The Ultimate Blackened Cod Fish Tacos Recipe: Zesty & Fresh

Pacific cod meets vibrant Caribbean-inspired blackened spices in a taco adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Crisp cabbage pickled with tangy vinegar adds a bright crunch to every bite.

Ripe mango chunks bring sweet tropical notes that perfectly complement the fish’s smoky exterior.

Warm tortillas cradle these flavor-packed treasures, creating a meal that feels like a culinary escape.

Spices blend seamlessly, creating a balance between heat and freshness that surprises and delights.

Fresh herbs scattered on top provide a final burst of color and aroma.

Why Zesty Blackened Cod Fish Tacos with Pickled Cabbage & Mango Salsa Are a Flavor Explosion

• Spice Up Your Meal: Blackened seasoning transforms ordinary cod into a flavor-packed adventure that will tantalize your taste buds with bold, zesty notes.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: This recipe comes together in minimal time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner gatherings with minimal fuss.
• Customize Your Crunch: The combination of pickled cabbage and fresh mango salsa offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that can be easily adjusted to personal preferences.
• Healthy Dining Delight: Packed with fresh ingredients and lean protein, these tacos provide a nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on taste or excitement.

Ingredients Required for Zesty Blackened Cod Fish Tacos with Pickled Cabbage & Mango Salsa

• Cod: Fresh, flaky white fish perfect for blackening and creating a delicious taco filling.

• Blackened Seasoning: Spicy blend that adds bold flavor and creates a dark, crispy exterior on the fish.
• Olive Oil: Helps cook the fish and prevents sticking to the skillet.

• Tortillas: Soft, warm base for holding the delicious fish and toppings.

• Cabbage: Shredded vegetable that provides crunch and tangy flavor when pickled.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds sharp, acidic taste to pickle the cabbage.
• Sugar: Balances the vinegar's acidity in the pickling process.
• Salt: Enhances the pickling flavor and helps draw out moisture from the cabbage.

• Mango, Red Bell Pepper, Red Onion: Fresh, colorful vegetables that create a sweet and vibrant salsa.
• Jalapeno: Optional ingredient that adds a spicy kick to the salsa.
• Lime Juice: Brightens the salsa and adds citrusy freshness.
• Cilantro: Herb that provides a fresh, aromatic flavor to the salsa.

• Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Fresh herbs and citrus that add final bright notes to the tacos.

Preparation Instructions for Zesty Blackened Cod Fish Tacos with Pickled Cabbage & Mango Salsa

Step 1: Prepare Zesty Fish

Pat cod fillets completely dry with clean paper towels. Generously coat both sides of each fillet with bold blackening seasoning. Warm olive oil in a heavy skillet over roaring medium-high heat. Cook cod for 3-4 minutes on each side until fish becomes flaky and turns opaque white. Carefully transfer cooked fish to a waiting plate.

Step 2: Create Quick Pickled Cabbage

• Apple cider vinegar
• Sugar
• Kosher salt

Mix ingredients thoroughly ensuring cabbage gets evenly coated. Allow mixture to marinate for minimum 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop bright tangy flavor.

Step 3: Craft Vibrant Mango Salsa

• Diced ripe mango
• Chopped red bell pepper
• Minced red onion
• Diced jalapeno (optional)
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime juice

Season with salt and pepper. Gently mix to blend flavors and textures.

Step 4: Build Flavor-Packed Tacos

Warm corn or flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Break blackened cod into bite-sized chunks. Layer tortillas with flaky fish. Top generously with pickled cabbage and tropical salsa.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle fresh cilantro over tacos. Place lime wedges alongside. Serve immediately while ingredients remain fresh and vibrant.

Expert Tips for Zesty Blackened Cod Fish Tacos with Pickled Cabbage & Mango Salsa

• Choose fresh, firm cod fillets for the best texture and flavor in your blackened fish tacos.
• Pat the cod completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, well-seared exterior when cooking.
• Adjust the heat of the mango salsa by removing jalapeno seeds or adding more for extra spiciness.
• Let pickled cabbage sit longer for a more intense tangy flavor if you prefer a stronger vinegar profile.
• Swap cod with other white fish like tilapia or halibut for a versatile seafood taco option.

Variations to Customize Zesty Blackened Cod Fish Tacos with Pickled Cabbage & Mango Salsa

• Spicy Shrimp Swap: Replace cod with blackened shrimp for a seafood variation that packs a punch of flavor and adds a zesty kick to the tacos.
• Veggie Delight: Substitute cod with grilled portobello mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option that maintains the blackened seasoning's bold taste.
• Caribbean Style: Use jerk-seasoned salmon instead of cod, paired with a pineapple salsa to bring tropical notes to the taco experience.
• Baja Inspired: Switch to beer-battered white fish, top with a creamy chipotle sauce, and add crisp cabbage slaw for a classic California-style taco.

Pairings That Complement Zesty Blackened Cod Fish Tacos with Pickled Cabbage & Mango Salsa

• Pair with Crisp Citrus Margarita: Blend tequila, fresh lime juice, triple sec, and a hint of orange zest to complement the zesty blackened cod's spicy profile.
• Enhance with Refreshing Cucumber Agua Fresca: Create a light, cool drink using cucumber, water, lime, and a touch of agave to balance the taco's bold flavors.
• Match with Tropical Pale Ale: Choose a hoppy, citrus-forward craft beer with subtle tropical notes that harmonize with the mango salsa's sweetness.
• Accompany with Tangy Coleslaw Cocktail: Mix vodka, pickle brine, and cucumber for a unique drink that echoes the pickled cabbage's tangy undertones.

How to Store Zesty Blackened Cod Fish Tacos with Pickled Cabbage & Mango Salsa Properly

• Store leftover cod, pickled cabbage, and mango salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep components cold to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm fish gently in a skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes, or microwave on 50% power for 30-45 seconds to prevent overcooking and drying out the delicate fish.
• Reassemble fresh tacos by reheating tortillas, adding warmed cod, and topping with cold pickled cabbage and mango salsa for optimal texture and flavor.
• Discard any leftovers that have been at room temperature for more than 2 hours, and always check for signs of spoilage before consuming refrigerated seafood.

FAQs About Zesty Blackened Cod Fish Tacos with Pickled Cabbage & Mango Salsa

• What is blackened seasoning?

A blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper that creates a spicy, flavorful crust when applied to fish or meat before cooking.

• Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, you can substitute cod with other white fish like halibut, tilapia, or mahi-mahi. Choose firm fish that can withstand high-heat cooking.

• How spicy are these tacos?

The heat level depends on the amount of cayenne in the blackened seasoning and the jalapeno. You can control spiciness by adjusting these ingredients or removing jalapeno seeds.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use corn tortillas and ensure your blackened seasoning doesn’t contain gluten. Always check ingredient labels carefully.

Zesty Blackened Cod Fish Tacos with Pickled Cabbage & Mango Salsa Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty blackened cod fish tacos dance with tangy pickled cabbage and sweet mango salsa, creating a flavor fiesta that celebrates coastal culinary magic. Caribbean-inspired ingredients bring bold, fresh excitement you can savor in every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces/170 grams each)

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Preparation:

• No additional ingredients in this category for this recipe

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cod by gently patting dry with paper towels, ensuring a moisture-free surface for optimal seasoning adherence.
2. Generously coat both sides of cod fillets with blackened seasoning, creating an even, flavorful crust.
3. Preheat a large skillet to medium-high heat with olive oil, creating a sizzling cooking surface around 375°F.
4. Carefully place seasoned cod into the hot skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until fish becomes opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
5. Transfer cooked cod to a plate, allowing it to rest while preparing additional components.
6. Create pickled cabbage by combining shredded cabbage with apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl.
7. Gently toss cabbage mixture, ensuring even coating, and let marinate for 15-20 minutes to develop tangy flavor profile.
8. Craft mango salsa by combining diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeno, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
9. Season salsa with salt and pepper, mixing thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
10. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 15-20 seconds until pliable.
11. Delicately break cooked cod into bite-sized pieces using a fork.
12. Assemble tacos by layering flaked cod onto warm tortillas.
13. Top with pickled cabbage and vibrant mango salsa.
14. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and lime wedges for brightness.
15. Serve immediately while ingredients remain fresh and temperatures are optimal.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality cod for the most delicate and flavorful results.
• Pat fish completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect blackening and crispy exterior.
• Adjust blackening spice intensity based on personal heat preference by modifying seasoning blend.
• Use corn tortillas for gluten-free option or swap cod with tofu for vegetarian adaptation.
• Let pickled cabbage sit longer for deeper tangy flavor and enhanced crunch.
• Select ripe, sweet mangoes for balanced salsa that complements the spicy fish.
• Quickly cook fish to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, moist texture.
• Remove fish seeds and membranes from jalapeño to control spice level in salsa.
• Warm tortillas immediately before serving to maintain optimal softness and flexibility.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg