Spicy Fish Tacos Recipe

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If the name of this blog is any indication, Ella and I love spicy food! Today I’m bringing you some spicy fish tacos to add to your taco recipe collection – but don’t worry if you’re not a fan of spicy, I’ve included notes how to make these a bit milder (especially for kids).

Spicy Fish Tacos Recipe - a delicious non-breaded fish taco recipe with homemade crema sauce

Spicy Fish Tacos Recipe

Fish tacos are probably one of my favorite types of tacos – but they are often battered and deep fried where I live.

And while I could happily eat battered and deep fried foods every day, this fresh and flavorful option is definitely a better choice and one that I can feel great about feeding my family.

I wanted to really layer on the flavor with this recipe to make up for the lack of breading, seasoning the tilapia filets well and then loading them with veggies, a sprinkle of lime juice and cilantro, and also topping them with a zesty homemade crema.

These fish tacos are perfectly cooked, with juicy, flaky tilapia, lots of well-rounded flavor with a kick of heat, and that zesty crema cutting through the heat to bring it all together. I prefer flour tortillas for serving these as they are sturdier (especially with the crema).

For people who like it milder, reduce the amount of seasoning by 1/4 and feel free to leave out the cayenne pepper. The kids might just like the tilapia pan fried with butter or with just a sprinkle of paprika.

 

 

Ingredients for Spicy Fish Tacos

For the tacos:

  • 4 Tilapia filets
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 carrot, shaved
  • 1/2 cup red cabbage, chopped
  • 1/2 cup peppers, optional
  • 1 avocado, diced, optional
  • Cilantro, optional
  • 4 tortillas or tacos
  • 1/2 cup creamy fish taco sauce (below)

Tip: you can replace the spices above with a 3-4 teaspoons cajun spice blend. Reduce the amount for a milder taste.

For the Homemade Crema (Fish Taco Sauce):

  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • Juice & rind of one lime
  • Salt & Pepper
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin, optional
  • 1 tablespoon capers, optional

Note: because I knew I would be using fresh cilantro on the fish tacos so I left it out of the sauce.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful:

  • Skillet
  • Measuring spoons
  • Sharp kitchen knife
  • Blender

How to Make Spicy Fish Tacos

Season your tilapia filets with cayenne pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano, thyme, and salt & pepper. Rub the seasoning in with your fingers or the back of a spoon to really work it into the fish.

Heat olive oil and garlic in a skillet over medium heat. Add the fillets and cook through, flipping halfway through the cooking time, about 8-10 minutes total. You want to achieve a nice charred coat of spice, and you can blacken the fish if you’d like.

Slice the tilapia and divide amongst your taco shells or tortillas. Top with carrot, peppers, avocado, red cabbage, cilantro and creamy fish taco sauce (recipe below).

For the fish taco sauce, blend or mash together all ingredients of the fish taco sauce to make a creamy dip or condiment for your fish tacos. Be sure to taste and adjust, especially before adding any optional ingredients.

 

Pin this delicious Fish Taco Recipe for your next taco night:

Fish Tacos with homemade crema - adjust the level of spice to your personal preference. These grilled or baked fish tacos are perfect for Taco Tuesday   

Be sure to grab your free printable recipe for our spicy fish tacos and creamy fish taco sauce here:

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Spicy Fish Tacos Recipe

Spicy Fish Tacos Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 Tilapia filets
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 carrot, shaved
  • 1/2 cup red cabbage, chopped
  • 1/2 cup peppers, optional
  • 1 avocado, diced, optional
  • Cilantro, optional
  • 4 tortillas or tacos
  • 1/2 cup creamy fish taco sauce

Creamy Fish Taco Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • Juice & rind of one lime
  • Salt & Pepper
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin, optional
  • 1 tablespoon capers, optional

Instructions

  1. Season your tilapia filets with cayenne pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano, thyme, and salt & pepper. Rub the seasoning in with your fingers or the back of a spoon to really work it into the fish.
  2. Heat olive oil and garlic in a skillet over medium heat. Add the fillets and cook through, flipping halfway through the cooking time, about 8-10 minutes total. You want to achieve a nice charred coat of spice, and you can blacken the fish if you'd like.
  3. Slice the tilapia and divide amongst your taco shells or tortillas. Top with carrot, peppers, avocado, red cabbage, cilantro and creamy fish taco sauce.
  4. To Make the Creamy Fish Taco Sauce:
  5. Blend or mash together all ingredients of the fish taco sauce to make a creamy dip or condiment for your fish tacos. Be sure to taste and adjust, especially before adding any optional ingredients.

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Are you a fan of spicy food? Be sure to check out some of our other spicy recipes, like our Spicy Cream Cheese Wontons and Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip.

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2 Comments

  1. These tacos and dip dishes look so tasty! I love that you also are stocked up on heartburn relief should anyone experience it. #client

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