Spicy Blackened Fish Tacos

Instructions

1. 01

   Set a large well-seasoned cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. If your skillet is well-seasoned, you won't need any oil. If it's not, I recommend adding 1 - 2 teaspoons neutral oil to the skillet before cooking the corn.Add 2 cups corn kernels, and sear, undisturbed, for 2 - 3 minutes until nicely browned. Stir, then repeat, 1 - 2 more times until corn kernels are well-toasted, with charred spots. Remove from the heat, then add to a medium bowl with 1 small clove garlic (finely grated). Let cool until warm, then stir in 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons freshly grated Cotija cheese (if using), 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon mild chili powder, and salt to taste.

2. 02

   Add 2 cups finely shredded cabbage to a medium bowl and massage with a good pinch of salt to help soften the leaves. Add 2 ripe mangoes (cubed), 1 shallot (finely minced), 1/4 cup cilantro (minced), the juice from 1 mandarin orange, and 2 teaspoons lime juice. Season to taste.

3. 03

   Cut 12 ounces firm white fish into 4 portions and pat dry. In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon mild chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin and 3/4 teaspoon Diamond-Crystal Kosher Salt.Coat fish with 2 teaspoons neutral oil, then rub the spice mixture evenly on all sides. Gently tap off any excess seasoning before cooking.Set a large seasoned cast-iron skillet or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons neutral oil. Once the oil is hot, add the fish, and sear until the bottom is nicely browned, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, about 2 minutes more for thinner fillets and 3 - 4 minutes more for thicker portions. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

4. 04

   Warm 4 Corn tortillas on a skillet or directly over a gas flame. Place a piece of fish in the center of the warm tortilla, then top with a spoonful mango slaw and elote salad. Serve warm and enjoy with lime wedges and thinly sliced radishes (if desired).