Seafood
Fish Street Tacos
Small corn tortillas filled with spice-seared white fish, crunchy lime cabbage, and a cool cilantro crema for a fresh street-style taco plate.
Inspired by Baja-style grilled fish tacos
Prep
30 min
Cook
12 min
Serves
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cooking Tools
Pantry match
Uses the current servings and temporary recipe changes.
Missing 14 ingredients
- • 1 1/4 pounds skinless cod or mahi-mahi fillets
- • 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- • 1 teaspoon chili powder
- • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- • 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage
- • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided
- • 1/3 cup sour cream
- • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- • 1/3 cup chopped cilantro, divided
- • 8 small corn tortillas
- • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
View ingredient-by-ingredient match
- 1 1/4 pounds skinless cod or mahi-mahi filletsMissing
- 1 tablespoon neutral oilMissing
- 1 teaspoon chili powderMissing
- 1 teaspoon ground cuminMissing
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprikaMissing
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, dividedMissing
- 2 cups finely shredded green cabbageMissing
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onionMissing
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, dividedMissing
- 1/3 cup sour creamMissing
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaiseMissing
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro, dividedMissing
- 8 small corn tortillasMissing
- 1 ripe avocado, slicedMissing
Optional ingredients are not counted as required.
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Method
Recipe notes
Dry fish and a wide hot skillet create browning without a heavy batter, keeping these tacos light and distinct from the beef versions. Dressing cabbage briefly seasons and softens it while preserving crunch; draining it before assembly protects the small tortillas from excess moisture.
Planning, storage, and serving
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate cooked fish within 2 hours and use within 2 days. Reheat gently to 145°F in a covered skillet; store tortillas, slaw, crema, avocado, and fish separately because assembled tacos become soggy quickly.
Make-ahead tips
Mix the crema and shred the cabbage up to 1 day ahead. Combine the slaw no more than 2 hours before serving, season the fish shortly before cooking, and warm tortillas at the last moment.
What to serve with it
- - Black beans
- - Grilled corn
- - Mango or tomato salsa
Equipment needed
- - Wide heavy skillet
- - Instant-read thermometer
- - Mixing bowls and clean kitchen towel
Difficulty explained
The components are simple and quick; the key is drying the fish, avoiding overcooking, and draining the slaw so the tortillas stay intact.
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Nutrition facts
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Alternatives
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Plain Greek yogurt
Use an equal amount of full-fat plain Greek yogurt.
Plain Greek yogurt
Replace up to half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
Light mayonnaise
Use light mayonnaise in the same amount for a lower-fat variation.
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Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Wet fish steams and sticks instead of browning, so blot every surface before applying the oil-and-spice mixture.
- Overcooking makes lean white fish dry and flaky in hard chunks; remove it promptly at 145°F.
- Undrained slaw and too much crema soak the small tortillas, so use compact portions and assemble only at serving.
Nutrition Context
- White fish provides lean protein, while cabbage, avocado, and corn tortillas add fiber and varied textures.
- Crema and tortilla quantity influence calories and sodium; a modest drizzle keeps the lime and fish flavors clear.
FAQ
Which fish works best?
Cod and mahi-mahi are firm, mild, and easy to portion. Tilapia or halibut also work when the pieces are similar in thickness.
Can I grill the fish?
Yes. Oil clean grates and grill over medium-high heat until browned and 145°F, turning carefully once.
How do I keep corn tortillas from breaking?
Warm each side in a dry skillet and hold the tortillas in a towel. Two tortillas can be stacked for extra support if they are very thin.
Can I make the tacos dairy-free?
Use a thick unsweetened dairy-free yogurt or avocado-lime sauce, checking labels and keeping the quantity modest.
Why is my fish pale?
It was likely damp or the pan was not hot. Pat it dry, preheat the skillet, and leave space between pieces.
What sides pair best with this dish?
Black beans, grilled corn, and a fresh fruit or tomato salsa complement the lime and cabbage without overpowering the fish.