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Fish Tacos Lime Crema: The Ultimate Recipe for Flavor Recipe

Fish Tacos Lime Crema: The Ultimate Recipe for Flavor Recipe

4.9 from 21 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks well and the fish sears properly.
  2. 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.
  3. Season the Fish: Generously coat the fish pieces with the spice rub, ensuring each piece is evenly covered for maximum flavor.
  4. Heat the Oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  5. 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.
  6. Rest the Fish (Optional): Allow the cooked fish to rest for a few minutes to retain moisture before flaking gently with a fork.
  7. Make the Lime Crema: In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, and minced garlic until smooth.
  8. Add Cilantro: Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro into the crema for a burst of herbal freshness.
  9. Season to Taste: Add salt and black pepper to the lime crema adjusting to your preference.
  10. Chill (Optional): Cover and refrigerate the lime crema for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld deeply.
  11. Combine Vegetables: In a large bowl, mix shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro to form the slaw base.
  12. Make the Dressing: Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create a tangy dressing.
  13. Dress the Slaw: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
  14. Chill (Optional): Cover and refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor melding.
  15. 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.
  16. Assemble the Tacos: Place a generous handful of the cabbage slaw in the center of each warm tortilla.
  17. Add the Fish: Top the slaw with the cooked, flaked fish pieces evenly.
  18. Drizzle with Lime Crema: Spoon a generous amount of the lime crema over the fish topping for creamy tang.
  19. Add Optional Toppings: Add slices of avocado, a dash of hot sauce, or pickled onions as desired for extra flavor and texture.
  20. 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

Keywords: fish tacos, lime crema, Mexican tacos, seafood taco recipe, easy fish recipes, cabbage slaw, taco toppings