Tilapia Fish Tacos (Printable Version)
Crispy spiced tilapia with fresh slaw and zesty 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
20 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
→ For Serving
21 - Sliced avocado
22 - Fresh cilantro leaves
23 - Lime wedges
# How To Make:
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 with spice mixture, then drizzle with olive oil and lime juice.
02 - Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place seasoned fillets in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes, then flake into bite-sized pieces.
03 - In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss thoroughly until all vegetables are evenly coated.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, hot sauce if using, and salt until smooth and fully combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.
05 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until warm and pliable, or microwave in batches of 2-3 for 20 seconds.
06 - Place a generous layer of slaw on each warm tortilla, followed by seasoned tilapia pieces. Drizzle with crema sauce and top with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro leaves, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
07 - Arrange assembled tacos on a serving platter and serve immediately while tortillas are warm and fish is hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- They come together in under 40 minutes but taste like a restaurant meal
- The spice rub on the tilapia creates this incredible crust that locks in moisture
02 -
- Overcrowding the pan will steam the fish instead of searing it so work in batches if necessary
- Letting the spiced fish sit for 10 minutes before cooking helps the flavors penetrate deeper
03 -
- A cast iron skillet creates the best crust but nonstick works perfectly fine
- Use a splatter screen when cooking the fish to keep your stove clean