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To make blackened fish taco bowls, gather these fresh ingredients: - 2 fillets of firm white fish (cod or tilapia are great) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa - 1 cup shredded cabbage (red or green) - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 lime, cut into wedges - 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional) - Hot sauce (optional) For this dish, I suggest using firm white fish. Cod and tilapia work well. They hold their shape and soak up flavors nicely. Other options include mahi-mahi or snapper. Each fish adds a unique taste and texture, so pick your favorite! You can customize your taco bowls with fun toppings. Some tasty ideas include: - Extra avocado slices for creaminess - More fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor - Crunchy radishes for added texture - Spicy jalapeƱos for heat - A drizzle of lime juice for freshness - Your favorite hot sauce for a kick Feel free to mix and match toppings! This makes your bowls unique and delicious. For the full recipe, check above. To start, gather your spices. You need smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. This blend gives the fish its bold flavor. In a small bowl, mix these spices well. The aroma will excite your senses, getting you ready for the next steps. Next, prepare the fish. Use firm white fish like cod or tilapia. Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps the fish sear nicely. Drizzle olive oil on both sides of the fish. Then, coat each fillet with your spice blend. Make sure every bit is covered for the best flavor. In a large non-stick skillet, heat over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, add the fish. Sear the fish for about 4-5 minutes on each side. It should develop a crispy crust. When done, remove the fish from the heat and let it rest. Flake the cooked fish into chunky pieces with a fork. This will add to the rustic feel of your dish. Now, it's time to assemble your taco bowls. Start with a base of cooked brown rice or quinoa in each bowl. This adds a hearty touch. Next, place the flaky blackened fish on top. Add a layer of shredded cabbage for crunch. Then, arrange avocado slices and halved cherry tomatoes for color and flavor. Lastly, sprinkle fresh cilantro over everything. Squeeze lime juice on top to bring out all the flavors. If you like creamy textures, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you want some heat, drizzle hot sauce over the dish. Enjoy your flavorful blackened fish taco bowls! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To achieve the best blackened fish, use fresh fillets. I prefer firm white fish like cod or tilapia for texture. Pat the fish dry before seasoning. This helps the spices stick well. Create a balanced spice blend using smoked paprika and cayenne pepper. Adjust the cayenne for your spice level. Heat your skillet until it is hot before adding the fish. This step gives a nice crust and enhances flavor. Cook each side for four to five minutes. You want a beautiful blackened color. You can customize your taco bowls easily. Choose a base like brown rice or quinoa. For veggies, use shredded cabbage, peppers, or corn. Add toppings like sliced avocado and halved cherry tomatoes. You can also swap sour cream for Greek yogurt or use guacamole. For an extra kick, drizzle your favorite hot sauce on top. This lets you create a bowl that suits your taste. Mix and match ingredients to find your perfect combo. Presentation matters in food. Start by layering your ingredients neatly in the bowl. Use defined sections for rice, fish, and toppings. This creates a colorful display. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime adds brightness to the dish. Serve your bowls right away for the best taste. A beautiful presentation makes your meal more inviting and enjoyable. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe] section. {{image_4}} You can swap fish for other proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Each option brings a unique taste. Chicken works well with the same spice mix. Just make sure to cook it until it's juicy. Shrimp cooks fast, so watch it closely. Tofu absorbs flavors beautifully, making it a great choice for a vegan option. For a vegetarian take, replace the fish with grilled vegetables or beans. Grilled bell peppers, zucchini, and corn add color and texture. Black beans or chickpeas also provide protein. You can use the same spices to keep the flavor bold. Try adding some roasted sweet potatoes for a sweet twist. Changing the spice blend can transform your taco bowls. For a milder taste, use cumin and coriander. If you like heat, add more cayenne or try chili powder. Fresh herbs like cilantro or dill can brighten flavors too. Experiment with different spice mixes until you find your perfect match. To store leftover taco bowls, first cool them down. Place the fish, rice, and toppings in an airtight container. Make sure to keep the toppings separate to avoid sogginess. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep the flavors fresh, eat them sooner rather than later. Reheating is key to keeping your taco bowls tasty. Use a skillet over medium heat for best results. Add a splash of water to keep everything moist. Stir the contents gently, and heat for about five minutes. You can also microwave the fish and rice for about one to two minutes, but cover it with a damp paper towel. This helps retain moisture and flavor. Freezing is a smart option for meal prep. You can freeze the fish and rice separately. Wrap each in plastic wrap, then place them in freezer bags. They can last up to three months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Keep the toppings fresh in the fridge until you're ready to eat. The best fish for blackened tacos are firm white fish fillets. Cod and tilapia work great. These fish have a mild flavor that pairs well with spices. They also hold up during cooking, making them perfect for blackening. Other options include snapper or mahi-mahi. Each choice adds a unique twist to the dish. The spice level in blackened fish taco bowls can vary. It depends on how much cayenne pepper you add. The recipe suggests one teaspoon, but you can adjust it to your taste. If you prefer mild flavors, use less cayenne. If you love heat, feel free to add more. The smoky paprika also adds depth without too much spice. Yes, you can make blackened fish taco bowls ahead of time. Cook the fish and store it in the fridge for up to two days. You can prepare the rice or quinoa and toppings in advance too. Just keep everything separate until serving. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. When ready to eat, simply reheat the fish and layer it in your bowl. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Blackened fish taco bowls are a delicious way to enjoy fresh flavors. We explored key ingredients, recommended fish options, and tasty toppings. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you cook the fish just right. You learned best practices for blackening and helpful tips for serving. We also covered variations with proteins and vegetarian choices. Storing leftovers and reheating to keep them tasty is easy. Now, you can enjoy making these bowls your way. Dive in and impress your friends and family with this fun and flavorful dish!

Blackened Fish Taco Bowls

Savor the flavor with these Sizzling Blackened Fish Taco Bowls! Perfectly seasoned fish, vibrant veggies, and a zesty lime finish come together to create a delightful meal in just 25 minutes. Packed with healthy ingredients like brown rice, avocado, and fresh cabbage, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dining experience with these irresistible taco bowls!

Ingredients
  

2 fillets of firm white fish (such as cod or tilapia)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for preferred spice level)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa

1 cup shredded cabbage (either red or green for color contrast)

1 ripe avocado, sliced into wedges

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 lime, cut into wedges

1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional for creaminess)

Hot sauce (optional for an extra zing)

Instructions
 

Begin by preparing the spice blend: In a small mixing bowl, combine smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to create a fragrant seasoning blend.

    Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture. Drizzle both sides of the fish with olive oil, then generously coat the fillets with the prepared spice blend, ensuring an even cover for a strong flavor.

      In a large non-stick skillet, heat over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, carefully place the seasoned fish fillets into the pan. Sear the fish for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through and boasts a beautifully blackened, crispy crust. Once cooking is complete, remove from heat and let the fish rest for a minute.

        Use a fork to flake the cooked fish into sizeable pieces for a rustic texture, allowing the flavors to stand out.

          To assemble the taco bowls, start by laying down a base of cooked brown rice or quinoa in serving bowls. This provides a nourishing foundation for the toppings.

            Carefully arrange the flaky blackened fish on top of the rice or quinoa base. Next, add a delightful layer of shredded cabbage, followed by neat slices of avocado, and juicy halved cherry tomatoes.

              Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro over the top. Squeeze fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors of the dish.

                For those who enjoy a creamy texture, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you like heat, drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the top for an exciting kick.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 25 minutes | 2 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: For a vibrant look, arrange the ingredients within the bowl in defined sections, showcasing the colorful produce. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges artfully placed alongside for an inviting finish.