Fish Tacos Lime Crema: The Ultimate Recipe for Flavor Recipe
These Fish Tacos with Lime Crema offer a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors. Featuring tender white fish fillets seasoned with a robust blend of spices, topped with a refreshing lime-infused cabbage slaw and creamy lime crema, wrapped in warm tortillas. This ultimate recipe is quick to prepare and sure to delight with every bite.
- Author: Naya
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-searing, Tossing
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Halal
Fish and Seasoning
- 1.5 lbs White Fish Fillets (Cod, Mahi-Mahi, or Tilapia), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Lime Crema
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 Limes, juiced and zested
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Cabbage Slaw
- 4 cups Shredded Cabbage (green or red, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup Shredded Carrots
- 1/4 cup Red Onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp Lime Juice
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp Sugar
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Additional
- 12 Corn or Flour Tortillas
- Optional Toppings: Avocado slices, Hot Sauce, Pickled Onions
- Prepare the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks well and the fish sears properly.
- Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
- Season the Fish: Generously coat the fish pieces with the spice rub, ensuring each piece is evenly covered for maximum flavor.
- Heat the Oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the Fish: Place the seasoned fish into the hot skillet carefully, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Cook in batches if needed.
- Rest the Fish (Optional): Allow the cooked fish to rest for a few minutes to retain moisture before flaking gently with a fork.
- Make the Lime Crema: In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Add Cilantro: Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro into the crema for a burst of herbal freshness.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and black pepper to the lime crema adjusting to your preference.
- Chill (Optional): Cover and refrigerate the lime crema for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld deeply.
- Combine Vegetables: In a large bowl, mix shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro to form the slaw base.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create a tangy dressing.
- Dress the Slaw: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
- Chill (Optional): Cover and refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor melding.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat tortillas over a dry skillet, or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel, or warm in the oven wrapped in foil until pliable and warm.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place a generous handful of the cabbage slaw in the center of each warm tortilla.
- Add the Fish: Top the slaw with the cooked, flaked fish pieces evenly.
- Drizzle with Lime Crema: Spoon a generous amount of the lime crema over the fish topping for creamy tang.
- Add Optional Toppings: Add slices of avocado, a dash of hot sauce, or pickled onions as desired for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the fish tacos right away while warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Fish options can vary; cod, mahi-mahi, or tilapia all work well in this recipe.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- For gluten-free, use corn tortillas; flour tortillas are typically not gluten-free.
- Letting the lime crema and slaw chill enhances their flavors significantly.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives.
- Cook fish in batches to avoid overcrowding, which helps achieve a better sear.
- Optional toppings like avocado add creaminess and heat options add a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: fish tacos, lime crema, Mexican tacos, seafood taco recipe, easy fish recipes, cabbage slaw, taco toppings