Blackened Tuna Tacos with Creamy Dill Slaw

If you’re a taco lover, have fun with a variety of (sensible) ingredients and flavors. While nothing beats authentic Mexican tacos with tender pulled pork and a simple sauce or pico de gallo, sometimes a California feel is just the thing.

For this recipe, I made the slaw dressing with rich, thick Greek yogurt for a lighter-than-mayo taste and great creamy texture. Fresh dill and lemon juice brighten the flavor, and garlic brings in the earthiness. All you need is shredded cabbage to toss it with.

Blackening fish (or chicken, for that matter) adds a lightly charred crust while leaving the flesh sweet and tender. And it couldn’t be simpler: rub on a few dark, savory spices—especially freshly ground black pepper—and let the fish stand for a little while, then sear it in a hot cast-iron skillet. Done.

For other blackening ideas, check out Blackened Mahi-Mahi with Pan-Seared Vegetables, Blackened Cod Sandwiches with Radicchio Slaw, or Blackened Salmon with Chipotle-Honey Glaze.

Makes 8 tacos

Ingredients

For the Slaw

• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1-1/2 tbsp chopped dill weed
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/8 tsp celery seed
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage

For the Tuna

• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp fine salt
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/3 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 chopped red onion
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp chile powder
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 2 8-oz yellow-fin tuna steaks filets, about 1-inch thick
• 2 tsp olive oil
• sea salt

Prepared Vegetables

Tuna Steaks

Preparation

For the Slaw

1. In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt, dill, lemon juice, celery seed, and garlic and season with salt and pepper.
2. Add the cabbage to the dressing and stir well to combine. Cover and chill 1-2 hours.

Dressing Ingredients Ready to Combine

Combined Dressing Ingredients

Creamy Dill Slaw

For the Tuna

1. Combine the vinegar, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve. Add the jalapenos, bell pepper, and onion and stir well to combine. Set aside 30 minutes.
2. Combine the black pepper, chile powder, and cumin in a small bowl. Rub the spice mixture on both sides of the tuna and let stand 20 minutes.

Vegetables in Pickling Mixture

Tuna with Seasoning

1. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and brush with 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Add the tuna and sear until the bottom is lightly charred, 3-4 minutes. Turn and sear 2-3 minutes longer, until the other side is charred and the fish is still pink in the middle.
2. Transfer the tuna to a cutting board and use a fork to break into bite-sized chunks. Place in a serving bowl.
3. Drain the jalapeno mixture and add to the bowl with the tuna. Stir lightly to combine.

Tuna Beginning to Sear

Blackened Tuna 

Break up Tuna Steaks 

Drain Vegetables

Serve the fish and vegetables with warm tortillas and creamy dill slaw.

Blackened Tuna Tacos with Creamy Dill Slaw