Fish tacos are a delightful and fresh way to enjoy seafood. This recipe combines tender, seasoned white fish fillets with crunchy shredded cabbage and zesty lime for a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, these tacos are sure to impress.
If you don't usually cook with white fish fillets like cod or tilapia, you might need to visit the seafood section of your supermarket. Fresh fish is ideal, but frozen fillets can also work well. Additionally, corn tortillas and cilantro might not be staples in every kitchen, so be sure to add those to your shopping list.

Ingredients For Fish Tacos Recipe
White fish fillets: Mild-flavored fish such as cod or tilapia that cooks quickly and flakes easily.
Olive oil: Used for cooking the fish, adding a rich flavor and healthy fats.
Chili powder: Adds a mild heat and smoky flavor to the fish.
Cumin: Provides a warm, earthy flavor that complements the fish.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.
Corn tortillas: Traditional base for tacos, offering a slightly sweet and earthy flavor.
Shredded cabbage: Adds a crunchy texture and fresh taste to the tacos.
Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds a bright, citrusy flavor.
Lime: Adds a zesty, tangy finish to the tacos.
Technique Tip for Making Fish Tacos
When seasoning the fish, make sure to evenly coat each fillet with the chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. This ensures that every bite is flavorful. To achieve a perfectly cooked fish, use a non-stick skillet and heat the olive oil until it shimmers before adding the fillets. This helps to create a nice sear and prevents sticking. When warming the tortillas, consider using a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side to give them a slight char and enhance their flavor.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
white fish fillets - Substitute with chicken breast: If you prefer a non-seafood option, chicken breast can be grilled and seasoned similarly to fish.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika provides a similar color and a mild heat, suitable for those who prefer less spice.
cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a warm, citrusy flavor that can complement the other spices in the recipe.
garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder offers a different but complementary flavor profile that can enhance the dish.
corn tortillas - Substitute with flour tortillas: Flour tortillas are softer and more pliable, making them a good alternative if you prefer a different texture.
shredded cabbage - Substitute with shredded lettuce: Shredded lettuce provides a similar crunch and freshness to the tacos.
chopped cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley offers a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can replace cilantro for those who dislike its taste.
lime - Substitute with lemon: Lemon wedges can provide a similar tangy acidity to brighten up the flavors of the tacos.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Fish Tacos
How to Store or Freeze Your Fish Tacos
- Allow the cooked fish fillets to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the fish soggy.
- Place the cooled fish fillets in an airtight container. If stacking the fillets, separate each layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Store the fish fillets in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing.
- To freeze, wrap each fish fillet individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped fillets in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness. Frozen fish fillets can be stored for up to 2 months.
- For the corn tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel and place them in a resealable plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat the fish fillets, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet or microwave before assembling the tacos.
- Store the shredded cabbage and chopped cilantro separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-5 days.
- Keep the lime wedges in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh for up to a week.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the fish fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the fish fillets on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
To reheat the corn tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds. Alternatively, you can warm them in a skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
If you have leftover shredded cabbage and cilantro, keep them cold and fresh. Add them to the reheated tacos just before serving to maintain their crisp texture.
For a burst of freshness, squeeze a wedge of lime over the reheated tacos just before eating.
Essential Tools for Making Fish Tacos
Skillet: Used for cooking the fish fillets over medium heat with olive oil.
Spatula: Helps in flipping the fish fillets to ensure even cooking on both sides.
Measuring spoons: Essential for measuring out the chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder accurately.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the cilantro and cutting the lime into wedges.
Knife: Used for chopping the cilantro and cutting the lime into wedges.
Microwave: An option for warming the tortillas quickly.
Separate skillet: Another option for warming the tortillas if you prefer not to use the microwave.
Fork: Useful for checking if the fish flakes easily, indicating it is cooked through.
Serving plate: For assembling and serving the fish tacos.
Mixing bowl: Can be used to mix the shredded cabbage and chopped cilantro together before topping the tacos.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-season the fish: Season the fish fillets the night before and store them in the fridge to save time on preparation.
Use pre-shredded cabbage: Buy pre-shredded cabbage to skip the chopping step.
Microwave tortillas: Warm the corn tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds instead of using a skillet.
Batch cook: Cook extra fish fillets and store them for future meals.
Prep toppings ahead: Chop cilantro and cut lime wedges in advance and store them in the fridge.

Fish Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
Fish Tacos Ingredients
- 1 lb white fish fillets such as cod or tilapia
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped
- 1 unit lime cut into wedges
Instructions
- 1. Season the fish with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
- 2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the fish for 3-4 minutes on each side until it flakes easily with a fork.
- 3. Warm the tortillas in a separate skillet or microwave.
- 4. Assemble the tacos by placing the fish in the tortillas and topping with shredded cabbage, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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