend and pan-fried until lightly charred on the surface for maximum flavor.

Filed Under: Fast Recipes, Fish and Seafood, Mexican, Recipes, Video Tagged With: avocado, brown sugar, cabbage, cilantro, cumin, garlic, lime, mahi mahi, onion, paprika, pepper, red chili, salt, sour cream, tomato

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Comments

  1. Jamie F says

    October 7, 2015 at 4:29 pm

    Made these tonight and they were amazing! Hubby kept saying how yummy they were too, thanks I’ll be making them again!

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      October 7, 2015 at 5:19 pm

      Thank you so much Jamie! I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed the recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • Caroline says

        May 27, 2019 at 6:50 pm

        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.

        Reply
  2. chelsea snell says

    November 9, 2015 at 12:42 pm

    Can I use tilapia instead of mahimahi?

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      November 9, 2015 at 12:59 pm

      Hi Chelsea! Yes, you can absolutely substitute tilapia for mahi mahi.

      Reply
  3. Lakshmi says

    January 4, 2016 at 7:56 pm

    Can you leave out the brown sugar or do you think that would drastically change the flavoring of the fish?

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      January 4, 2016 at 8:46 pm

      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.

      Reply
  4. Angela says

    March 29, 2016 at 5:22 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      March 30, 2016 at 10:53 pm

      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 🙂

      Reply
  5. Eileen says

    May 7, 2016 at 7:13 am

    Fish tacos are my favorite. I love the idea of using blackened fish.

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      May 9, 2016 at 9:12 am

      Me too Eileen! I made the blackened fish last night just to top on a salad, super versatile!

      Reply
  6. Jeff Scotti says

    May 24, 2016 at 7:43 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      May 24, 2016 at 9:40 pm

      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 🙂

      Reply
  7. Claire says

    June 4, 2016 at 9:25 pm

    Absolutely delicious recipe! Served this with a mango jicama slaw from Trader Joes! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      June 4, 2016 at 10:17 pm

      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 🙂

      Reply
  8. Carley says

    July 25, 2016 at 8:18 pm

    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!!!

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      July 26, 2016 at 6:56 am

      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!

      Reply
  9. Stephanie Sirgo says

    August 10, 2016 at 9:45 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      August 10, 2016 at 10:29 am

      Hi Stephanie! I would remove the skin and cut into smaller fillets and then cook them 🙂

      Reply
  10. Angela says

    August 16, 2016 at 9:47 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      August 17, 2016 at 7:05 pm

      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!

      Reply
  11. Cindy says

    September 12, 2016 at 10:47 am

    Hi are the calories listed for this dish for one taco?

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      September 12, 2016 at 11:01 am

      Hi Cindy! Yes, one taco 🙂

      Reply
  12. Priya says

    November 30, 2016 at 10:25 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      December 1, 2016 at 6:53 am

      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!

      Reply
  13. Tricia says

    July 10, 2017 at 10:26 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      July 16, 2017 at 4:19 pm

      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!

      Reply
  14. Kristina says

    October 23, 2017 at 11:19 am

    Can I substitute the Serrano pepper for a jalapeño or haberno pepper? Just use less perhaps? Looking forward ro making these tonight.

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      October 23, 2017 at 1:46 pm

      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.

      Reply
  15. Connie says

    November 2, 2017 at 6:03 am

    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!

    Reply
  16. Lissete HernandeZ says

    November 28, 2017 at 2:46 pm

    Can I use light brown sugar?

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      November 29, 2017 at 8:41 pm

      Hi Lissete- Yes, you can use light brown sugar. Thanks!

      Reply
  17. Liliya says

    February 18, 2018 at 8:15 pm

    So yummy! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      February 19, 2018 at 10:43 am

      You’re welcome Liliya!

      Reply
  18. Michael says

    February 24, 2018 at 9:08 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      February 25, 2018 at 4:18 pm

      You’re welcome Michael! So happy to hear that the family enjoyed the recipe and that it will become part of the rotation 🙂

      Reply
  19. Melissa Dixon says

    March 6, 2018 at 6:15 pm

    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!

    Reply
  20. Angie says

    May 27, 2018 at 12:26 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      May 28, 2018 at 12:13 pm

      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.

      Reply
  21. Donna says

    July 11, 2018 at 6:02 am

    Can I substitute shrimp in this recipe?

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      July 11, 2018 at 6:38 am

      Yes, you can substitute shrimp for the mahi mahi 🙂

      Reply
  22. jake says

    August 28, 2018 at 12:00 pm

    would all your recipes be considered healthy/losing weight diet friendly?

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      August 28, 2018 at 9:52 pm

      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!

      Reply
  23. Jerett says

    November 30, 2018 at 11:40 am

    How long does the avacodo lime sauce keep for?

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      November 30, 2018 at 2:37 pm

      I would say 2 days in an airtight container, put some plastic wrap between so the sauce has let exposure to air.

      Reply
  24. Ellie says

    February 25, 2019 at 7:26 pm

    Wow! That was wonderful even my pre-teen boys ate it.

    Reply
  25. Shannon says

    April 29, 2019 at 4:07 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      April 30, 2019 at 7:08 pm

      I love that you are teaching your son how to cook! Now he can make this dish next time 🙂

      Reply
  26. John Harper says

    May 6, 2019 at 7:58 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      May 7, 2019 at 10:26 pm

      Thank you for your feedback John!

      Reply
  27. Kay Wakeham says

    May 14, 2019 at 6:41 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      May 23, 2019 at 10:22 pm

      Thank you for your feedback! Yes, feel free to add more spicy heat to your liking.

      Reply
  28. Marie Czarnecki says

    May 21, 2019 at 12:13 am

    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.

    Reply
  29. Thomas Fennell Jr says

    June 3, 2019 at 6:45 pm

    I’m 17 and love to cook this are great recipes to start on. I’m going to Johnson and wales University in Miami.

    Reply
  30. Cindy says

    June 3, 2019 at 7:37 pm

    Wow! These were so great! My whole family loved them. A definite keeper recipe! Thanks!

    Reply
  31. Eliza says

    June 15, 2019 at 5:13 pm

    Hi! Would Ono fish work for this recipe?

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      June 25, 2019 at 5:18 pm

      Yes, I think ono would work for the fish tacos.

      Reply
  32. Sue says

    July 19, 2019 at 4:05 pm

    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!

    Reply
  33. Sue says

    July 20, 2019 at 8:47 am

    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 🙂

    Reply
  34. Bill Z says

    July 24, 2019 at 10:57 am

    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.

    Reply
  35. Natalie says

    July 30, 2019 at 9:11 am

    Hey Jessica! Would I be able to make this by baking the fish instead of pan frying?

    Reply
  36. Ashley Hills says

    August 17, 2019 at 12:39 am

    Can i substitute brown cane sugar for brown sugar?

    Reply
  37. Lisa Murphy says

    September 18, 2019 at 12:29 pm

    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

    Reply
  38. Stephanie K says

    October 6, 2019 at 2:54 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Jessica Gavin says

      October 8, 2019 at 11:58 am

      Great tip on getting the fishmonger to help clean the fish! So happy that you guys enjoyed the recipe.

      Reply
  39. Christian ross says

    November 22, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    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.

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Jessica Gavin, a certified culinary scientist and author. I enjoy making family friendly recipes while sharing cooking tips and knowledge of food science. (More About Me)

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