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blackened fish tacos with tilapia and cabbage slaw in skillet

Best Ever Blackened Fish Tacos

These blackened fish tacos feature tilapia with homemade spice rub, fresh toppings, and creamy sauce. Ready in 20 minutes – a family favorite!

  • Total Time: 20
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Spice Rub:

  • 2 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp ground cumin

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

  • 1 tsp salt

For the Tacos:

  • 4 tilapia fillets (about 1.5 lbs)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 8 small flour tortillas

  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

For Serving:

  • 1 cup shredded purple cabbage

  • ½ cup chopped cilantro

  • ½ cup diced red onion

  • ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled

  • ¼ cup Mexican crema or sriracha mayo

Instructions

  1. In small bowl, mix all spice rub ingredients together

  2. Pat tilapia fillets dry and coat generously with spice rub on both sides. Let sit 15 minutes

  3. Heat oil in cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until smoking

  4. Cook tilapia 3 minutes per side until blackened and flaky

  5. Remove from pan and flake with two forks. Squeeze lime juice over top

  6. Warm tortillas in dry skillet until slightly charred

  7. Build tacos with fish, cabbage, cilantro, red onion, and crema

Notes

  • Let the fish sit with the rub for 15 minutes – it makes all the difference!

  • Don’t move the fish while cooking – let it develop that beautiful crust

  • Fresh lime juice at the end brightens everything up perfectly

 

  • Servings: 4

  • Calories: 320 kcal

  • Diet: Gluten-Free (with corn tortillas)

  • Author: Emma Carter
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 10
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten Free