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Extreme close-up of a grilled fish taco featuring blackened cod in a charred corn tortilla with orange-pink chipotle mayo.

The Best Grilled Fish Tacos Recipe

Enjoy restaurant-quality grilled fish tacos at home. Features perfectly blackened cod, a creamy orange-pink chipotle mayo, and fresh, vibrant pico de gallo.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb cod fillets (450g), patted dry
  • 8 small soft corn tortillas
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika (15g)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (5g)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin (5g)
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt (3g)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (15ml)
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise (120g)
  • 1 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (15g), minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (15ml)
  • 1 cup diced red tomatoes (150g)
  • 0.25 cup finely diced white onion (40g)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (10g)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (15ml)

Equipment

  • 1 Cast Iron Skillet For blackening the cod.
  • 2 Small Mixing Bowls For preparing the sauces and salsa.

Method
 

Preparation and Assembly
  1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers in adobo, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Whisk vigorously until the sauce is completely smooth and develops a creamy, orange-pink color. Set aside in the refrigerator.
  2. In another mixing bowl, combine diced red tomatoes, diced white onion, chopped cilantro, the remaining 1 tbsp lime juice, and a generous pinch of salt. Toss gently to combine and let sit at room temperature.
  3. Pat the cod fillets dry. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and salt. Rub the cod with olive oil, then coat with the spice mixture. Sear in a hot cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep golden-brown, blackened crust forms.
  4. Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Place the soft corn tortillas in the pan one at a time, cooking for 30 seconds per side until slightly charred. Wrap in a warm towel to keep pliable.
  5. Nestle pieces of blackened cod into the center of a charred corn tortilla. Generously drizzle with the creamy chipotle mayo, and top with fresh pico de gallo. Serve immediately.

Notes

Always pat the fish completely dry before seasoning to ensure a proper blackened crust forms.
Do not overmix the pico de gallo, or the tomatoes will break down and become mushy.