If you’re in the mood for a taco with a tropical twist, these Blackened Tilapia Tacos with Pineapple Salsa are just the thing. Spicy, flaky tilapia meets sweet and tangy pineapple salsa, creating a perfect balance of flavors in every bite. These tacos are easy to make, packed with fresh ingredients, and ideal for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ready to make taco night unforgettable? Let’s dive in!
Blackened Tilapia Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Try these Blackened Tilapia Tacos with Pineapple Salsa! Spicy, flaky tilapia paired with a refreshing pineapple salsa for the ultimate taco experience.
Ingredients
For the Blackened Tilapia
- 8 tilapia fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Pineapple Salsa
- 1 cup fresh pineapple diced
- 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper diced
- 1 small jalapeño seeded and minced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
For the Tacos
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage optional, for crunch
- Lime wedges for serving
- Extra cilantro for garnish
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta for a creamy tangy topping
- A drizzle of crema or sour cream for added creaminess
Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Omit the cheese and crema.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas.
Instructions
Prepare the Pineapple Salsa
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced pineapple, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
- Stir well and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Set aside to let the flavors meld.
Season the Tilapia
- In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel, then rub them generously with olive oil and the blackened seasoning blend.
Cook the Tilapia
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the seasoned tilapia fillets.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and has a nice blackened crust.
- Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before flaking into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Place a few pieces of blackened tilapia onto each tortilla, then top with a spoonful of pineapple salsa.
- Add shredded red cabbage for extra crunch, and garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
Serve
- Serve these Blackened Tilapia Tacos with Pineapple Salsa with lime wedges on the side and enjoy a fresh, tropical twist on taco night!
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Taco):
- Calories: 150-180
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Notes/Advice:
- Additions/Subtractions:
- Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your spice preference, or leave it out for a milder flavor.
- If you prefer, substitute tilapia with another white fish like cod or mahi-mahi.
- For extra brightness, squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos just before serving.
Variations:
- Mango Salsa Tacos: Swap the pineapple for diced mango for a sweeter tropical salsa.
- Spicy Avocado Slaw Tacos: Add a creamy avocado slaw on top for a cooling, creamy texture.
- Fish Taco Bowls: Serve the blackened tilapia over rice with pineapple salsa, shredded cabbage, and tortilla strips for a deconstructed taco bowl.
Suggestions:
- Serving Ideas: Pair these tacos with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal. They’re also great with a side of guacamole and tortilla chips.
- Make It Ahead: You can make the pineapple salsa a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftover fish and salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the fish gently in a skillet.
Final Thoughts:
And there you have it—Blackened Tilapia Tacos with Pineapple Salsa that are spicy, fresh, and bursting with flavor! These tacos bring together the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory, making them a refreshing option for taco night. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, these tacos are sure to impress. So fire up that skillet, get that fish sizzling, and enjoy a tropical twist on a classic favorite!