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Best Tilapia Fish Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Sauce

Perfectly seasoned tilapia fish tacos with crispy cabbage slaw and zesty cilantro-lime sauce. Restaurant-quality flavor ready in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3-4 tilapia fillets 1 pound
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon ground chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 10-ounce package angel hair coleslaw
  • 3 fresh limes
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro loosely packed
  • 1 tablespoon jalapeño coarsely chopped, seeded
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise full-fat
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Cooking spray if using air fryer
  • Corn or flour tortillas for serving

Instructions
 

  • Make cilantro-lime sauce by combining cilantro, lime juice from all 3 limes, jalapeño, mayonnaise, and sour cream in a food processor. Pulse until smooth and creamy.
  • Reserve half the sauce for serving. Mix remaining half with coleslaw and set aside.
  • Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and rub all over.
  • Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  • Season both sides of tilapia fillets evenly with spice mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  • For pan method: Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook fillets 3-4 minutes per side until golden and fish flakes easily (145°F internal temperature).
  • For air fryer method: Preheat to 400°F. Spray basket with cooking spray. Cook fillets 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Let fish rest 2-3 minutes, then break into bite-sized chunks with a fork.
  • Warm tortillas over gas flame, in dry skillet, or microwave wrapped in damp paper towels.
  • Assemble tacos: Start with warm tortilla, add dressed coleslaw, top with fish chunks, drizzle with reserved sauce, and finish with lime squeeze.

Notes

Make cilantro-lime sauce up to 2 days ahead for best flavor
Substitute mahi-mahi, cod, or halibut for tilapia if desired
For extra heat, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne to spice blend
Store leftover sauce refrigerated up to 4 days
Dressed coleslaw best used within 24 hours for optimal crunch
Serve with Mexican street corn, guacamole, or cilantro-lime rice
Keyword tilapia fish tacos
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