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Baja-Style Fish Tacos

Fresh, vibrant crispy fish tacos with seasoned white fish, creamy lime crema, and crunchy cabbage slaw in soft corn tortillas - ready in just 20 minutes.
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Fish
  • 1 lb white fish fillets (mahi-mahi, cod, or tilapia)
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Crema
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
For Assembly
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • Lime wedges for serving
  • Hot sauce (optional)

Method
 

Main Instructions
  1. Pat the fish fillets completely dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Generously coat both sides of each fillet with the spice mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere.
  2. Whisk together sour cream, fresh lime juice, and minced garlic in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place seasoned fillets in the hot oil, leaving space between each piece. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving them, allowing a golden crust to form. Flip once and cook another 3-4 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internal temperature.
  4. While fish cooks, warm tortillas directly over a gas flame for 30 seconds per side until lightly charred and pliable. Alternatively, heat them in a dry skillet for 1 minute per side or wrap in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds.
  5. Break the cooked fish into bite-sized chunks. Place fish in warm tortillas, top with crisp shredded cabbage, drizzle generously with lime crema, and sprinkle fresh cilantro over everything.
  6. Arrange tacos on a platter with lime wedges and hot sauce on the side. Serve immediately while tortillas are warm and fish is at its crispiest.

Notes

Mix the spice blend and prepare the crema up to 24 hours in advance. Store leftover cooked fish in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat fish gently in a skillet. Pat fish completely dry before seasoning for better browning. Don't overcrowd the skillet or press down on fish while cooking. Always warm tortillas properly to prevent breaking.