These Blackened Halibut Tacos are a fresh, flavorful twist on classic fish tacos, perfect for quick weeknight dinners! Made with juicy, flaky halibut and a homemade blackening spice blend, these tacos come together in under 15 minutes. Top them with Homemade Mango Salsa in warm corn tortillas for a delicious meal everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Halibut Tacos Recipe
This easy halibut taco recipe takes only 5 minutes to prep and under 10 minutes to cook! While you can cut the fish into strips, a quick shortcut is to season and sear whole halibut fillets, then flake them and pile the fish into the tortillas. These halibut tacos get an extra burst of flavor from Mango Salsa, which brings a sweet, spicy twist that complements the blackened fish perfectly.
For more halibut recipes to add to your menu rotation, check out my Parmesan Crusted Halibut and Classic Blackened Halibut.
Ingredients for recipe
- Halibut Fillets: Halibut’s firm, flaky texture makes it ideal for tacos. But this blackening technique also works for other fish like Mahi Mahi, Grouper, and Tuna Steaks.
- Butter: Real butter is the key to getting that beautiful blackened crust, thanks to its milk solids. Use salted or unsalted, whatever you have on hand.
- Blackening Seasoning: You can use a store-bought Cajun seasoning or try my favorite homemade spice blend (recipe below).
- Mango Salsa: Customize with your favorite type of onion, pepper, or buy premade mango salsa at your local market.
Check the printable recipe card below for the full ingredient list and exact measurements.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Mango Habanero Salsa
Combine diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, habaneros, and chopped cilantro. Dress with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt.
Step 2: Mix Blackening Seasoning
Combine the spices in a small bowl to make your blackening seasoning blend.
Step 3: Butter and Season the Fish
Pat the halibut fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Brush with melted butter and generously coat with blackening seasoning.
Step 4: Sear the Fish
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high. Add the halibut fillets, seasoning side down. Brush the top side with butter and add a light sprinkle of seasoning. Cook for 3 minutes until the bottom has a deep brown crust, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked.
Step 5: Dress Your Fish Tacos
Flake the blackened halibut with two forks. Pile into grilled corn tortillas, then add mango salsa, shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of Taco Truck Green Sauce. Serve with lime wedges for extra zest.
Recipe Tips and FAQs
Can I Use Oil Instead of Butter for Blackening?
Yes, but for the most authentic blackened flavor, butter is recommended. The milk solids in butter help create that perfect char on the fish. If you prefer oil, opt for a neutral, high-heat oil.
How to Store Leftover Halibut Tacos?
Store leftover halibut in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep taco toppings and mango salsa in separate containers for freshness.
What to Serve with Fish Tacos?
Pair these tacos with classic sides like Red Rice, Mexican Beans, or a crisp slaw. For a complete meal, check out my Best Fish Taco Sides.
What is in Blackening Seasoning?
Blackening seasoning typically includes Cajun spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, sugar, and black pepper. It’s versatile and adds the perfect smoky, spicy flavor to any fish.
Where to Buy Halibut Fillets?
Halibut fillets may be found at your local fish market. In a grocery store, they may also be found in the freezer section. Look for individually vacuum-sealed portions to ensure freshness. For my favorite Alaskan halibut, I order from our friends at Sena Sea. They will deliver it to my door and I can have dinner on the table that night!
This easy Blackened Halibut Tacos Recipe is the ultimate combination of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors! Perfect for Taco Tuesday or any time you’re craving fish tacos with a twist.
PrintHalibut Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
Ingredients
- 4-6 oz halibut fillets
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
- Corn tortillas, for service
- Shredded cabbage, for service
- Lime, for service
- Mango Salsa, for service (recipe below)
Blackened Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dehydrated onion
- 2 ¼ teaspoons sea salt
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar
Mango Salsa
- 2 cups fresh, ripe mango, diced fine
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced fine
- ½ cup red onion, diced fine
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, minced
- 2 habanero peppers, seeded and minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Combine diced mango, bell pepper, onion, cilantro and habanero pepper in a bowl. Toss in fresh lime juice and honey. Season to taste with a pinch of salt. Refrigerate until serving.
- Combine blackened seasoning spices in a small bowl. Measure out 2 tablespoons of the spice mix.
- Brush fish fillets in melted butter, then sprinkle with blackening seasoning.
- Preheat cast iron skillet over medium high heat. When hot, add halibut fillets, seasoning side down. Brush the second side with butter and lightly season with remaining spices. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the fillets are about 70% cooked through and the seasoning is deeply browned. Flip fillets gently and sear for an additional 2-3 minutes, until fully cooked.
- Use two forks to flake up the halibut fillets. Pile fish into warm corn tortillas. Top with mango salsa, shredded cabbage, green taco sauce, or your favorite taco toppers.
Notes
- This blackened fish recipe can be made using almost any kind of fish, from cod to grouper to salmon. Use what you have!
- The process of blackening fish depends on the milk solids in the butter to accelerate the "blackening" process. So while you can use oil instead of butter in the recipe, you'll miss out a bit on the authentic flavor.
- If you can't find habanero or spicy flavors worry you, use a milder pepper like jalapeño peppers or even a poblano for more color and crunch and just a whisper of heat.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: easy recipes
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Mexican, Cajun
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