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    Home » Mexican Recipes » Fish Tacos with Lime Crema

    Fish Tacos with Lime Crema

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    Tacos are one of my favourite Mexican dishes, and my favourite taco of all time is the fish taco. There is something incredible that happens when cabbage, sour cream, lime and cilantro come together with seasoned, tender and flaky white fish filets that creates a mouthful of tangy and exquisite flavour. Everyone needs to experience these flavourful and easy fish tacos with lime crema and cabbage slaw. You won't regret it.

    Flavourful, easy fish tacos with lime crema is made with seasoned white fish, cabbage slaw, and lime sauce. It takes less than 25 minutes to prep and serve. | aheadofthyme.com

    This fresh, delicious, and baked (not fried) version of fish tacos is my go-to summer recipe. They are perfect for lunch, dinner, as a snack, on game day... basically for any time of day or any occasion. They are my go-to not only because they taste amazing but also because they take only 25 minutes to come together. Yup, 25 minutes, and that includes time for marinating the fish. So so easy!

    Flavourful, easy fish tacos with lime crema is made with seasoned white fish, cabbage slaw, and lime sauce. It takes less than 25 minutes to prep and serve. | aheadofthyme.com

    Ingredients in Fish Tacos with Lime Crema

    This recipe is quite versatile and you can use ingredients that you have on hand that are consistent with the flavour profile in this recipe.

    • white fish - any white flaky fish will do, such as cod, snapper, halibut, tilapia, or sole. I used cod filets but you can use any white fish. You want a filet that is thick enough to hold its shape and won't fall apart easily. You could also make this with shrimp.
    • marinade for the fish - made with a combination of oil, lime juice, cumin, paprika, coriander, red pepper powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. The red pepper powder does add a little kick. Adjust it to your preferences. Less if you want the fish super mild, or more if you want them spicy.
    • lime crema - made with a combination of sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest and salt.
    • slaw - made with a combination of shredded cabbage, cilantro, green onions, and garlic. For the cabbage, you can use regular cabbage or purple cabbage. I used both.
    • soft taco tortillas - either corn tortillas or wheat tortillas work. If you want to keep the dish gluten-free, then use corn tortillas.
    • toppings - I topped these tacos with avocado. Feel free to use whatever toppings you prefer. Some of my other favourites include salsa, guacamole, mangos, and pineapple salsa.
    Flavourful, easy fish tacos with lime crema is made with seasoned white fish, cabbage slaw, and lime sauce. It takes less than 25 minutes to prep and serve. | aheadofthyme.com

    How to Make the Best Fish Tacos with Lime Crema

    There are three parts to this recipe: the fish, the slaw and the crema. One cannot exist without the other. Each part complements the other to a T. 

    1. Marinate the fish: In a small bowl, combine vegetable oil, lime juice, cumin, paprika, coriander, red pepper powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Dip the fish into the bowl and flip it over to fully and evenly coat with the marinade. Place the fish onto a lined baking tray and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
    2. Cook the fish: Preheat oven to 425°F. Bake for 9-10 minutes until the fish is flaky when tested with a fork. Transfer the fish into a plate and break into smaller pieces using a fork. (I also provide instructions for cooking the fish in a frying pan or on the grill in my tips section below).
    3. Make the lime crema: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, and salt.
    4. Make the slaw: In a large bowl, combine cabbage, cilantro, green onion, and garlic.
    5. Heat the tortillas. Heat the soft tortillas according to the package instructions, or heat in an ungreased skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side. You can also heat it directly on a gas burner for a few seconds to get char marks on the edges.
    6. Assemble the tacos: Divide the fish evenly into each taco, top each taco with ¼ cup of slaw and sliced avocados (optional). Pour 1 tablespoon of crema on top.
    Flavourful, easy fish tacos with lime crema is made with seasoned white fish, cabbage slaw, and lime sauce. It takes less than 25 minutes to prep and serve. | aheadofthyme.com

    FAQ and Tips for Making the Best Fish Tacos

    • Are these tacos spicy? The red pepper powder does add a little kick. Adjust it to your preferences. Less if you want the fish super mild, or more if you want them spicy.
    • Can I use frozen fish? Using fresh fish yields the best results, as the seasoning sticks on nicely.  You can use frozen fish but will need to increase the bake time to 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of fish. Check on it at 15 minutes to see if it is done.
    • How do I pan-fry the fish instead? Lightly oil a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Cook the marinated fish for about 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through.
    • Can I grill the fish instead? Absolutely. Just grill each side for about 3 minutes.
    • Can I make this in the air fryer? Yes, place the marinated fish fillets into the air fryer and cook at 375 F for 15-18 minutes, depending on the size of the fish.
    • Are these gluten-free? Yes, if you are using corn tortillas.

    Flavourful, easy fish tacos with lime crema is made with seasoned white fish, cabbage slaw, and lime sauce. It takes less than 25 minutes to prep and serve. | aheadofthyme.com

    How to Serve Fish Tacos

    You can serve these fish tacos on their own or with:

    • a side of homemade Guacamole, Pico de Gallo Salsa, Mango Salsa, and/or sour cream for dipping.
    • Shrimp Taco Salad
    • Mexican Street Corn
    • Creamy Mexican Corn Soup
    • Chicken Enchiladas

    More Taco Recipes

    • Mexican Ground Beef Tacos
    • Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema Slaw
    • Fish Stick Tacos
    • Mexican Pulled Pork Tacos (Carnitas)
    • Vegan Chickpea Tacos
    • Korean Beef Steak Tacos

    Did you make this recipe? I would greatly appreciate a comment and rating below, letting me know what you thought of the recipe. You can also snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

    Don't forget to sign up for my email newsletter so that you don't miss any recipes. You can also follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more recipe updates.

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    Flavourful, easy fish tacos with lime crema is made with seasoned white fish, cabbage slaw, and lime sauce. It takes less than 25 minutes to prep and serve. | aheadofthyme.com

    Fish Tacos with Lime Crema


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    4.9 from 40 reviews

    • Author: Sam | Ahead of Thyme
    • Total Time: 25 minutes
    • Yield: 4 servings (8 tacos total)
    • Diet: Gluten Free
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    Description

    Flavourful, easy fish tacos with lime crema is made with seasoned white fish, cabbage slaw, and lime sauce. It takes less than 25 minutes to prep and serve.


    Ingredients

    Fish:

    • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
    • 1 tablespoon lime juice
    • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
    • 2 teaspoons paprika
    • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
    • ½ teaspoon red pepper powder
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 pound white fish (such as cod, snapper, tilapia)

    Lime crema:

    • ¼ cup sour cream
    • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
    • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
    • zest from half a lime
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Slaw:

    • 2 cups cabbage, shredded
    • ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
    • ½ green onion, sliced
    • 1 clove garlic, minced

    Tacos:

    • 8 (6-inch) soft taco tortillas
    • 1 avocado, sliced (optional)

    Instructions

    1. Prepare the fish:  Preheat oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, combine vegetable oil, lime juice, cumin, paprika, coriander, red pepper powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Dip the fish into the bowl and turn the fish until it is evenly coated with the marinade. Place the fish onto a lined baking tray and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Bake for 9-10 minutes until the fish is flaky when tested with a fork. Transfer the fish into a plate and break into smaller pieces using a fork.
    2. Make the lime crema: In a small bowl, whisk together all the crema ingredients (sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, and salt). Set aside.
    3. Make the slaw: In a large bowl, combine all the slaw ingredients (cabbage, cilantro, green onion, and garlic). Set aside.
    4. Heat the soft tortillas: Heat the soft tortillas according to the package instructions, or heat in an ungreased skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side. You can also heat it directly on a gas burner for a few seconds to get char marks on the edges.
    5. Assemble the tacos: Divide the fish evenly into each taco, top each taco with ¼ cup of slaw and sliced avocados (optional). Pour 1 tablespoon of crema on top.

    Notes

    Adjust the heat: The red pepper powder adds a little kick. Adjust it to your preferences. Less if you want the fish very mild, or more if you want them spicy.

    Fresh vs. frozen fish: Using fresh fish yields the best results, as the seasoning sticks on nicely.  You can use frozen fish but will need to increase the bake time to 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of fish. Check on it at 15 minutes to see if it is done.

    How to pan-fry the fish instead: Lightly oil a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Cook the marinated fish for about 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through.

    How to grill the fish instead: Grill each side for about 3 minutes.

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 10 minutes
    • Category: Tacos
    • Method: Bake
    • Cuisine: Mexican

    Did you make this recipe?

    I'd love to see! Tag me @aheadofthyme on Instagram.

    This post was first published in August 2016. It has been completely updated in May 2020 with new photos, written content including helpful tips, and the recipe has been organized more clearly. Here is an original photograph for comparison.

    Easy Fish Tacos with Lime Crema: When lime and cilantro come together with fish, a mouthful of exquisite flavour is born. Try these easy fish tacos with lime crema and see for yourself! | aheadofthyme.com
    Fish Tacos with Lime Crema
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Karen Dougherty says

      May 15, 2021 at 3:29 am

      My new favorite taco! so yummy. Even my husband loves them, he always thought fish tacos did not sound good to him but this recipe has changed his mind.

      Reply
      • Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says

        July 03, 2021 at 12:36 pm

        Wow that makes me so happy to hear! Thank you Karen!

        Reply
    2. Anry Barr says

      February 04, 2021 at 11:34 pm

      DO NOT USE tilapia. I can’t believe the author of this article is suggesting that. If you don’t believe me, google how bad it is to eat Tilapia. Never eat that fish.

      Reply
      • Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says

        February 07, 2021 at 9:21 pm

        Like other fish, tilapia is a good source of protein and it's nutrient dense. I understand that it is farmed, but anything consumed in moderation is okay to me.

        Reply
      • Jenn says

        March 24, 2021 at 8:07 pm

        I’ve made this recipe twice and loved it best with Tilapia. Read some research...it’s getting bad press but it’s delicious white fish and good for you. My kids love it. Thanks for the recipe!!

        Reply
        • Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says

          July 03, 2021 at 12:01 pm

          Thanks Jenn! So happy you liked the recipe!

          Reply
    3. Pam says

      October 23, 2020 at 4:36 am

      Hi! I tried this recipe for dinner last night. The flavors are out of this world and I will be making it again!. I replaced the cumin with caraway. The only other modification I will be making on my next go will be to only add the lime juice to the fish after it is cooked. Citrus fruit "cooks" fish with its acidity so using it on fish before or while cooking makes the fish hard to cook to perfection and dried out.

      Reply
      • Sam | Ahead of Thyme says

        October 25, 2020 at 10:27 pm

        Thanks Pam! So happy you liked the recipe! It's one of my favourites.

        Reply
    4. Barb H says

      September 15, 2020 at 11:00 am

      What is red pepper powder? Cayenne, chili powder, paprika...

      Reply
      • Sam | Ahead of Thyme says

        September 20, 2020 at 9:41 am

        Hi Barb, red pepper powder is the same as chili powder. You could also use cayenne but it is a lot spicier, so maybe just try it with a tiny pinch.

        Reply
    5. Carla Skiles says

      August 27, 2020 at 8:44 am

      My family loves these fish tacos! They are so fresh and the flavors blend so well together. Definitely my go to for fish tacos! Thank you!!

      Reply
      • Sam | Ahead of Thyme says

        September 11, 2020 at 6:05 pm

        That makes me so happy to hear! These are by far our favourite tacos too!

        Reply
    6. Amanda says

      August 17, 2020 at 6:17 am

      How would I modify this for an air fryer

      Reply
      • Sam | Ahead of Thyme says

        August 20, 2020 at 11:47 pm

        Place the marinated fish into the air fryer basket and cook at 375 F for about 15-18 minutes, depending on the size of the fish.

        Reply
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