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Two blackened tilapia tacos in corn tortillas topped with slaw, creamy sauce, and cilantro, served with lime wedges.
Reda

Blackened Tilapia Tacos

Spicy, smoky tilapia with a quick lime crema and crunchy slaw for weeknight tacos that taste like summer.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

For the Blackened Tilapia
  • 1.5 lb tilapia fillets about 4 fillets, patted dry
  • 2 tsp paprika smoked if you have it
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper use 1 tsp for extra heat
  • 0.75 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 tbsp olive oil plus more for the pan
For the Lime Crema
  • 0.5 cup sour cream full-fat works best
  • 1 lime zested and juiced
  • 1 tsp hot sauce such as Cholula or Tapatío
  • 0.25 tsp salt
For Serving
  • 8 corn tortillas warmed
  • 2 cup cabbage shredded green or red, for crunch
  • 0.25 cup cilantro fresh leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 lime cut into wedges

Equipment

  • Large cast-iron skillet or heavy nonstick pan
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Tongs or fish spatula

Method
 

Prep
  1. In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. In another small bowl, stir together the sour cream, lime zest, lime juice, hot sauce, and salt. Taste and adjust - you want it tangy and just a little spicy. Set both aside.
  2. Pat the tilapia completely dry with paper towels - this is crucial for getting a good crust. Rub the olive oil all over both sides of each fillet, then press the spice mixture evenly onto both sides. The fish should look almost crusted with spices; don't be shy.
Cook the Fish
  1. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot, about 3 minutes. Add a thin film of oil and let it shimmer. Carefully lay in the fillets - don't crowd the pan; work in batches if needed. Cook without moving for 3 to 4 minutes until the underside is deeply browned and almost charred in spots. Flip gently and cook 2 to 3 minutes more until the fish flakes easily. Transfer to a plate and break into rough chunks.
Assemble and Serve
  1. While the fish rests, warm your tortillas directly over a gas flame for 15 seconds per side, or in a dry skillet, until soft and slightly charred. Wrap in a clean towel to keep warm.
  2. Spread a spoonful of lime crema on each warm tortilla. Top with a generous handful of shredded cabbage, a few chunks of blackened tilapia, a drizzle more of crema, and a scattering of cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Notes

For the best crust, don't flip the fish too early - it will release naturally from the pan when ready. If you can't find tilapia, catfish or mahi-mahi work beautifully here. The crema can be made up to 3 days ahead; the lime juice actually improves the flavor as it sits.