Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Tilapia Fish Tacos featuring marinated and pan-seared tilapia filets seasoned with a vibrant blend of spices, topped with a creamy chipotle lime crema and optional fresh garnishes for a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
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, cilantro
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 and generously season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Make the Marinade: In a 9×13-inch pan or another shallow container that fits all the filets, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lime zest and juice, minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
- Marinate the Fish: Place the seasoned tilapia into the marinade, ensuring each filet is coated evenly on both sides. Cover the pan and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cook the Tilapia: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated filets and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the outside is nicely browned and the fish flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145℉ for safe consumption.
- 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: Break the cooked tilapia into bite-sized chunks. Warm or char your choice of flour or yellow corn tortillas, then fill each with the fish pieces. Top with optional garnishes such as angel hair slaw, cilantro, a spritz of lime, and a generous drizzle of the chipotle lime crema.
Notes
- For additional flavor and texture, try toppings like corn salsa, fish taco slaw, cilantro lime slaw, guacamole, or pico de gallo.
- Ensure the fish is not overcooked to maintain its flaky and moist texture.
- Marinating the fish for at least 20 minutes maximizes the infusion of spices and citrus flavor.
- Use fresh lime juice and zest for the best vibrant citrus flavor in both the marinade and crema.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount if you prefer less heat in the marinade.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 2 tacos)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
