Tilapia Fish Tacos (Print Layout)
Crispy spiced tilapia with fresh slaw and zesty crema in warm tortillas
# What You 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
# Directions:
01 - Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Season both sides of tilapia with spice mix, then drizzle with olive oil and lime juice.
02 - Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the fillets for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Let rest for 2 minutes, then flake into bite-sized pieces.
03 - In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
04 - In a small bowl, mix sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, hot sauce (if using), and salt until smooth and well combined.
05 - Warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side or microwave between damp paper towels for 20-30 seconds.
06 - Layer slaw and flaked tilapia onto warm tortillas. Drizzle with crema. Top with sliced avocado, extra fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
07 - Serve immediately while fish is warm and tortillas are soft.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- These come together in under 40 minutes but taste like they came from a beachside taco stand
- The combination of warm spiced fish, cool crisp slaw, and tangy crema is honestly perfect
02 -
- Dont overcrowd the pan when cooking the fish or you'll end up steaming instead of searing
- Let the fish rest for a couple minutes after cooking so it doesnt fall apart completely when you flake it
03 -
- Get your skillet properly hot before adding the fish, you want that sizzle immediately
- Season your slaw aggressively, since cold vegetables need more salt than you think