Description
Delicious and flavorful Fish Tacos made with marinated tilapia filets, cooked to perfection in a skillet and topped with a zesty Chipotle Lime Crema. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering, featuring bold spices and fresh garnishes for an authentic taste.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Marinated Tilapia
- 1 1/2 lbs. Tilapia filets
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tsp. chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- 3/4 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- Optional serving garnishes: flour or corn taco shells, angel hair slaw, lime wedges, grilled corn, queso fresco, etc.
Chipotle Lime Crema
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 tsp. fresh lime juice
- 3 chipotle chilies in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 2 Tbsp. milk
Instructions
- Season the Fish: Pat the tilapia filets dry with a paper towel and season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a 9×13-inch pan or similarly sized dish, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the lime zest and juice, minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful paste.
- Marinate the Tilapia: Place the seasoned fish filets into the marinade and rub the mixture onto both sides ensuring they are well coated. Cover the pan and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the fish.
- Cook the Fish: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated tilapia filets and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the fish is browned on the outside and flakes easily with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 145°F.
- Make the Chipotle Lime Crema: While the fish cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, finely chopped chipotle chilies in adobo sauce, minced garlic, and milk in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm or lightly char flour or corn tortillas. Break the cooked tilapia into chunks and place them on the tortillas. Top with optional garnishes such as angel hair slaw, cilantro, a spritz of lime, and a generous drizzle of the chipotle lime crema.
Notes
- Other Tilapia Fish Taco Toppings: Corn Salsa, Fish Taco Slaw, Cilantro Lime Slaw, Guacamole, Pico de Gallo.
- Fish is cooked thoroughly when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- For a spicier crema, add extra chipotle chilies or include some adobo sauce.
- Use fresh lime juice for best flavor in both the marinade and crema.
- Tilapia can be substituted with other white fish such as cod or mahi-mahi if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 2 tacos)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
