Description
Crispy, zesty fish tacos blend Mexican coastal flavors with perfectly seasoned white fish nestled in warm tortillas. Tangy slaw, fresh cilantro, and spicy crema elevate this simple seafood dish, promising a delicious journey you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (1 lb) white fish fillets (like cod or tilapia)
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple)
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Wet Ingredients and Garnishes:
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Craft a tangy slaw by blending shredded cabbage, grated carrot, fresh cilantro, zesty lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Allow the mixture to marinate and develop robust flavors while preparing other components.
- Whip up a creamy sauce by whisking together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, warming chili powder, and salt. Fine-tune the seasoning to achieve a balanced, vibrant profile.
- Create a flavorful coating for the fish by mixing flour, smoky paprika, aromatic garlic powder, earthy cumin, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Thoroughly coat each fish fillet, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the seasoned fish fillets into the hot oil, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a golden, crispy exterior and fully cooked interior. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Gently warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable. Assemble tacos by layering crisp fish pieces, heaping spoonfuls of vibrant slaw, and drizzling the zesty sauce. Garnish with fresh lime wedges for an extra burst of citrusy brightness.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Swap: Replace wheat flour with cornmeal or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising crispy texture.
- Spice Customization: Adjust chili powder and cumin levels to match personal heat preference, from mild to fiery hot.
- Healthy Protein Alternative: Substitute fish with grilled shrimp or blackened chicken for varied protein options while maintaining taco structure.
- Quick Prep Hack: Prepare slaw and sauce in advance to streamline cooking process and enhance flavor melding for more intense taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg