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    Home » Dinner

    Blackened Fish Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

    Published: May 3, 2020 · Modified: May 24, 2021 by Archana · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 11 Comments

    814 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Bite into these Blackened Fish Tacos served over perfectly charred tortillas, topped with creamy avocado cilantro sauce and fresh pineapple salsa with an explosion of flavors. Check out this easy recipe to make homemade healthy, no-fry blackened fish tacos in under 40 mins!

    blackened fish tacos served in a white bowl

    Inspiration

    Last December while visiting the Outer Banks of NC, we were surprised to see many restaurants serving Mexican-inspired food. What really stood out was the Blackened Fish at a small restaurant in Kitty Hawk, which we enjoyed several times during our stay. So when we came back home, I decided to try the blackened fish.

    fish tacos close up shot

    Best Fish for Fish Tacos

    I have used halibut in this recipe. You can use any mild, flaky fish such as cod, tilapia, haddock, or mahi-mahi.

    We love these homemade fish tacos for 4 reasons:

    1. Spicy, bold & versatile seasoning - Use it for any kind of fish, chicken, or meats
    2. Tender cooked flaky fish for tacos - Perfectly spiced flavor-packed fish
    3. Crunchy, tangy, and sweet salsa - Double up the batch we love it with chips too
    4. Creamy Cilantro Avocado Sauce - Brings all the flavors together with a creamy spicy kick!

    Instructions

    Step 1: homemade blackening seasoning

    A simple homemade recipe using spices that you already have in your pantry. Here are the spices I use, and if you don't have spices like thyme or oregano, feel free to skip or substitute with your favorite spices.

    blackening seasoning spice

    Pro Tip - This homemade spice mix works great on not only fish but also shrimp and chicken. So go ahead and make a double batch and you will enjoy the versatile seasoning.

    Note: You can also use your favorite store-bought blackening seasoning for this recipe. Just make sure to add according to the directions given as each spice mix has a different heat level.

    Step 2: Cooked fish fillets

    Depending on the thickness of the fish, cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes or just until they start to crisp up and get that slight char. In this recipe, I cooked the Halibut for 8 minutes on medium heat turning the fish halfway through.

    blackened fish in a pan

    Tip: Ideally you want to use a cast iron pan for this recipe. You could also use any non-stick pan and still get a nice blackening on this fish.

    Step 3: Make the Pineapple Salsa

    Pineapple salsa with smokey jalapeños, onions and cilantro is our favorite topping to serve on these flavor-bursting tacos. Finely dice the pineapple and all the veggies and you have the best tasting salsa ready.

    pineapple salsa in a white bowl

    Pro Tip: Make a double batch of this fresh salsa as kids and adults love this salsa served with crunchy tortilla chips.

    Note: if you don't have some of the ingredients, check out my Chicken Tinga Tacos Recipe or Vegan Cauliflower Tacos Recipe for more crunchy topping ideas.

    Step 4: Creamy Cilantro Avocado Sauce

    This 5-minute sauce is easy and healthy! Add all the ingredients (including the cilantro stems) to the food processor and blend until smooth. For a less spicy sauce add only half of the jalapeño.

    cilantro avocado sauce ingredients and blended sauce in food processor

    Note: If you want to make it dairy free use dairy free yogurt or dairy free mayo.

    That's all - you are ready to assemble the the tacos and eat!

    How to Warm up Tortillas

    Here is the best and easiest way to warm up your tortillas for the smokey, earthy flavors.

    Best way to warm up the tortillas is directly on an open flame using a pair of tongs. Cook each side for 30 to 40 seconds or until the sides start to char. You can also heat them up on a skillet.

    warming tortillas on flame

    Assemble

    Hungry? Get Set, Assemble the Blackened Fish Tacos, Eat...

    The best part! Start assembling the tacos and get ready to experience the explosion of flavors. Place few spoonfuls of fish in the center of the tortilla. Top with pineapple salsa, cilantro avocado sauce, fold up, and enjoy immediately.

    platter of blackened fish tacos with sauces

    Variations

    1. For a gluten-free meal, use corn tortillas or gluten-free tortillas
    2. Substitute fish with shrimp for delicious blackened shrimp tacos
    3. For a dairy-free option, use soy yogurt in the avocado cilantro sauce
    4. Have a mango on hand? use instead of the pineapple and make mango salsa
    5. Have a grill on? Cook your fish on the grill, over grill mat
    6. Generously brush oil on the fish and bake it in the oven at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, then broil for 1 min for perfect blackening on the top

    For more Halibut Recipes check out my weeknight staple Fish Curry and the air fryer fish sticks.

    Did you enjoy this easy and healthy recipe? Here are more recipes you will love for quick weeknight meals or weekend entertaining:

    • Chicken Tinga Tacos
    • Vegan Cauliflower Tacos
    • Spinach and Mushroom Quesadillas
    • Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas
    • Masala Chicken Burger with Indian spices
    • Chicken Lettuce Wraps
    • Tofu Lettuce Wraps
    • Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
    • Vegetarian Kati Rolls
    Tried this recipe? We love your feedback.Please click on the stars in the recipe card below
    blackened fish tacos served in a white bowl
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    5 from 11 votes

    Blackened Fish Tacos

    Healthy, no-fry blackened fish tacos with homemade spice mix served with sweet & spicy pineapple salsa & creamy cilantro avocado sauce
    Prep Time20 mins
    Cook Time10 mins
    Total Time30 mins
    Course: dinner, Entree
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 442kcal
    Author: Archana Mundhe

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound white fish fillet halibut, mahi mahi, cod, tilapia
    • 10 flour tortillas use corn tortilas for gluten free option

    Spices:

    • 1 ½ tablespoons smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

    Pineapple salsa

    • 1 cup pineapple fresh pineapple works best
    • ½ cup red pepper finely diced
    • ¼ cup red onion finely diced
    • ¼ cup cilantro chopped
    • ½ jalapeno finely diced
    • ¼ lime
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

    Avocado Cilantro Sauce

    • 1 avocado
    • ⅓ cup yogurt
    • 1 cup cilantro leaves and stems
    • 2 garlic cloves
    • 1 jalapeno use only half for less spice sauce
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¼ lime

    Instructions

    • In a wide bowl mix all of the dry spices for the spice blend and keep aside.
    • Cut the fish fillet into 4 pieces and then coat each piece with the seasoning, pressing & turning the fish gently in the spice bowl to coat all the sides.
    • Heat a cast-iron skillet or a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add oil and once it's heated, place the seasoned fish pieces on the pan. Depending on the thickness of the fish you can turn the fish in 2 to 4 minutes and cook on the other side for 2 to 4 minutes. Take the fish out and gently break it with a fork.
    • In a medium bowl mix pineapple, red pepper, jalapeños, and onion. Add cilantro, salt & squeeze fresh lime juice. Mix well.
    • To make the avocado cilantro sauce, add cilantro, avocado, yogurt, garlic, jalapeno & salt to the food processor. Squeeze lime juice. Blend until smooth.
    • To warm the tortillas you can cook them directly over medium flame until it gets a few charred marks. Use stainless steel pair of tongs to turn them over after 30 to 40 seconds.
    • To assemble the tacos, place a few spoonfuls of fish in the center of the tortilla. Top with pineapple salsa and cilantro avocado sauce. Serve immediately.
    • Any leftover fish, salsa, or sauce can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

    Video

    Notes

    Variations:
    1. For a gluten-free meal, use corn tortillas or gluten-free tortillas
    2. Substitute fish with shrimp for delicious blackened shrimp tacos
    3. For a dairy-free option, use soy yogurt in the avocado cilantro sauce
    4. Have a mango on hand? use instead of the pineapple and make mango salsa
    5. Have a grill on? Cook your fish on the grill, over grill mat
    6. Generously brush oil on the fish and bake it in the oven at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, then broil for 1 min for perfect blackening on the top

    Nutrition

    Calories: 442kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 1658mg | Potassium: 924mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 2606IU | Vitamin C: 59mg | Calcium: 148mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @ministry_of_curry or tag #ministryofcurry

    Author: Archana

    Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
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    Reader Interactions

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    1. Persis says

      June 22, 2020 at 5:29 pm

      Absolutely delicious!! Made the fish, salsa and sauce and everyone loved it!

      Reply
    2. Prajakti Kotwal says

      September 22, 2020 at 10:16 pm

      This was dinner tonight and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. Truly a burst of flavors. Great Recipe Archana! Thank you!5 stars

      Reply
    3. St says

      September 24, 2020 at 12:09 pm

      This was fantastic ! I had never tried the avocado dip before, but it was perfect on the tacos. I used tilapia and cooked the fish in the air fryer. Thanks again for sharing.

      Reply
    4. Ami says

      November 07, 2020 at 12:02 pm

      We made this recipe for the second time yesterday and loved it just as much as we did the first time. It comes out perfect when you follow the recipe. This one is a keeper. Looking forward to trying more of your yummy and easy to follow recipes. Thank you.5 stars

      Reply
    5. Jayshree tailor says

      February 23, 2021 at 8:47 pm

      Love your recipes
      Which fish did you use

      Reply
      • Archana says

        February 25, 2021 at 5:59 pm

        Code, Halibut, Haddok

        Reply
    6. shilpa says

      March 09, 2021 at 5:09 pm

      I tried this using shrimps and mango salsa, Turned out delicious. Thanks for the wonderful idea!5 stars

      Reply
    7. EIly says

      April 19, 2021 at 11:15 am

      What kind of oil?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        April 19, 2021 at 10:15 pm

        avocado oil

        Reply
    8. Manisha Patel says

      February 01, 2022 at 7:55 pm

      Easiest recipe ever!! Literally took me less than 30mins to prepare! Best of all it is teen approved! We loved it! The avocado creams had the perfect kick! I followed recipe exactly as posted!5 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        February 02, 2022 at 11:29 am

        Thank you, Manisha! So glad you enjoyed it,

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Archana: a former software engineer, now a full-time blogger. I am a mother of two boys who share my love for food and cooking. Words I love to hear are, “Mom, what’s for dinner?” The same words I say to my mom every time we speak. I live in the greater New York City Area with my husband and sons.

    Learn More About Me!

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