Description
Spicy Lime Fish Tacos are fresh, zesty, and packed with bold flavor. Tender white fish is marinated in lime juice and warm spices, then grilled to perfection and topped with crunchy slaw and creamy cilantro sauce. These tacos are light, colorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners, summer gatherings, or taco night with friends.
Ingredients
For the Fish
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500 g (1.1 lb) white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 ½ tsp chili powder
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1 tsp ground cumin
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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Zest and juice of 1 lime
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½ tsp sea salt
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¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Slaw
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2 cups finely shredded green cabbage
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1 cup finely shredded red cabbage
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1 small carrot, grated
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2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
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2 tbsp lime juice
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1 tbsp olive oil
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½ tsp salt
For the Cilantro Crema
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120 g (½ cup) sour cream or Greek yogurt
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2 tbsp mayonnaise
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2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
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1 tbsp lime juice
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1 small garlic clove, minced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly
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8 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
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1 ripe avocado, sliced
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Extra cilantro leaves
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Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
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Marinate the Fish:
In a bowl, whisk olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, lime zest, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Coat the fish fillets evenly and marinate for 15–20 minutes. -
Prepare the Slaw:
In a separate bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, grated carrot, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Toss well and refrigerate until ready to use. -
Make the Cilantro Crema:
Whisk together sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Chill until serving. -
Cook the Fish:
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the fish for 3–5 minutes per side, or until flaky and cooked through. Remove from heat and break into large chunks. -
Assemble the Tacos:
Place fish pieces onto warm tortillas. Top with slaw, avocado slices, and a drizzle of cilantro crema. Garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Notes
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Do not overcook the fish; it should flake easily with a fork.
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For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños.
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You can grill the tortillas briefly for added flavor.
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Greek yogurt can fully replace sour cream for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: spicy fish tacos, lime fish tacos, healthy taco recipe, grilled fish tacos, easy seafood tacos