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Fish Tacos Recipe

Fish Tacos Recipe - Easy Meals To Cook

The sun is shining, and it’s the perfect day to grab some fresh ingredients and make a meal that’s light and flavorful: fish tacos. 
Soft tortillas, grilled fish, crunchy cabbage, and zesty toppings all wrapped up in one delicious package. Not only are they fun to eat, but fish tacos offer a tasty escape from the mundane.
Growing up, my family made taco night a tradition. I remember hovering eagerly over the sizzling pan, waiting for my mom to finish cooking. While we primarily enjoyed beef and chicken, my love for fish tacos stirred when I moved to the coast. 
Here on the Pacific side, due to the proximity to the ocean, I discovered how delightful fish tacos could be. Let me take you on this culinary journey.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 24
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 171

Ingredients
  

Fish Taco Ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime zest
  • 24 petite white corn tortillas
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 1/2 pounds fresh tilapia fillets
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked cayenne chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Fish Taco Toppings:
  • 1 lime, cut into 8 wedges for serving
  • 4 ounces crumbly Cotija cheese, grated about 1 cup
  • 1/2 small red onion, diced
  • 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, tough stems removed
  • 2 medium ripe avocados, sliced
  • 1/2 small head purple cabbage, thinly shredded
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, finely chopped
Fish Taco Sauce Ingredients:
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce, or adjust to taste
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Fish
  1. Start by preheating your grill or stovetop. A flat grill or a skillet works wonders. Now, take your tilapia fillets and pat them dry using a paper towel.
    This helps in achieving a nice sear. Mix together the olive oil, lime zest, sea salt, black pepper, smoked cayenne, and cumin in a small bowl. Brush the seasoning mix over the fish fillets, covering them generously.
Step 2: Grill the Fish
  1. If you’re using a grill, place the fish directly onto the grill grates. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until the fish is flaky and opaque. If you’re using a skillet, heat it over medium-high heat and place the fish in the pan. 
    Flip them carefully, making sure not to break the fillets. Once done, remove the fish from the grill or skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes before flaking it with a fork.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
  1. While the fish is grilling, you can prepare the sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, Sriracha, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning. If you like it spicier, add more Sriracha.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
  1. For the tortillas, you can either grill them for a few seconds on each side or warm them in a skillet. This softens them up and makes them a perfect wrap for your fish.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
  1. Once everything is prepared, it’s time for the fun part: assembling your tacos. Lay a warm tortilla flat on a plate.
    Flake a generous portion of fish in the center. Top it with shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, red onions, and slices of avocado.
    Drizzle with the sauce you prepared earlier. Add a sprinkle of Cotija cheese and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Step 6: Serve
  1. Serve your tacos with additional lime wedges and cilantro on the side. Let your guests build their own tacos for a fun, interactive dining experience.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Fish: Fresh fish makes a substantial difference in taste. Purchase from a reputable source and opt for wild-caught varieties when possible for the best flavor.
  • Don’t Overcook the Fish: Fish can become rubbery when overcooked. Keep a close watch and use a fork to test if it flakes easily.
  • Tortilla Quality Matters: Invest in good-quality tortillas. They’re the vessel for your flavors, so go for freshness.
  • Experiment with Toppings: Personalize your tacos! Try pickled jalapeños or mango salsa for an added twist.
  • Make It Ahead of Time: Prepare the sauce or even the fish ahead of time to save on meal prep. Just reheat before serving.