Delicious Fish Taco Night

Featured in Dinner Solutions You'll Love.

Make amazing fish tacos with baked tilapia, fresh crunchy toppings, and a smooth garlic lime sauce. A perfect mix of textures and flavors!

Hannah Author
Updated on Sun, 23 Mar 2025 17:16:17 GMT
Three tacos packed with grilled fish, bright veggies, fresh cilantro, and a creamy drizzle on a rustic table. Pin it
Three tacos packed with grilled fish, bright veggies, fresh cilantro, and a creamy drizzle on a rustic table. | recipesbyhannah.com

These fish tacos bring the oceanside vibe straight to your dining table. The tender, well-seasoned fish blends wonderfully with crisp toppings and my knockout garlic-lime sauce. I've spent countless evenings tweaking this recipe until these tacos turned everyday meals into mini celebrations.

Coastal Delight

When flaky fish meets crunchy vegetables and that smooth sauce, you've got taco heaven. I messed up that tangy lime sauce about twenty times before nailing it, but now it's what makes folks remember these tacos. And the best part? They work great with whatever white fish you've got.

Fish Essentials

  • Cod or tilapia straight from my neighborhood seafood shop
  • Custom spice mix with salt, pepper, cayenne, cumin
  • Quality olive oil poured generously
  • Bit of butter for extra flavor
  • Corn tortillas with slight char marks
  • Shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, crumbled cotija

Creamy Topping

  • Regular sour cream for ultimate creaminess
  • Traditional mayonnaise - don't go for the diet version
  • Juice from freshly squeezed limes
  • Garlic powder to add complexity
  • Dash of sriracha for heat

Taco Assembly

Fish Preparation
Warm oven to 375°F, coat fish with oils and spices, cook till it flakes easily, then finish quickly under broiler
Sauce Creation
Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, sriracha and garlic until smooth, then transfer to a bottle for drizzling
Tortilla Preparation
Heat each tortilla on a hot pan until you see some nice dark spots appear
Taco Construction
Stack tortilla with fish, add vegetables, sprinkle cheese and herbs, then pour sauce generously over top

Great Companions

Add homemade guacamole, grilled corn salad, and chunky salsa on the side. Don't forget to put out some tortilla chips, extra sauce, and lime wedges so everyone can customize their meal.

Three soft tacos filled with seasoned fish, fresh vegetables, and a drizzle of sauce, garnished with cilantro, served on a wooden platter. Pin it
Three soft tacos filled with seasoned fish, fresh vegetables, and a drizzle of sauce, garnished with cilantro, served on a wooden platter. | recipesbyhannah.com

Insider Advice

Never skimp on real lime juice, the bottled stuff just won't cut it. Make plenty of that special sauce, it's what everyone will rave about. Switch things up with shrimp or salmon if you want. And don't forget to toast those tortillas, it really makes them stand out.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of fish is good?

Firm white fish is great, tilapia is a popular choice.

→ Can I prep the sauce early?

Sure, it stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

→ Why should I toast tortillas?

It boosts the flavor and keeps them sturdy for fillings.

→ Can I cook the fish on a grill?

You can, just cook on medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side.

→ How can I avoid dry fish?

Don't overcook it; aim for opaque but still moist.

Fish Taco Night

Juicy fish tacos with crispy cabbage, creamy avocado, and a bold garlic lime dressing.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 24 Servings (24)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1/2 tsp ground cayenne.
02 1 lime, cut into wedges.
03 2 ripe avocados, sliced.
04 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
05 1/2 tsp ground cumin.
06 2 roma tomatoes, diced (optional).
07 1 1/2 lb fresh tilapia fillets.
08 24 mini corn tortillas.
09 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil.
10 1/2 medium purple cabbage.
11 1/3 cup real mayonnaise.
12 2 tbsp juice from a lime.
13 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro.
14 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese.
15 1/2 small red onion, finely diced.
16 1 tsp fine sea salt.
17 1 tsp garlic powder.
18 1 tbsp unsalted butter.
19 1/2 cup tangy sour cream.
20 1 tsp spicy sriracha sauce.

Instructions

Step 01

Set oven to 375°F and get a baking pan ready.

Step 02

Rub seasoning all over your fish fillets.

Step 03

Add olive oil and small pieces of butter on top.

Step 04

Bake for about 20-25 minutes.

Step 05

Broil for a few minutes if you’d like extra browning.

Step 06

Combine sauce ingredients in a bowl and stir well.

Step 07

Softly toast tortillas in a dry pan.

Step 08

Layer fish, sauce, toppings, and cheese on tortillas.

Step 09

Add fresh lime wedges to plate and enjoy.

Notes

  1. Make the sauce early to save time.
  2. Toast the tortillas for the best flavor.
  3. Want a twist? Cook fish on the grill.
  4. Perfect for serving a crowd.

Tools You'll Need

  • A baking pan.
  • Dry, large skillet.
  • Mixing bowl set.
  • Whisk or mixing fork.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains fish.
  • Includes dairy products.
  • Eggs present due to mayonnaise.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 172
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 12 g