Spicy Fish Tacos

Spicy Fish Tacos

Spicy Fish Tacos are a crowd-pleaser that combines the delicious flavor of seasoned fish with fresh toppings, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla.

This dish captures the essence of coastal cuisine, with its zesty, spicy flavors balanced by cool and crunchy garnishes like slaw and creamy sauce.

The fish, seasoned with spices and either grilled or pan-seared, delivers a bold punch that’s perfect for taco night or a casual dinner with friends. Spicy Fish Tacos are easy to prepare and can be customized to fit your heat level and flavor preferences.

Ingredients

For the Fish:

• White fish fillets – 1 pound (tilapia, cod, or mahi-mahi are great choices)
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
• Lime juice – 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
• Chili powder – 1 teaspoon
• Cumin – ½ teaspoon
• Paprika – ½ teaspoon
• Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon
• Salt – ½ teaspoon
• Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
• Cayenne pepper – ¼ teaspoon (adjust to taste)

For the Slaw:

• Red cabbage – 2 cups, shredded
• Carrot – 1, julienned
• Cilantro – ¼ cup, chopped
• Green onion – 1, thinly sliced
• Lime juice – 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed
• Salt – ¼ teaspoon

For the Sauce:

• Mayonnaise – ¼ cup
• Sour cream – ¼ cup
• Hot sauce – 1-2 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
• Lime juice – 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed
• Garlic powder – ¼ teaspoon
• Salt and pepper – to taste

For Assembly:

• Corn or flour tortillas – 8 small
• Avocado – 1, sliced
• Extra lime wedges – for serving
• Fresh cilantro – for garnish

How to Make Spicy Fish Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the Fish

In a medium bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil and lime juice over the fish, then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly on both sides of the fillets.

Let the fish marinate for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This short marination time allows the flavors to penetrate the fish without making it too spicy.

Step 2: Prepare the Slaw

In a large bowl, combine the shredded red cabbage, julienned carrot, chopped cilantro, and green onion.

Drizzle lime juice over the mixture and add a pinch of salt. Toss everything together until well-coated. This fresh slaw adds a nice crunch and brightness to the tacos.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, hot sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired. If you like a milder sauce, use less hot sauce. This creamy sauce will balance the spice from the fish and add richness to the tacos.

Step 4: Cook the Fish

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Add the fish fillets and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook it.

Once cooked, remove the fish from the pan and break it into large chunks with a fork. Keep the pieces fairly intact so they don’t fall apart in the tacos.

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

While the fish rests, warm the tortillas in a separate pan or on an open flame for about 10-15 seconds on each side. This softens the tortillas and brings out their flavor.

Keep the warmed tortillas wrapped in a cloth or foil to stay warm.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos

Place a few chunks of cooked fish in the center of each tortilla.

Top the fish with a handful of the slaw, a drizzle of the creamy sauce, and a couple of avocado slices.

Garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Serve the tacos immediately, accompanied by extra lime wedges and hot sauce if desired. Enjoy these fresh, vibrant, and spicy tacos with friends or family.

Chef’s Note

To make these tacos even healthier, you can swap the mayonnaise in the sauce for Greek yogurt, which adds protein and a tangy flavor. Also, feel free to customize the heat level to your preference; adding a dash of smoked paprika can bring a subtle, smoky undertone to the seasoning.

If you’re cooking for a group, the fish can be grilled outdoors for added flavor. For a more charred texture, consider cooking the fish directly on the grill or using a grill pan to get those appealing grill marks. Additionally, feel free to experiment with other toppings, like sliced radishes or jalapeños, to give your tacos even more color and crunch.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on four servings)

• Calories: 370
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 4g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 460mg

These Spicy Fish Tacos are packed with protein from the fish and healthy fats from the avocado, making them a balanced, nutritious meal. The slaw and tortillas add fiber, while the spices and lime juice provide antioxidants. The dish is relatively low in calories and can easily fit into a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Spicy Fish Tacos bring the flavors of the coast to your table with ease. The combination of well-seasoned, flaky fish, crisp slaw, creamy sauce, and fresh avocado in a warm tortilla is irresistible.

This recipe is easy to make and allows for plenty of customization, so you can adjust it to your taste preferences. Whether you’re making these tacos for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or just a fun weeknight meal, they’re sure to impress and satisfy.

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