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Simple Tilapia Fish Tacos Recipe

These crispy blackened tilapia fish tacos deliver bold smoky flavor, vibrant slaw, and zesty lime crema—all ready in just 20 minutes for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 tacos
Course: Mexican
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb tilapia fillets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • Salt to taste
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Avocado slices optional
  • Extra lime wedges
  • Hot sauce

Method
 

  1. Combine cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create slaw; set aside.
  2. Whisk sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, and salt to make lime crema.
  3. Pat tilapia dry. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and cayenne; season fillets evenly.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook tilapia 2–3 minutes per side until blackened and flaky.
  5. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or over a flame until pliable.
  6. Flake tilapia and divide among tortillas. Top with slaw, lime crema, and avocado slices.
  7. Serve immediately with lime wedges and hot sauce.

Notes

Pat tilapia dry before seasoning to ensure proper blackening and avoid steaming.