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Lunch Dinner Seafood Mexican
4.6 from 32 votes

Spicy Fish Taco Bowls

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By: Joanna Cismaru •4/7/23 45 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

These Spicy Fish Taco Bowls are comfort food at its finest with a healthy twist. Fresh blackened spicy cod fillets, corn, black beans, red peppers and avocados make this dish a hearty, filling and most delicious lunch or dinner without the guilt.

closeup of spicy fish taco bowl in a white bowl
Table of Contents Open
  • Ingredients
  • Do I have to use cod?
  • What else can I add to my taco bowl?
    • In the veggie mixture:
    • As a topping:
  • How to make spicy fish taco bowls
  • How to store leftovers
  • Freezing cooked cod
  • Did you love this recipe? Try these:
  • Spicy Fish Taco Bowls
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Notes
    • Nutrition Information
  • Did You Make This?

I go through different food phases all the time. Especially when it comes to seafood! Today I craved fish, but not just any variety. I craved a nice and mild white fish. So I came up with these scrumptious fish taco bowls. I figure, if I’m craving something both so low carb and low fat as white fish, I may as well go all the way and create a flavorful and healthy meal.

I mean, look at that list of ingredients! We’re talking brown rice, lots of veggies, and a dry rub that packs a punch. We have all my favorite taco toppings piled high over this amazing spiced cod. This is a deceiving meal! It feels like comfort food with not a single bite of guilt.

Ingredients

Keep scrolling down to the recipe card for a list of FULL ingredient amounts and instructions or click the “Jump to Recipe” button at the top of the page!

  • Cod – Since we’re shredding the fish, you can grab a few small fillets or a large one. Any other white fish would work as well.
  • Olive oil – Coconut, avocado, sunflower, safflower, vegetable, or canola oil will work too.
  • Spices – Cumin, cayenne, and chili powder.
  • Garlic – Use more or less if you’d like.
  • Green onions – Mild onion like white or shallot will be great instead.
  • Bell pepper – I used a red bell pepper. Any type will work.
  • Corn – Frozen, canned, fresh; whatever you have handy.
  • Black beans – If you use canned make sure they’re rinsed well. Dried beans will need to be reconstituted with water beforehand.
  • Salt & pepper – Season to taste.
  • Avocado – For a taco topping
  • Lemon – For a fresh squeeze over your tacos.
  • Brown rice – Any type of rice will work. Or even other grains such as quinoa! Up to you.

Do I have to use cod?

If you can’t find any cod at your local grocery store or it just isn’t your favorite of the mild fish varieties, you can use other types. Halibut, sole, tilapia, snapper, bass, grouper, or catfish are all great alternatives. My one suggestion: getting a deboned fish will make your life a lot easier.

You can also use this spice rub on shrimp! Keep them whole or chop them up for your taco bowl, but don’t try and shred them. This rub will even work on hartier more flavor forward fish like salmon or tuna.

What else can I add to my taco bowl?

In the veggie mixture:

  • Hot peppers
  • Cauliflower
  • Roasted peppers

As a topping:

  • Queso fresco/ feta
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Cilantro
  • Pico de gallo
  • Salsa
  • Guacamole
  • Sour cream
blackened cod on a white plate

How to make spicy fish taco bowls

  1. Mix the dry rub: In a small bowl mix the cumin, cayenne pepper and chill powder. Rub generously over the fish fillets on both sides.
  2. Cook the fish: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fish to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes on each side. You want to make sure it gets almost blackened and that the fish is cooked through, inside it should be white. Remove fish from skillet and shred with a couple forks.
  3. Cook the veggies: In the same skillet add, garlic, green onions, corn and red pepper. Season with salt and pepper if preferred. Stir and cook. Let it cook for a couple minutes then stir again. You want to make sure the corn is brown and looks roasted. Add beans and cook until beans are heated through.
  4. Assemble: To serve, layer rice, corn/bean mixture, fish, avocados and sprinkle with fresh lemon juice.

How to store leftovers

It’s best to store each component of this recipe separately to make reheating easier on you.

White fish: The fish will last 3-4 days stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave at 10-15 second intervals, stirring in between and checking the temperature, so that you don’t dry it out. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water. Stir often and heat just until the moisture cooks off.

Veggies: The veggies will last 4-6 days stored in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also reheat these in the microwave, or toss them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil until heated through.

Rice: Leftover rice lasts about 4-6 days in the fridge. You can keep it right in the pot you cooked it in with the lid, or transfer it to an airtight container. Microwave to reheat, stirring every 20 seconds, or reheat in a skillet with a splash of water over medium heat.

Freezing cooked cod

While you can freeze your cooked cod, it isn’t ideal. Freezing and thawing cooked fish, since it’s so delicate, can cause it to fall apart. Since this recipe calls for shredding it, it isn’t such a big deal to store leftovers in the freezer. Keep them in an airtight container or sealable freezer bag. It will last 2-3 months frozen.

a spicy fish taco bowl in a white bowl

Did you love this recipe? Try these:

  • Vietnamese Fish Tacos
  • Blackened Fish Tacos
  • Cajun Shrimp Tacos
  • Fish and Chips
  • Meatball Banh Mi Bowls
  • Baked Lemon Garlic Halibut
  • Cilantro Lime Salmon
  • Lemon Dill Pan Fried Salmon
  • Fish Tacos
  • Fish Pie

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Close up shot of a spicy fish taco bowl
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4.60 from 32 votes

Spicy Fish Taco Bowls

Prep 10 minutes minutes
Cook 15 minutes minutes
Total 25 minutes minutes
Rate Recipe
These Spicy Fish Taco Bowls are comfort food at its finest with a healthy twist. Fresh blackened spicy cod fillets, corn, black beans, red peppers and avocados make this dish a hearty, filling and most delicious lunch or dinner without the guilt.
4

Ingredients

  • 6 ounce cod fillets (or any other white fish (about 6 oz))
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 green onions (chopped)
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 cup black beans
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ avocado (cut in small pieces)
  • 1 lemon
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl mix the cumin, cayenne pepper and chill powder. Rub generously over the cod fillets on both sides.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fish to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes on each side. You want to make sure it gets almost blackened and that the fish is cooked through, inside it should be white. Remove fish from skillet and shred with a couple forks.
  • In the same skillet add, garlic, green onions, corn and red pepper. Season with salt and pepper if preferred. Stir and cook. Let it cook for a couple minutes then stir again. You want to make sure the corn is brown and looks roasted. Add beans and cook until beans are heated through.
  • To serve, layer rice, corn/bean mixture, fish, avocados and sprinkle with fresh lemon juice.

Notes

  1. White fish: The fish will last 3-4 days stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave at 10-15 second intervals, stirring in between and checking the temperature, so that you don’t dry it out. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water. Stir often and heat just until the moisture cooks off.
  2. Veggies: The veggies will last 4-6 days stored in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also reheat these in the microwave, or toss them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil until heated through.
  3. Rice: Leftover rice lasts about 4-6 days in the fridge. You can keep it right in the pot you cooked it in with the lid, or transfer it to an airtight container. Microwave to reheat, stirring every 20 seconds, or reheat in a skillet with a splash of water over medium heat.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1servingCalories: 364kcal (18%)Carbohydrates: 49g (16%)Protein: 16g (32%)Fat: 13g (20%)Saturated Fat: 2g (13%)Cholesterol: 18mg (6%)Sodium: 119mg (5%)Potassium: 740mg (21%)Fiber: 10g (42%)Sugar: 4g (4%)Vitamin A: 1329IU (27%)Vitamin C: 57mg (69%)Calcium: 59mg (6%)Iron: 3mg (17%)
© Author Jo

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

Close up shot of a spicy fish taco bowl

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Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Through Jo Cooks, I invite you to join me in my kitchen as we explore delicious recipes from around the globe, celebrate the joy of cooking, and make every meal a memorable one. Happy cooking!

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45 Comments
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Claudia
Claudia
Posted: 20 days ago

5 stars
I have made this several times…big hit with my husband! Knight we used shrimp instead of fish. I made a dressing of sour cream,Mayo, siracha and lime juice, tossed the coleslaw with it then out the shrimp, black beans, corn and avocado on top. Another big hit!

0
Reply
Tina in Portland
Tina in Portland
Posted: 1 year ago

5 stars
I made this – I’ve never done blackened fish before but it was easy and delicious. I’ll definitely make this again. Thanks for the great recipe.

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Tina in Portland
Posted: 1 year ago

My pleasure, so glad you liked these bowls.

0
Reply
Debbie L
Debbie L
Posted: 1 year ago

I do love this recipe, but 6oz.of fish for 4 people? I do 6oz.per person.

0
Reply
MaryinOC
MaryinOC
Posted: 2 years ago

4 stars
I’m a total Jo Cooks Fan, but I must admit I felt like this was missing something – tomatoes, or a sour cream dressing? I did go light on fish spices but as that is only real seasoning in recipe that may have been the problem. Good recipe, but not great for my family

0
Reply
Kandy
Kandy
Posted: 5 years ago

5 stars
I made this for tonight. I really enjoyed it!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Kandy
Posted: 5 years ago

Yay, so happy you like this recipe!

0
Reply
MK
MK
Posted: 7 years ago

5 stars
This is delish! My husband even likes it. Has anyone tried using lime instead of lemon and added cilantro to it?
It’s so good, I will definitely be making this again in the summer. Yum!

0
Reply
Chondra Bethards
Chondra Bethards
Reply to  MK
Posted: 6 years ago

5 stars
I used lime to marinate the seasoned fish. I also used lemon, and garnished with fresh cilantro. This recipe is amazing!!!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Chondra Bethards
Posted: 6 years ago

Glad you enjoyed the recipe Chondra!

0
Reply
mindy
mindy
Posted: 7 years ago

How many calories per bowls is this?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  mindy
Posted: 7 years ago

I’ve added nutritional information to the recipe Mindy!

0
Reply
Amy @ Foodrecipe.org
Amy @ Foodrecipe.org
Posted: 7 years ago

5 stars
I have try this recipe, and Wow…!!!!, very delicious and easy to make. Thanks for your Fish Taco Bowls Recipe, Good Job Chef

I give five stars for this recipe

Thanks

0
Reply
Judy
Judy
Posted: 8 years ago

Do you drain the corn or beans if you use canned?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Judy
Posted: 8 years ago

Yes, always, and rinse them too.

0
Reply
Kim
Kim
Posted: 8 years ago

Isn’t tilapia bad? What’s another fish I could substitute?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Kim
Posted: 8 years ago

Not that I know of, but you can use any other white fish you like.

0
Reply
Kim
Kim
Reply to  Joanna Cismaru
Posted: 8 years ago

It’s been in the news quite a bit. There are a lot of conflicting articles, but I find this one provides unbiased and useful information:
http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2014/04/09/truth-about-tilapia/

Thanks!

0
Reply
ktown
ktown
Reply to  Kim
Posted: 8 years ago

fox news. unbiased. HA!

0
Reply
Kim
Kim
Reply to  ktown
Posted: 8 years ago

Ha ha the irony was not lost on me, but I read several articles and this one was the (surprisingly) best one

0
Reply
keith
keith
Reply to  Joanna Cismaru
Posted: 8 years ago

Is the corn frozen or from a can? I feel like that’s a dumb question but I’m new to this healthy eating gig:)

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  keith
Posted: 8 years ago

It doesn’t matter Keith, you can use either or. 🙂

0
Reply
P. Vernet
P. Vernet
Reply to  Joanna Cismaru
Posted: 5 years ago

As far as I know Tilapia is raised in Chinw which is suspicious enough, even before the apparently reliable reports that the fish are fed on the droppings of chickens who are raised on grating over the fish. I definitely wouldn’t touch tilapia!!!

0
Reply
jill
jill
Reply to  Kim
Posted: 8 years ago

I always use basa or swai fish in place of tilapia. Tilapia always tastes dirty, but basa/swai is clean tasting and so easy and fast to cook. Plus, it’s not expensive. Hope this helps.

0
Reply
sara
sara
Posted: 8 years ago

This looks super tasty…I LOVE all the color!

0
Reply
Catherine
Catherine
Posted: 8 years ago

Do you know if this recipe would keep well for a leftovers meal? I want to make it for dinner, but even cutting the recipe in half is too much for one meal. Suggestions?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Catherine
Posted: 8 years ago

Absolutely, I just wouldn’t add the avocados to it until ready to serve. You can refrigerate it for a few days.

0
Reply
Kristi Rimkus
Kristi Rimkus
Posted: 8 years ago

I saw this recipe over on The Best Blog Recipes and had to stop by to say how delicious your tilapia looks. Nice recipe!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Kristi Rimkus
Posted: 8 years ago

Thank you Kristi 🙂

0
Reply
Arlene
Arlene
Posted: 8 years ago

I made this again tonight – this is the third or fourth time! – because I wanted some comfort food in the form of a healthier choice. I think it’s fair to say this recipe is now in my official rotation! We’ve also enjoyed some other ‘Jo’ recipes. Love your web site!

Thanks very much. 🙂

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Arlene
Posted: 8 years ago

Thanks Arlene, so glad you like this recipe. 🙂

0
Reply
Cindy in MO
Cindy in MO
Posted: 8 years ago

5 stars
This is DELICIOUS! (In fact, my husband said, “This recipe is a keeper!”) I did substitute quinoa for the rice. What a wonderful, easy, healthy & delicious recipe!!!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Cindy in MO
Posted: 8 years ago

So glad you guys liked it. 🙂

0
Reply

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I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is the place where I share my passion for easy and delicious recipes. From comforting classics to global flavors, I believe that cooking should be fun, approachable, and most importantly, rewarding. Join me on this culinary journey and let’s get cooking!

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