Zesty Blackened Cod Fish Tacos with Pickled Cabbage & Mango Salsa

Dreaming of a taco night that’s bursting with flavor and freshness? These Zesty Blackened Cod Fish Tacos are packed with spicy cod, tangy pickled cabbage, and vibrant mango salsa. Perfect for a lively dinner!

Ingredients

For the Blackened Cod:

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pickled Cabbage:

• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Mango Salsa:

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
• Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

Blacken the Cod:

1. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Rub both sides of each fillet with blackened seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the cod for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat and set aside.

Pickle the Cabbage:

3. In a medium bowl, combine shredded cabbage, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt. Toss well to coat. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to pickle, stirring occasionally.

Prepare the Mango Salsa:

4. In a bowl, mix together the diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Tacos:

5. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Flake the blackened cod into bite-sized pieces. Divide the cod among the tortillas. Top with pickled cabbage and mango salsa.

Serve:

6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Serving Size: 4 tacos
• Calorie Count: 300 kcal per taco

Variations

• Spice Level: Adjust the spice level of the cod and salsa to your preference. Add extra jalapeño for more heat or use a milder seasoning for a less spicy version.
• Tortilla Options: Use flour or corn tortillas, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
• Vegetable Additions: Add sliced avocado or radishes for extra texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover fish, pickled cabbage, and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the cod in a skillet over medium heat to maintain its texture. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of fish?
   Yes, you can substitute other white fish like tilapia or haddock.
2. What if I don’t have blackened seasoning?
   You can make your own by combining paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and various herbs and spices.
3. Can I make the pickled cabbage in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the pickled cabbage up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
4. How can I make the mango salsa spicier?
   Add more jalapeño or include a dash of hot sauce to the salsa.
5. What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar?
   White wine vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as a substitute.
6. Can I freeze the cod?
   It’s best to freeze the cod before cooking. After cooking, it may become dry if frozen and reheated.
7. How do I keep the tortillas warm?
   Wrap warm tortillas in a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft and warm until ready to serve.
8. Can I use store-bought salsa instead of homemade?
   Yes, store-bought salsa can be a convenient alternative if you’re short on time.
9. What side dishes pair well with these tacos?
   Consider serving with Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh salad.
10. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
    Substitute the cod with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, and follow the same seasoning and preparation methods.

Conclusion

These Zesty Blackened Cod Fish Tacos with Pickled Cabbage & Mango Salsa offer a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors and textures in every bite. With their easy preparation and delicious combination of spicy fish, tangy cabbage, and sweet mango salsa, they are sure to become a favorite for taco night or any casual dinner. Enjoy the taste of summer and fiesta in every bite!

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