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Fish Tacos Recipe

These easy Fish Tacos are a perfectly balanced blend of crunchy, crispy, and creamy goodness that will have you wanting tacos every day of the week, not just on Tuesday!

Plate with fish tacos.

Taco Tuesdays just got better! Discover the perfect marriage of textures and flavors with these incredible Fish Tacos. Their combination of tender white fish, crisp slaw, and the creamiest of sauces makes these tacos hard to resist. This taco recipe is a meal that’s light enough for those seeking a delicate flavor but robust enough to satisfy any taco aficionado. Trust us; this recipe and these mahi mahi fish tacos will make you crave tacos every single day of the week!

Three Fish Tacos arranged on a large serving plate.

Ingredients For Easy Fish Tacos

Usually, white fish fillets are used to make tacos because they have a mild flavor. For these tacos, I used Tilapia, red cabbage and carrot slaw, and a few other simple ingredients that will give you the best tacos you’ve ever tasted. A flavorful sauce can really take a simple taco and turn it into something out of this world. Key ingredients for the sauce include broth, dijon mustard, lime juice and zest, heavy whipping cream, and chili powder. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days.

Frying tilapia in a pan, ready to make into fish tacos.

How To Make The Best Fish Tacos

  • Place fish filets in a baking dish; drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Bake the filets for about 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  • Meanwhile, make the fish sauce.
  • Then, heat the tortillas on the stove using a clean, warm frying pan. Be sure to flip the tortilla to warm both sides.
  • Next, you’ll start to assemble your tacos by adding the cooked fish to the warmed tortillas, followed by the red cabbage slaw. Then, you’ll slather the sauce over your fish and dig in. 
Close up photo of fish tacos topped with cabbage slaw and cream sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Fish For Fish Tacos

While we love tilapia, any mild white fish fillets work perfectly in this recipe. Cod, halibut, or mahi-mahi are excellent alternatives.

Corn Tortillas Or Flour Tortillas?

I’ve experimented with all tortillas for my fish tacos, but ultimately, the choice is entirely up to you. I, for one, always find myself drawn to charred flour tortillas. For a gluten-free alternative, replace flour tortillas with corn tortillas. For a low-carb version, cauliflower tortillas are a suitable substitution.

Topping Ideas For Tacos

While the fish is baking, I like to get started with preparing my toppings. So many fresh toppings go well with fish tacos! My favorites are bold flavors without too much spice, like guacamole, diced mango, chopped fresh cilantro, roasted corn, pico de gallo, and a sprinkle of cheese, please!

      Recipe Tips

      • Freshness Counts: The freshness of your ingredients matters significantly in a dish as simple as fish tacos. Use fresh fish, lime juice, and cilantro for the tastiest results.
      • Spice it Up: Don’t be shy to experiment with spices. Chili powder, cumin, and even a dash of smoked paprika can add a depth of flavor to your fish.
      • Getting Crunchy: The addition of slaw or fresh shredded cabbage can add a crunch and a refreshing contrast to the soft tortilla.
      • Make Ahead: You can prepare the fish and the sauce ahead of time. This makes assembling the tacos quick and easy, especially for get-togethers or weekday dinners.
      • Heat the Tortillas: Don’t forget to warm up your tortillas before serving. It makes them pliable and enhances their flavor. You can do this on the stove or even a few seconds in the microwave.
      • The Right Sauce: The creamy, zesty sauce in this recipe brings all the elements together. Remember to taste and adjust your sauce to suit your preferences. Add more lime juice for extra tang, or increase the chili powder for a spicier kick.
      Close-up shot of several fish tacos arranged on a serving plate.

          Serving Suggestions

          These tacos pair well with anything light, fresh, and zesty. Citrusy flavors are especially delicious! Try some Coconut Lime Cauliflower Rice, chips with Homemade Salsa, Mango Spinach Salad with Honey Lime Dressing, or this Southwestern Avocado Dip to complete your fiesta!

          More Tacos To Try

          ENJOY!

          Close-up shot of several fish tacos arranged on a serving plate.

          Fish Tacos + Creamy Lime Mustard Sauce

          Katerina | Diethood
          These easy Fish Tacos are a perfectly balanced blend of crunchy, crispy and creamy goodness that will have you wanting tacos every day of the week, not just on Tuesday!
          5 from 9 votes
          Servings : 6 Tacos
          Prep Time 5 minutes
          Cook Time 20 minutes
          Total Time 25 minutes

          Ingredients
            

          For The Fish
          • 1 pound white fish fillets, such as Tilapia
          • 2 tablespoons olive oil
          • salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
          • 6 to 8 corn or flour tortillas
          • Red Cabbage Slaw, for garnish, or you can use salad greens
          For The Creamy Lime Mustard Sauce
          • 2 tablespoons olive oil
          • 1 small yellow onion, diced
          • 2 cloves garlic, minced
          • ½ cup white wine, or chicken broth
          • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
          • zest of 1 lime
          • juice of 1 lime
          • ¼ teaspoon chili powder, or to taste
          • cup heavy whipping cream

          Instructions
           

          For The Fish
          • Preheat oven to 400˚F.
          • Place fillets in a baking dish.
          • Drizzle fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
          • Bake fillets for 12-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
          For The Sauce
          • While the fish is cooking, prepare the Creamy Lime Mustard Sauce and heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a frying pan.
          • Add diced onions and cook over medium-high heat until translucent, about 3 minutes.
          • Mix in the garlic and continue to cook for 20 seconds or until fragrant.
          • Whisk in the white wine, dijon mustard, lime zest, and lime juice; cook until reduced by half; about 1 to 2 minutes.
          • Add chili powder, whisk in the whipping cream, and continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 1 to 2 minutes.
          Assemble The Tacos
          • Warm the tortillas by heating a medium frying pan over medium-high heat.
          • Add 1 tortilla at a time, flipping to warm both sides.
          • Break up the cooked fish with a fork and place it in a warm tortilla.
          • Top it with cabbage slaw or salad greens.
          • Add the creamy lime mustard sauce.
          • Serve.

          Notes

          • Fish Selection: Choose mild white fish like tilapia, cod, or haddock.
          • Fresh is Best: Use fresh lime juice and fresh cilantro.
          • Experiment with Spices: Try chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika for extra zing.
          • Add Crunch: Include a slaw or shredded cabbage for a contrasting texture.
          • Make Ahead: Prep the fish and sauce in advance for easy assembly.
          • Warm Tortillas: Heat your tortillas before serving.
          • Don’t Skip the Sauce: A good sauce ties all the flavors together. Our zesty, creamy recipe does the trick!

          Nutrition

          Calories: 318 kcal | Carbohydrates: 18 g | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 18 g | Saturated Fat: 5 g | Cholesterol: 56 mg | Sodium: 282 mg | Potassium: 325 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 2 g | Vitamin A: 219 IU | Vitamin C: 2 mg | Calcium: 56 mg | Iron: 2 mg

          Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

          Course: Dinner
          Cuisine: American
          Keyword: how to. make fish tacos, sauce for fish tacos, tilapia tacos
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