If there’s one thing that food lovers can agree on, it’s that a great sandwich is a thing of beauty. And if you’re a fan of fish dishes, then you’ll surely fall head over heels for this blackened fish sandwich recipe.

But what makes this particular recipe unique, you might ask? Well, first of all, the key ingredient — blackened fish — is what sets this sandwich apart from your typical fish burger or basic fish fillet. The method of cooking known as blackening involves searing the fish in a cast iron skillet with a flavorful spice rub that creates a crisp and slightly charred exterior while keeping the flesh tender and moist within.

Add to that some tangy lime mayonnaise sauce and crunchy slaw made with red onion and red cabbage, and you’ve got yourself one deliciously satisfying meal.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: blackening sounds like it could be intimidating or difficult to pull off perfectly. But fear not! With the step-by-step instructions and tips included in this recipe, even novice cooks can master the technique of blackening to create restaurant-worthy sandwiches right at home.

So whether you are looking to impress dinner guests or simply craving an indulgent solo meal, give this blackened fish sandwich recipe a try. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you tired of ordinary sandwich recipes? Then, you’ll definitely love the Blackened Fish Sandwich recipe! Why settle for a mundane sandwich when you can have a fresh and flavorful one? This recipe provides a delightful twist on the traditional fish sandwich that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

One of the best things about this dish is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can use any type of fish fillet you like, be it catfish, tilapia, cod, mahi-mahi, or anything else that suits your taste. The blackening spice blend adds an extra layer of flavor and heat to the fish while the cilantro lime mayonnaise helps cut through the spice with its tangy yet creamy texture.

Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly simple to make. All you need are some fish fillets, blackening seasoning, cilantro lime mayonnaise, and bread buns. A cast iron skillet works just as well as a grill to add some amazing charred flavors to the fish. In just a few steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering sandwich that you will likely crave over and over again.

The cherry on top is that this recipe is healthier than traditional fried fish sandwiches without sacrificing taste! Instead of deep-frying the fish fillets in unhealthy oils, this blackened version uses canola oil for a light and crispy crust. You can also customize your sandwich with fresh veggies like red onions, red cabbage or avocado slices to add crunch and texture to your meal.

In summary, if you’re looking for a healthy yet scrumptious and easy-to-make sandwich recipe that will take your meals up a notch without breaking the bank, then this blackened fish sandwich recipe is definitely worth trying!

Ingredient List

Get ready to taste the deep, bold flavors of this blackened fish sandwich!

To create this delectable Blackened Fish Sandwich, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Blackening Seasoning:

1 tablespoon of paprika
2¼ teaspoons of salt
1 teaspoon of onion powder
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
¾ teaspoon of white pepper

For the Spicy Mayo:

¼ cup of mayonnaise
2 tablespoons of sriracha sauce
Juice from half a lime

For the Cilantro Lime Mayo:

½ cup of mayonnaise
Juice from half a lime
2 teaspoons of red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons of minced cilantro

For the Sandwich:

4 fish fillets (catfish, tilapia, cod or any firm fish)
Canola oil or olive oil for drizzling
A pinch of salt and pepper to season the fish
A cup or handful of thinly sliced red cabbage
A cup or handful of thinly sliced red onion
An avocado, halved and sliced
4 brioche buns, lightly toasted

The Recipe How-To

Now that we’ve gotten the introductions out of the way, let’s dive right into the recipe! In this section, I’ll be walking you through step-by-step how to create a mouth-watering Blackened Fish Sandwich that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

First, here are the ingredients you’ll need:

blackening seasoning (1 tablespoon)
canola oil (2 tablespoons)
catfish fillets (4, skinless and boneless)
red cabbage (1 ½ cups, thinly sliced)
red onion (¼ of a thinly sliced onion)
avocado (sliced)
cilantro lime mayonnaise: mix together ¾ cup of mayo with 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 1 teaspoon of sriracha sauce, and 2 teaspoons of chopped cilantro.
toasted buns

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
Season both sides of each fish fillet with blackening seasoning then set aside.
Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until it’s smoking hot. Add canola oil in the skillet and let it heat for a few minutes.
Carefully place the fillets in the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until they’re blackened.
Once that’s done, place the skillet into the preheated oven to finish cooking for 10 minutes.

Assembling Your Blackened Fish Sandwiches

Spread cilantro lime mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
Place a handful of red cabbage on top of the mayo.
Place one cooked fish fillet atop the cabbage.
Layer sliced avocado and red onions over the fish fillet.
Spread some more cilantro lime mayo on the top half of the bun before placing it on top of everything else.

That’s it! Your delicious Blackened Fish Sandwiches are now ready to enjoy. Serve them up with some homemade sweet potato fries or your favorite chips for an added crunch.

I hope these instructions have been helpful! Don’t hesitate to make some adjustments based on what is available to you at home – this recipe is always open to experimentation and adaptation.

Substitutions and Variations

Let's take the ordinary fish sandwich up a notch with this delicious recipe. — Let’s take the ordinary fish sandwich up a notch with this delicious recipe.

Now let’s get creative with some substitutions and variations for this Blackened Fish Sandwich Recipe! Don’t be afraid to explore and experiment with the ingredients to create a sandwich that perfectly suits your taste.

For example, if catfish fillets are not available, you can use other types of fish fillets such as cod or mahi-mahi. And if you don’t have access to a cast-iron skillet, don’t worry. A regular non-stick frying pan will do just fine.

If you’re looking to add more veggies to your sandwich, try swapping the red onion for sliced cucumber, or adding some roasted bell peppers or grilled zucchini. You can even switch up the coleslaw by using red cabbage instead of green cabbage.

For those who love a spicier kick, you can modify the blackening seasoning by adding more chili powder or cayenne pepper to it. And if you prefer a sweeter flavor profile, try adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the spice rub.

As for toppings and sauces, there are endless possibilities. Swap out the cilantro lime mayonnaise for tartar sauce or Sriracha mayo aioli. Or top your fish burger with avocado slices for an extra creamy texture.

And last but not least, instead of sandwiching your grilled blackened fish fillets between two buns, why not serve them on top of a bed of greens for a lighter option? Get creative and make this recipe your own!

Serving and Pairing

Blackening seasoning + fresh fish + crunchy veggies + soft bread = a winning combination in this sandwich!

The blackened fish sandwich recipe is a flavor powerhouse and makes for a delicious meal that can be enjoyed at any time of day. When it comes to serving and pairing with this fish sandwich, you have plenty of opportunities to showcase its bold flavors and textures.

One perfect pairing for this sandwich is a side of sweet potato fries or crispy chips. The sweetness of the fries balances out the spiciness of the blackened fish and enhances its flavor even more. You can also serve the sandwich with a side salad or coleslaw to add some crunch, texture, and freshness to your plate.

If you’re looking for something more extravagant, try pairing this sandwich with a glass of crisp white wine – Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay should do the trick. Alternatively, you can pair this dish with an ice-cold beer like an IPA – its hoppy notes will match well with the intense flavors of the fish.

For those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks, a fresh lemonade or a cold glass of iced tea can also be excellent pairings for this dish. Just make sure whichever drink you choose pairs well with spicy food and doesn’t overpower the flavors of the blackened fish.

In summary, when it comes to serving and pairing with this blackened fish sandwich recipe, there are many excellent options to choose from. Whether you go for classic sides like fries or salad or opt for something more adventurous like wine or beer, your meal will surely be satisfying and delicious.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Trust me – you don't want to miss out on the mouthwatering taste of this blackened fish sandwich. — Trust me – you don’t want to miss out on the mouthwatering taste of this blackened fish sandwich.

Ah, the joys of meal prep! If you’re anything like me, you love the idea of having meals ready to go at a moment’s notice. That’s why I’m thrilled to tell you that this blackened fish sandwich recipe is perfect for making ahead and storing for busy days.

To make this recipe ahead of time, simply cook your fish fillets as per the recipe instructions, allow them to cool to room temperature, and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. You can prepare all the sandwich components separately and assemble your sandwich when you’re ready to eat it.

Reheating your blackened fish is incredibly simple as well. If you want to preserve its spicy flavor and crispy exterior, just toss it briefly in a hot skillet with a little bit of oil or butter, flipping once or twice until it’s warmed through.

If you don’t have access to a skillet, no problem. You can also reheat your fish in the oven or even on the grill. Just be sure to cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out.

As for storing, leftover sandwiches can be wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 1-2 days. If you’re packing one for lunch, my recommendation is to keep the bread separate so that it stays nice and crispy.

In conclusion, this blackened fish sandwich recipe is a fantastic make-ahead meal that offers incredible flavor and ease of preparation. Whether you’re hosting a party or planning snacks for long road-trips, this method of meal prep will be sure shot success!

Tips for Perfect Results

Prepare to fall in love with this sandwich at first bite!

Making a perfect blackened fish sandwich may seem like a daunting task, but with some helpful tips and tricks, anyone can nail this dish. Here are some of my go-to tips for achieving the perfect blackened fish sandwich.

First and foremost, it’s important to choose the right fish for your sandwich. While catfish fillets are the most popular option for blackening, you could also try using tilapia, mahi-mahi, or even cod fillets. Choose fresh fish fillets that are firm and have a bright color.

Next, don’t skimp on the spice rub! The blackening seasoning is what gives this dish its signature flavor, so make sure to use enough of it. You can either buy pre-made blackening seasoning or make your own with spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Once you’re ready to start cooking, heat up your cast-iron skillet until it’s smoking hot. This will ensure that your fish gets a perfectly crispy crust while staying moist and tender on the inside. Add some canola oil to the skillet before placing the fish fillets in, and make sure not to overcrowd the pan.

While cooking the fish, be sure not to flip it too soon. Let it cook for around 3-4 minutes on each side before flipping to ensure that you get a nice sear without overcooking the fish.

When assembling your sandwich, don’t forget about the toppings! Red cabbage, red onion, and avocado are a great complement to the spicy fish flavors. A dollop of lime mayonnaise or sriracha mayo aioli will also add some extra zing to your sandwich.

Last but not least, don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions in the recipe. Whether trying out different types of fish or adding unique toppings like sweet coleslaw or grilled pineapple, there are endless ways to customize your blackened fish sandwich to your liking.

By following these tips and making this recipe your own, you’ll be able to make a deliciously satisfying blackened fish sandwich every time.

FAQ

Now that you have all the details for making the perfect blackened fish sandwich, you may still have some questions about the recipe. Don’t worry; I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions for you to consult. These will help clarify any doubts you may have so that you can create the best possible sandwich every time. So, let’s take a look at them together in this FAQ section.

What pairs well with blackened fish?

I have been tasked with providing instructions, tips, and recommendations for a variety of delectable dishes. These dishes will include a spicy coleslaw, oven roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus, quick sauteed spinach, scalloped potatoes with bacon, buttered noodles, and buttered corn on the cob. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for guests, these mouth-watering recipes are sure to satisfy your appetite. So, let’s dive into the steps for each dish!

Can you blacken fish without a cast iron skillet?

For my preferred method of cooking blackened fish, I opt for a cast-iron skillet due to its ability to evenly maintain heat and create an exquisite seared crust. However, in case you don’t have access to one, a spacious nonstick skillet can also be utilized as a substitute. This will allow you to cook fish to perfection without any worry of it sticking to the bottom of the pan.

What fish makes a good fish sandwich?

When it comes to making a delicious fish sandwich, I prefer using cod due to its affordability and delicate, flaky texture. This fish takes on flavor wonderfully after a brief marination. However, other types of fish like tilapia, halibut, snapper, or catfish can also make for tasty sandwich options. Keep in mind that halibut can be quite expensive compared to the other options. Last updated on March 5, 2021.

What is blackened fish made of?

When it comes to blackening, there’s a classic combination of spices that’s often used to create the signature flavor. This blend typically features thyme, oregano, paprika, cayenne, onion powder, garlic powder, sugar, salt and pepper. However, keep in mind that the specific ratios of these ingredients can vary depending on the recipe you’re following.

Bottom Line

And there you have it, folks: my recipe for the ultimate Blackened Fish Sandwich. I hope you have enjoyed this journey with me, as much as I have enjoyed writing it for you!

In conclusion, there is nothing more satisfying than sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked, juicy, spicy Blackened Fish Sandwich. Whether you are a seafood lover or not, this sandwich is sure to become your new obsession.

So go ahead, gather some catfish fillets, hoist that cast iron skillet onto the stove and let’s start cooking like we’re Michael Chernow at Ocean Fork Seafood. Trust me when I say, once you make one of these sandwiches at home, you’ll never get enough.

Thank you for reading and happy cooking!

Tony

Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.

Delicious Blackened Fish Sandwich: A Flavor Explosion