Tilapia Fish Tacos (Printable)
Crispy spiced tilapia with fresh slaw and tangy 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
19 - 1/4 tsp salt
→ Tortillas and Garnishes
20 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
21 - Sliced avocado
22 - Fresh cilantro leaves
23 - Lime wedges
# How-To Steps:
01 - Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub spice mixture evenly over both sides of fillets. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, coating thoroughly.
02 - Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add seasoned fillets and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and fish flakes easily with a fork. Transfer to a plate and rest for 2 minutes, then flake into bite-sized pieces.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and chopped cilantro. Add lime juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss thoroughly until vegetables are evenly coated.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, hot sauce, and salt until smooth and fully incorporated. Adjust hot sauce to desired heat level.
05 - Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm tortillas one at a time for 30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly toasted. Alternatively, wrap tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds.
06 - Layer each warm tortilla with a generous portion of slaw followed by seasoned tilapia pieces. Drizzle crema over the top. Garnish with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro leaves, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
07 - Arrange tacos on a serving platter and serve immediately while fish is warm and tortillas are soft. Accompany with extra lime wedges and hot sauce on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Everything comes together in about 30 minutes but tastes like you spent all afternoon planning it
- The crispy spiced fish against cool creamy slaw is pure magic
02 -
- Dry the fish thoroughly before seasoning or the spices will slide right off
- Do not overcrowd the pan or the fish will steam instead of get that gorgeous golden crust
03 -
- Grill the fish for a few minutes on each side if you want that smoky summer flavor
- Keep the flaked fish warm in a low oven while you finish assembling everything