Blackened Fish Tacos (Cod or Tilapia)

These Blackened Fish Tacos are seasoned with a homemade Cajun rub consisting of bold spices like paprika and cayenne pepper. These tacos are served with corn tortillas, California avocados, and fresh vegetables.

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What Type of Fish to Use

Fish tacos are typically made with white fish. I prefer to use cod. You can use halibut, tilapia, snapper, flounder, or even salmon.

What Type of Avocado to Use

Fresh avocados are important! That’s what I love about California Avocados. California Avocados are grown right here in the U.S.

How to Pick out an Avocado

Choose ripe and firm, but not overripe avocados for this dish. Avocados are delicate. You can check to see if the fruit is ripe by giving it a quick light squeeze in the palm of your hand, but you shouldn’t press too firmly. Doing so can bruise the green interior you will ultimately eat.

While you’re in the store, you can test pressing down lightly on the top of the avocado near the stem. If it gives easily and retains its shape, the avocado is ready to eat. If your finger leaves a dent, the avocado is likely overripe and could be brown inside. Ripe and ready-to-eat fruit will be firm but will yield to gentle pressure.

Once purchased, I store my avocados in the fridge. This will keep them fresh longer.

Blackened Seasoning and Spices

This recipe uses my Homemade Blackened Seasoning Recipe. Blackening is a cooking technique, it’s usually associated with Cajun cuisine. Fish or meat are dipped in butter, dredged in spices, and then seared in a hot cast iron or stainless-steel pan. This leaves a crust that will appear burnt, on the fish or meat that is loaded with flavor.

You will need these spices.

• Regular or Smoked Paprika
• Red Cayenne Pepper
• Dried Oregano
• Onion Powder
• Garlic Powder
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Ground Thyme

What Type of Pan to Use

You will need a pan that gets hot and one that is great for searing. A cast-iron or stainless-steel pan will work best. A non-stick pan will not give you the crispy crust that you are looking for in this recipe.

How to Make Blackened Fish Tacos

Detailed serving sizes and instructions can be found in the recipe card below.

1. Dry the fish completely and allow the fish to come to room temperature for 15 minutes.
2. Drizzle melted butter onto both sides of the fish.
3. Season the fish.
4. Cook the fish for 2-3 minutes on each side on medium-high heat until the fish is cooked through. It will turn opaque at the center. 
5. Serve on tortillas and with toppings.

How to Char Avocado

1. Drizzle the avocado with lemon juice and then rub with olive oil.
2. Heat a grill or grill pan on medium-high heat. Add the avocado and sear each side for 2 minutes.

How Long to Cook the Fish

I typically opt for 2-3 minutes on each side. The cook time will depend on the temperature of your pan and the size of your fillets. The color of the fish will become lighter as it cooks.

The fish will easily flake with a fork when it has finished cooking.

How to Sear the Fish and Prevent it From Being Overcooked

• Dry the fish thoroughly before coating it in butter or oil. Wet fish is more likely to stick to the pan.
• Avoid using fish cold and straight from the fridge. I like to pull the fish from the fridge and allow it to rest for 15 minutes.
• The pan will need to get really hot. Cast iron usually smokes. This is normal. You can use a fan over the stove or open up a window as well.
• Don’t move the fish after you have placed it down on the skillet. It’s more likely to crumble, break, and not turn out pretty! Allow it to cook and get ready for flipping.
• Use a timer while cooking the fish if you are easily distracted. It will only need to cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Can You Bake or Air Fry the Fish?

You can, but you won’t get the same blackened crust, which is what the dish is known for.

To bake:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
2. Rub the fish in butter and spices.
3. Cover with parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes.
4. Remove the parchment paper and bake for 3-5 minutes.

To air fry:

1. Rub the fish in butter and spices.
2. Air fry for 10-12 minutes on 360 degrees.

Toppings and Substitution Ideas

• Ripe, Fresh California Avocados
• Red Cabbage
• Tomatoes
• Red Onions
• Smoked Salsa Recipe
• Pico de Gallo
• Salsa Verde

Is the Fish Spicy?

Cajun seasoning is the spiciest when compared to blackened and Creole seasoning. Blackened seasoning falls in the middle of the two. It isn’t as spicy and it’s less salty than Creole Seasoning.

If you find cayenne pepper spicy, you can omit it.

Side Dishes to Pair with the Tacos

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
Pollo Asado Recipe
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Southern Macaroni Salad
Southern Potato Salad
Roasted Ranch Potatoes
Homemade Queso Cheese Dip
Southwest Salad Recipe

More Fish and Seafood Recipes

Blackened Salmon
Lemon Pepper Fish
Baked Crab Legs
Pan-Seared Salmon
Air Fryer Salmon
Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Air Fryer Fish Sandwich
Maple Glazed Salmon
Seafood Stuffed Pasta Shells
Seafood Pot Pie

You may also enjoy my Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken Fajitas, Instant Pot Chicken Tacos and Cheesy Taco Pasta.