Description
These flavorful Fish Tacos with marinated tilapia are a delicious easy-to-make meal. The tilapia filets are seasoned with a zesty chili-lime marinade and pan-seared to perfection, then topped with a creamy, smoky chipotle lime crema and optional fresh garnishes for a vibrant, satisfying taco experience.
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
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
- Prepare the tilapia: Pat the tilapia filets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Make the marinade: In a 9×13 pan or a pan large enough to hold all the tilapia filets, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lime zest and juice, minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to create a flavorful paste.
- Marinate the fish: Place the seasoned tilapia filets into the marinade. Rub the spice mixture onto both sides evenly. Cover the pan and refrigerate to marinate for about 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
- Cook the tilapia: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the filets for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the exterior is nicely browned and the fish flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145℉ to ensure doneness.
- Prepare the chipotle lime crema: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, chopped chipotle chilies in adobo sauce, minced garlic, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the tacos: Warm or char flour or corn tortillas. Break the cooked tilapia into chunks and distribute evenly among 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 for added zest and creaminess.
Notes
- Other popular tilapia fish taco toppings include corn salsa, fish taco slaw, cilantro lime slaw, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
- Ensure fish reaches an internal temperature of 145℉ for safe consumption.
- For a spicier crema, add more chipotle chilies or adobo sauce according to taste.
- Use either flour or corn tortillas based on personal preference or dietary needs.
- Marinating time can be adjusted slightly but do not exceed 30 minutes to prevent breaking down the fish texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 taco with fish and crema)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
