Ingredients

½ lime (juiced)

½ cup sour cream

½ cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon garlic salt

1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (chopped)

½ cup cilantro (chopped)

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted

2 lbs white fish (cut into 1-inch thick fillets)

3 tablespoons olive oil

Corn tortillas (warmed, or flour tortillas)

Shredded purple cabbage

Fresh cilantro (lightly chopped)

Cotija cheese (crumbled)

Lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1: In a food processor or blender, combine the lime juice, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic salt, chipotle pepper, and chopped cilantro. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the blackening seasoning.

Step 3: Pour melted butter into a shallow bowl. Dip each fish fillet gently into the melted butter, then place on a plate and generously sprinkle both sides with the blackening seasoning.

Step 4: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the seasoned fish into the hot skillet and sauté for 2 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.

Step 5: Remove cooked fish and place it on a paper-towel-lined plate. Repeat the cooking process with remaining fish, adding more oil to the skillet if necessary.

Step 6: Warm the tortillas. To assemble, place a handful of shredded cabbage on each tortilla, add blackened fish, sprinkle with fresh cilantro and cotija cheese, then drizzle with the prepared chipotle sauce.

Step 7: Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for extra brightness.

Tips & Variations

For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and chipotle pepper.

Use different white fish like tilapia, cod, or mahi-mahi depending on availability and preference.

Try flour tortillas if you prefer a softer wrap instead of corn tortillas.

Add avocado slices or pickled onions for extra texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I prepare the blackening seasoning in advance?

Yes, you can mix the blackening seasoning ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to a month. This makes cooking quicker and easier.