Description
Zesty Mexican fish tacos bring coastal California flavors straight to your kitchen with crispy beer-battered white fish, tangy slaw, and creamy sauce. Perfectly balanced layers of texture and taste make these tacos an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 1/2 pounds (680 grams) tilapia
Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Taco Components and Toppings:
- 24 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 small purple cabbage
- 2 avocados, sliced
- 2 roma tomatoes, diced (optional)
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 bunch cilantro
- 1 cup cotija cheese
- 1 lime, cut in wedges
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 375°F and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick cooking.
- Generously coat the fish with a blend of selected spices, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor penetration.
- Delicately drizzle olive oil over the seasoned fish and strategically place small butter dots across the surface to enhance richness and moisture.
- Transfer the prepared fish to the preheated baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until the fish becomes flaky and opaque throughout.
- For a golden-brown exterior, activate the broiler and crisp the fish for an additional 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- While the fish bakes, whisk together sauce ingredients in a small bowl, blending flavors and creating a smooth, cohesive condiment.
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly charring each side to develop a subtle smoky essence and pliable texture.
- Construct tacos by layering flaked fish, fresh toppings, crumbled cheese, and drizzling the prepared sauce for a harmonious combination of flavors and textures.
- Garnish with fresh lime wedges, offering a bright, citrusy element to complement the rich, savory fish tacos.
Notes
- Ensure fish is pat dry before seasoning to achieve crispy exterior and prevent steaming.
- Swap traditional fish for plant-based alternatives like tofu or jackfruit for vegetarian version.
- Use gluten-free tortillas to make recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
- Try different white fish like cod, halibut, or mahi-mahi for varied flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg