Fish tacos with lime crema are a vibrant, flavour-packed dish that brings the beach to your kitchen. Whether you’re planning a Taco Tuesday, a summer dinner, or a light family meal, this recipe will be your go-to. It’s fast, fresh, and full of flavour.
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Fish:
- 1 lb white fish (cod, tilapia, or mahi-mahi)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Lime Crema:
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Salt to taste
Toppings:
- Shredded cabbage or slaw mix
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced red onion
- Jalapeños (optional)
- Avocado or guacamole
- Fresh lime wedges
For Serving:
- Small corn or flour tortillas (warmed)
🔥 How to Make Fish Tacos with Lime Crema
1. Prep the Fish
Start by patting the fish dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, mix cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning all over the fish fillets.
Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the crema.
2. Make the Lime Crema
In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice and zest, honey, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt or sweetness if needed. Refrigerate until serving.
3. Cook the Fish
You can pan-fry, grill, or bake the fish.
Pan-Fry Method (Recommended):
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and cook fish for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and flaky. Remove and let rest for a minute before flaking into bite-sized chunks.
4. Assemble the Tacos
Warm the tortillas in a skillet or directly over a flame for that smoky char. Place a few pieces of fish in each tortilla. Top with shredded cabbage, cilantro, red onion, avocado slices, and jalapeños (if using). Drizzle with generous lime crema.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately with lime wedges and your favourite hot sauce or salsa.
🍽 Pro Tips for the Best Fish Tacos
- Use Fresh Fish: Fresh, flaky white fish works best. Avoid fish with a strong flavour like salmon for this recipe.
- Don’t Skip the Crema: The lime crema brings everything together with a zesty, creamy punch.
- Tortilla Tip: Char your tortillas slightly for added flavour and texture.
- Make it Spicy: Add chipotle powder or chili flakes to the crema for extra heat.
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
Fish tacos are best served fresh, but you can prep ahead:
- Crema: Can be made up to 3 days in advance.
- Fish: Season and marinate in the fridge up to 24 hours ahead. Cook just before serving.
- Toppings: Chop and store veggies separately in airtight containers.
📊 Nutrition (Per Taco, Approx.)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
Note: Based on 1 taco with corn tortilla and toppings.
These fish tacos with lime crema are light, refreshing, and absolutely addictive. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself to something special, they’re sure to impress. The creamy, citrusy crema paired with the seasoned fish and crunchy toppings makes this dish a standout.
Try it once, and you’ll be making them on repeat.
