Tilapia Fish Tacos (Printable)
Crispy spiced tilapia with fresh slaw and zesty lime crema in warm tortillas
# What You'll Need:
→ Fish
01 - 1 lb tilapia fillets
02 - 1 tsp chili powder
03 - 1 tsp ground cumin
04 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp salt
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
08 - 1 tbsp olive oil
09 - Juice of 1 lime
→ Slaw
10 - 2 cups shredded red or green cabbage
11 - 1/2 cup shredded carrots
12 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
13 - 2 tbsp lime juice
14 - 1 tbsp olive oil
15 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Crema
16 - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
17 - 1 tbsp lime juice
18 - 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
19 - 1/4 tsp salt
→ Tortillas
20 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
→ For Serving
21 - Sliced avocado
22 - Fresh cilantro leaves
23 - Lime wedges
# How to Make It:
01 - Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Season both sides of tilapia generously with spice mixture. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, turning to coat evenly.
02 - Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat and let rest 2 minutes. Flake into bite-sized pieces using a fork.
03 - Combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and chopped cilantro in a large bowl. Add lime juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss thoroughly until vegetables are evenly coated.
04 - Whisk together sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, hot sauce if desired, and salt in a small bowl until smooth and fully combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
05 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until warm and pliable, or microwave between damp paper towels for 20-30 seconds. Keep warm until ready to serve.
06 - Layer a generous portion of slaw onto each warm tortilla, followed by seasoned tilapia pieces. Drizzle with crema. Top with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro leaves, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
07 - Arrange tacos on a serving platter with extra lime wedges on the side. Serve while tortillas are warm and fish is at its best temperature.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- These come together in under 35 minutes but taste like you spent all day planning something special
- The crispy spiced fish against cool tangy slaw is the kind of flavor contrast that makes people go quiet after their first bite
02 -
- Overcrowding the pan will steam the fish instead of searing it so cook in batches if your skillet is looking too full
- Let the fish rest for a couple of minutes after cooking or it will fall apart completely when you try to flake it
03 -
- Greek yogurt works just as well as sour cream in the crema and adds a bit more protein
- If your fish is frozen thaw it completely and pat it very dry before seasoning for the best sear