Blackened Mahi Tacos with Avocado Lime Sauce

Yields: 8 tacos Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 10 mins Total Time: 30 mins 

Ingredients:

For the Avocado Lime Sauce:

• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream

• ¼ cup (60 ml) water

• 1 avocado, medium-sized and ripe

• ¼ cup (4 g) cilantro leaves, loosely packed

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lime juice, fresh

• ½ teaspoon lime zest, about 1 lime

• ½ teaspoon minced serrano pepper, seeded

For the Fish Tacos:

• 1 ½ teaspoons (3 g) smoked paprika

• 1 ½ teaspoons (5 g) dark brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon (1 g) garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon (1 g) onion powder

• ½ teaspoon (3 g) kosher salt

• ¾ teaspoon (1 g) cumin

• ¼ teaspoon chili powder

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 ½ pounds Mahi Mahi filets, cut lengthwise into smaller pieces if needed

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 8 corn tortillas, 6-inch

• 8 lime wedges

• 1 cup tomatoes, diced

• 1 cup red cabbage, sliced thin

• 1 cup green cabbage, sliced thin

• Cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Make the Avocado Lime Sauce: In a blender, combine sour cream, water, avocado, cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, and serrano pepper. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Add more water as needed to achieve desired consistency. Transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate.

2. Season the Fish: In a small bowl, combine paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, cumin, chili pepper, and black pepper. Sprinkle seasoning evenly over both sides of the fish filets.

3. Cook the Fish: Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add fish to pan then cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until the desired degree of doneness. The surface will blacken in color quickly so keep a close eye on the fish.

4. Warm the Tortillas: Warm tortillas according to package directions.

5. Assemble the Tacos: Divide fish evenly among tortillas. Serve with lime wedges, tomatoes, cabbage, and cilantro.

Barefoot on the Beach, Blackened Fish Tacos in Hand: A Coastal Dream

The salty breeze whispers through my hair, carrying the rhythmic crash of waves against the shore. Sun-kissed sand stretches out before me, an invitation to slow down, to sink my toes in and embrace the carefree spirit of the coast. Here, on this edge of the world, life takes on a simpler rhythm, a barefoot melody of turquoise waters and endless horizons.

And what better way to celebrate this coastal reverie than with a plate of blackened fish tacos, bursting with fresh flavors and the essence of the sea?

These tacos are a symphony of textures and tastes. The blackened fish, seasoned with a smoky spice blend, carries the whisper of the ocean breeze. The cool, creamy avocado lime sauce is a refreshing counterpoint, its vibrant green a reflection of the lush palm trees swaying in the distance. Each bite is an explosion of freshness, a reminder of the bounty the sea provides.

Making these tacos is a breeze, as effortless as a walk along the shoreline. The fish gets a quick dusting of a magical spice blend – paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, a touch of cumin and chili powder – then gets kissed by the hot pan until it's beautifully blackened. The avocado lime sauce comes together in a blender in a matter of minutes, a vibrant fusion of creamy sour cream, juicy avocado, and a hint of zesty lime.

And then comes the assembly, a moment of pure culinary joy. Warm tortillas cradle the blackened fish, a dollop of the cool avocado lime sauce adds a touch of creamy contrast. Diced tomatoes, vibrant red and juicy, bring a burst of freshness. A sprinkle of red and green cabbage adds a delightful crunch, and a final flourish of cilantro ties it all together.

These tacos are more than just a meal; they're a taste of the coastal lifestyle. They're a reminder to slow down, to savor the simple pleasures, and to find joy in the freshest ingredients that the ocean and the earth have to offer. So, the next time you find yourself yearning for a touch of coastal magic, whip up a batch of these blackened fish tacos. Close your eyes, take a bite, and let the flavors transport you to a world of sun, sand, and endless possibilities.

And who knows, maybe with each bite, you'll hear the faint echo of waves crashing, a reminder that the perfect meal is always just a few steps (or a barefoot walk) away.

P.S. What kind of tacos do you enjoy? Tag me on social media in some pictures of the ones you've made (or bought, I don't judge. I have several taco joints I support locally). Not following me yet? No problem! Just click the Emojis below to see all the platforms I'm on.

🦋 𝕏 📌 📸 @ 𝅘𝅥𝅮 🔵