Blackened Fish Tacos Slaw (Printer-friendly)

Spicy blackened fish paired with zesty cabbage slaw in warm tortillas for a quick, flavorful dish.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 1 lb white fish fillets (such as tilapia, cod, or mahi-mahi)
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Blackening Spice Mix

03 - 1 tbsp smoked paprika
04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1 tsp onion powder
06 - 1 tsp dried oregano
07 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
08 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
09 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
10 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt

→ Slaw

11 - 2 cups shredded green cabbage
12 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
13 - 1/4 cup shredded carrot
14 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
15 - 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
16 - 1 tsp honey
17 - 1/4 tsp salt
18 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ For Serving

19 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
20 - Lime wedges
21 - Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Pat the fish fillets dry and brush both sides with olive oil.
02 - In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Generously coat both sides of the fish with the spice mix.
03 - Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. When hot, add the fish fillets. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until the fish is blackened and cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes, then gently break into large chunks.
04 - For the slaw, in a large bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrot.
05 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until evenly coated.
06 - To assemble the tacos, place some slaw on each warm tortilla, top with blackened fish, and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The slaw cuts through the rich spices like a refreshing breeze
  • These come together faster than delivery and taste infinitely better
  • Everyone can customize their own taco with extra heat or lime
02 -
  • A truly hot pan is non-negotiable for getting that authentic blackened crust
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet or the fish will steam instead of sear
  • Let the fish rest before breaking it apart or those juices will escape
03 -
  • Turn on your exhaust fan before you start cooking
  • Greek yogurt works as a lighter slaw alternative