This Blackened Fish Burger with Sriracha Mayo is a spicy, flavorful twist on the classic fish sandwich. Featuring perfectly seasoned, crispy blackened fish fillets topped with creamy, tangy sriracha mayo, and nestled in a soft bun with fresh toppings, this burger packs heat and zest in every bite. It’s a quick and satisfying meal ideal for lunch or dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or haddock)

• 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 burger buns

• Lettuce leaves

• Tomato slices

• Red onion slices

• For the Sriracha Mayo:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce

  • 1 teaspoon lime juice

  • Salt to taste

Directions

1. Rub fish fillets evenly with blackening seasoning.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook fish fillets 3-4 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through.

3. Mix mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and salt to make sriracha mayo.

4. Toast burger buns lightly.

5. Assemble burgers by spreading sriracha mayo on buns, then layering lettuce, blackened fish, tomato, and onion slices.

6. Serve immediately and enjoy the spicy, crunchy, and creamy flavors.

Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal

• Protein: 35 g

• Total Fat: 22 g

• Saturated Fat: 4 g

• Carbohydrates: 35 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugars: 5 g

• Sodium: 800 mg

Enjoy this spicy and satisfying blackened fish burger with the perfect balance of heat and creaminess!

The Essence of Blackened Fish

Blackened seasoning is a hallmark of Cajun and Creole cooking, offering a robust flavor profile that elevates simple fish fillets into a bold, savory delight. This seasoning blend typically includes paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper, which together create a spicy, smoky crust when cooked at high heat. The blackening process caramelizes the spices on the surface of the fish, resulting in an enticingly crisp and flavorful exterior.

Choosing a mild, flaky white fish like cod, tilapia, or haddock allows the seasoning to shine while maintaining a tender, moist texture inside. The fish’s natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the heat of the blackening spices, creating a well-rounded flavor profile that satisfies both spice lovers and seafood enthusiasts.

The Creamy and Spicy Sriracha Mayo

Complementing the smoky heat of the blackened fish is the sriracha mayo, a luscious and tangy sauce that brings creaminess and a zesty punch. Combining mayonnaise with sriracha sauce creates a smooth, rich base that balances the spiciness with a mellow, buttery texture. The addition of lime juice brightens the sauce with fresh acidity, cutting through the richness and enhancing the overall flavor complexity.

This sriracha mayo is versatile and easy to adjust—more sriracha can be added for extra heat, or lime juice can be increased for additional tanginess. Its creamy texture helps mellow the intensity of the blackened spices, ensuring the burger remains indulgent yet balanced.

Building the Perfect Burger

Constructing the burger involves layering fresh, crisp vegetables alongside the blackened fish and sriracha mayo, creating a combination of textures and flavors that elevate the sandwich. Lettuce leaves add a refreshing crunch and crispness, while tomato slices provide juiciness and a subtle sweetness that contrasts with the spicy fish and sauce. Thin slices of red onion introduce a sharp, slightly pungent bite that cuts through the richness.

The choice of bun plays an important role—soft burger buns that are lightly toasted add a tender yet slightly chewy component, absorbing some of the sauce without becoming soggy. Toasting also imparts a slight nuttiness and enhances the overall mouthfeel, making each bite satisfying from start to finish.

Nutritional Highlights

This blackened fish burger offers a balanced and nutrient-rich meal option. With approximately 450 calories per serving, it provides a substantial amount of protein—around 35 grams—supporting muscle repair and sustained energy. The total fat content is moderate at 22 grams, with saturated fat at 4 grams, primarily from mayonnaise and the cooking oil used.

Carbohydrates account for 35 grams, mainly from the burger bun, and include 3 grams of fiber, contributing to digestive health. Sugars are relatively low, at 5 grams, mostly from natural sources in the vegetables and bun. Sodium content is on the higher side, about 800 mg, influenced by the seasoning and sauces, which is worth considering for those monitoring salt intake.

Flavor and Texture Balance

The magic of this burger lies in the interplay of spicy, smoky, creamy, fresh, and crunchy elements. The blackened fish delivers a satisfying crispy crust with bold heat and aromatic spices, contrasting with the creamy, tangy sriracha mayo that cools and enriches the palate. Fresh lettuce and tomato slices provide moisture and lightness, while red onion adds a crisp bite, ensuring the sandwich never feels heavy or one-dimensional.

The toasted bun wraps all these flavors together, providing structure and softness that complement the varied textures of the filling. This careful balance of ingredients ensures a complex and enjoyable eating experience.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

The Blackened Fish Burger with Sriracha Mayo can be enjoyed on its own or paired with classic sides for a complete meal. Crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, or a crunchy coleslaw are popular choices that add complementary textures and flavors. A simple green salad with citrus dressing or grilled vegetables offers a lighter accompaniment, balancing the burger’s richness.

Refreshing beverages like iced tea, lemonade, or a cold beer pair wonderfully with the bold flavors, cleansing the palate and enhancing the meal’s enjoyment.

Variations and Customization Ideas

This recipe is easily adaptable to suit different preferences and dietary needs. For those who prefer milder flavors, reducing the amount of blackening seasoning or sriracha can tame the heat without sacrificing flavor. The fish can be swapped for other seafood options like mahi-mahi, halibut, or even shrimp.

For a lighter twist, swapping mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a low-fat mayo alternative reduces calories and fat. Adding avocado slices, pickled jalapeños, or a slice of cheese introduces new textures and tastes that personalize the burger.

Vegetarian versions can be created using blackened tofu or portobello mushrooms, while gluten-free buns can accommodate those with dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

The Blackened Fish Burger with Sriracha Mayo is a spicy, smoky, and creamy fusion that transforms the traditional fish sandwich into a bold and exciting meal. Its combination of perfectly seasoned, crispy fish fillets with a tangy, spicy mayo sauce, fresh toppings, and soft buns offers a delightful array of flavors and textures.

Quick to prepare and packed with protein, this burger is an ideal option for those seeking a satisfying lunch or dinner with a little kick. Whether enjoyed at home, a casual get-together, or a summer barbecue, it promises to impress with its vibrant, well-balanced flavors and comforting appeal. This blackened fish burger is sure to become a favorite for anyone who loves spice, seafood, and bold tastes all in one delicious package.