Fish Tacos with Lime Crema
Crispy, pan-seared fish tucked into warm corn tortillas with a crunchy cabbage slaw and a zesty lime crema. A fresh, vibrant taste of California-style street food, ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Lime Crema
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro, minced garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- c.Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Cabbage Slaw
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, thinly sliced red onion, and the remaining 1/4 cup of cilantro.
- c.Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of lime juice and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- d.Toss well to combine. Set aside to marinate slightly while you cook the fish.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Season and Cook the Fish
- b.Pat the fish fillets completely dry with paper towels and cut them into 1-inch thick strips or chunks.
- c.In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, remaining 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper.
- d.Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over all sides of the fish pieces, gently rubbing it in.
- e.Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- f.Carefully place the fish in the hot pan in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook in batches if necessary.
- g.Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown, opaque, and cooked through. The fish should flake easily with a fork.
- h.Remove from the skillet and transfer to a plate.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Warm Tortillas and Assemble
- b.Warm the corn tortillas one by one in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, until soft and pliable. Alternatively, char them lightly over a gas flame using tongs.
- c.Stack the warmed tortillas on a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm.
- d.To assemble, place a few pieces of cooked fish onto a warm tortilla. Top with a spoonful of the cabbage slaw and a generous drizzle of the lime crema.
- e.Garnish with sliced avocado and jalapeño, if desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Patting the fish dry is crucial for getting a nice sear instead of steaming it.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the fish. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure it browns properly.
- 3For the best flavor, use fresh lime juice, not the bottled kind.
- 4Don't overcook the fish! It's done when it flakes easily with a fork. Overcooked fish will be dry and tough.
- 5Warm the corn tortillas before serving. This makes them soft, pliable, and prevents them from cracking.
- 6You can make the lime crema and chop the slaw ingredients a day ahead to save time. Just toss the slaw with dressing right before serving.
- 7For extra flavor, lightly char your corn tortillas directly over a gas stove flame for a few seconds per side using tongs.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Version
Add 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle powder to the fish seasoning and include finely minced serrano pepper in the slaw for extra heat.
Grilled Fish TacosGrilled Fish Tacos
Instead of pan-searing, brush the seasoned fish with oil and grill over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through.
Creamy Avocado SauceCreamy Avocado Sauce
Blend the lime crema ingredients with half an avocado for a richer, creamier sauce.
Different SlawDifferent Slaw
Use a mix of red and green cabbage, or add shredded carrots and jicama for extra crunch and color.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Powerhouse
Cod is an excellent source of high-quality, low-fat protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Heart and Brain Health
White fish like cod provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels. These fats are also crucial for brain function.
Immunity and Skin Boost
The fresh lime juice and cabbage are rich in Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps boost the immune system and supports collagen production for healthy skin.
Supports Digestive Health
The cabbage slaw is a great source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes a healthy gut microbiome, and helps maintain regular bowel movements.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, fish tacos can be very healthy. This recipe uses pan-seared fish instead of deep-fried, and is packed with lean protein, healthy fats from avocado, and fiber from the cabbage slaw. Using corn tortillas also makes them naturally gluten-free.