Perfect Fish Taco Night

Featured in Irresistible Tasty Bites.

Create restaurant-quality fish tacos with seasoned baked tilapia, fresh toppings and creamy garlic lime sauce. Perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:11:03 GMT
Three tacos filled with grilled fish, colorful diced vegetables, cilantro, and a creamy sauce are displayed on a wooden surface. Pin it
Three tacos filled with grilled fish, colorful diced vegetables, cilantro, and a creamy sauce are displayed on a wooden surface. | recipesbyclare.com

My fish tacos bring a taste of the beach right to your kitchen. The flaky seasoned fish pairs perfectly with fresh toppings and my special garlic lime crema sauce. After years of testing I've perfected these tacos that make any dinner feel like a fiesta.

Summer on a Plate

The combination of tender fish crisp veggies and creamy sauce creates pure taco magic. That tangy lime crema sauce took me dozens of tries to get just right but now it makes these tacos absolutely unforgettable. Plus they work with any white fish you have on hand.

For the Fish

  • Fresh tilapia or cod from my local fish market
  • My special spice blend cumin cayenne salt pepper
  • Good olive oil drizzled with love
  • Touch of butter makes everything better
  • Fresh corn tortillas lightly charred
  • Crisp cabbage juicy tomatoes fresh cilantro crumbly cotija

The Magic Sauce

  • Full fat sour cream makes it extra rich
  • Real mayonnaise no light stuff here
  • Fresh squeezed lime juice
  • Garlic powder for depth
  • Touch of sriracha gives it kick

Lets Make Tacos

Start with Fish
Heat oven to 375°F season fish with spices add oil butter bake until flaky finish under broiler
Make Your Sauce
Mix sour cream mayo lime juice garlic sriracha until smooth pop in squeeze bottle
Warm Those Tortillas
Toast quickly on hot skillet until they get those lovely char marks
Build Your Tacos
Layer fish cabbage tomatoes herbs cheese drizzle with plenty sauce

Perfect Partners

Serve alongside fresh guacamole Mexican street corn salad chunky salsa. Set out chips extra sauce lime wedges let everyone build their perfect taco.

Three soft tacos filled with seasoned fish, fresh vegetables, and a drizzle of sauce, garnished with cilantro, served on a wooden platter. Pin it
Three soft tacos filled with seasoned fish, fresh vegetables, and a drizzle of sauce, garnished with cilantro, served on a wooden platter. | recipesbyclare.com

My Taco Tips

Always use fresh lime juice bottled just isn't the same. That sauce really makes these special so make plenty. Try salmon or shrimp for fun variations. Those toasted tortillas make all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What fish works best?

Tilapia is ideal but any firm white fish works well.

→ Can I make the sauce ahead?

Yes, sauce keeps well refrigerated up to 5 days.

→ Why toast the tortillas?

Toasting adds flavor and prevents tortillas from falling apart.

→ Can I grill the fish instead?

Yes, grill on medium-high heat 4-5 minutes per side.

→ How do I prevent dry fish?

Don't overcook - fish should be just opaque throughout.

Fish Tacos

Tender seasoned fish tacos topped with crunchy cabbage, creamy avocado and an irresistible garlic lime crema sauce.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Tasty Bites

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 24 Servings (24)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 1/2 lb tilapia.
02 1/2 tsp cumin.
03 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper.
04 1 tsp salt.
05 1/4 tsp black pepper.
06 1 tbsp olive oil.
07 1 tbsp unsalted butter.
08 24 small corn tortillas.
09 1/2 small purple cabbage.
10 2 avocados, sliced.
11 2 roma tomatoes, diced (optional).
12 1/2 red onion, diced.
13 1/2 bunch cilantro.
14 1 cup cotija cheese.
15 1 lime, cut in wedges.
16 1/2 cup sour cream.
17 1/3 cup mayonnaise.
18 2 tbsp lime juice.
19 1 tsp garlic powder.
20 1 tsp sriracha sauce.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheet.

Step 02

Season fish with spice mixture.

Step 03

Drizzle with oil, dot with butter.

Step 04

Bake 20-25 minutes.

Step 05

Optional: broil 3-5 minutes to brown.

Step 06

Whisk sauce ingredients together.

Step 07

Toast tortillas in dry skillet.

Step 08

Assemble: fish, toppings, cheese, sauce.

Step 09

Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

  1. Sauce can be made ahead.
  2. Toast tortillas for best texture.
  3. Can grill fish instead of baking.
  4. Makes enough for big group.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet.
  • Large skillet.
  • Mixing bowls.
  • Whisk.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Fish.
  • Dairy.
  • Eggs (mayonnaise).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 172
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 12 g