Description
These Blackened Fish Sliders feature tender, spicy white fish fillets seared to perfection and nestled in pillowy slider buns. Topped with a crisp, tangy slaw and a creamy, zesty sauce, each bite delivers a delicious burst of flavor. Easy to make and perfect for parties, game day, or a weeknight dinner, this coastal-inspired appetizer is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Blackened Fish
- 1 lb white fish fillets (such as mahi-mahi, cod, or snapper)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 8 slider buns
For the Slaw
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the Blackening Spice: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to create the blackening spice blend. Stir well until evenly mixed.
- Prepare the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and coat lightly with olive oil. Generously rub both sides of each fillet with the spice mixture, ensuring the fish is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Sear the Fish: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once hot and sizzling, carefully add the fish fillets. Sear them for 2–3 minutes per side, until the exterior is blackened and the fish is cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let the fish rest for a couple of minutes.
- Make the Slaw: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots. Add mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the slaw is evenly coated and crisp. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and hot sauce (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Toast the Slider Buns: Place the slider buns, cut side down, in a dry skillet or under a broiler. Toast for 1–2 minutes until the buns are lightly golden and warm.
- Assemble the Sliders: Spread a layer of the sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place a piece of blackened fish on the sauce, top with a spoonful of slaw, and close with the top bun.
- Serve: Serve the sliders immediately while warm and enjoy their fresh, bold flavors.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper to the spice mix or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- You can use any firm, flaky white fish (such as tilapia or haddock) if preferred.
- Make the slaw and sauce ahead of time and chill until ready to assemble.
- Double the recipe for larger gatherings or parties.
- Buns can be replaced with lettuce wraps for a gluten-free or low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Coastal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg