Description
These delicious Fish Tacos feature marinated tilapia filets grilled to perfection and topped with a zesty chipotle lime crema. Bursting with flavors from chili powder, smoked paprika, and fresh lime, this recipe combines a vibrant slaw and optional garnishes to create a fresh and satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Marinated Tilapia
- 1 1/2 lbs. Tilapia filets
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 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
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
Optional Serving Garnishes
- Flour or corn taco shells
- Angel hair slaw
- Lime wedges
- Grilled corn
- Queso fresco
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Tilapia: Pat the tilapia filets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Make the Marinade: In a 9×13 inch pan or a container that fits the fish, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lime zest and juice, minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to form a spice paste.
- Marinate the Fish: Place the tilapia filets in the marinade, rubbing the mixture evenly onto both sides of each filet. Cover the pan and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cook the Fish: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the tilapia filets for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the outside is nicely browned and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145℉ for safe consumption.
- Assemble Tacos: Break the cooked tilapia into chunks and place them into warmed or lightly charred flour or corn tortillas. Add optional toppings such as angel hair slaw, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, grilled corn, queso fresco, or any preferred garnishes.
- Prepare the Chipotle Lime Crema: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, finely chopped chipotle chilies in adobo sauce, minced garlic, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Drizzle the chipotle lime crema over the assembled fish tacos and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Other delicious toppings include corn salsa, fish taco slaw, cilantro lime slaw, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
- Be sure not to overcook the fish; it should be flaky but moist inside.
- For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or chipotle chilies according to your preference.
- Warming or lightly charring the tortillas enhances their flavor and pliability.
- The marinade can be prepared in advance to allow deeper flavor infusion.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 portion of fish tacos with crema and toppings)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
