Spicy Grilled Fish Tacos

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 8 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Spicy Grilled Fish Tacos are the perfect way to bring a little heat to your dinner table. With flaky tilapia and a zesty marinade, these tacos offer a fresh twist on a classic favorite. They're a great choice for a quick weeknight meal or a fun weekend gathering.

Ingredients for Spicy Grilled Fish Tacos

Tilapia fillets form the base of our tacos, providing a mild flavor that pairs well with bold spices. The olive oil helps to lock in moisture, keeping the fish tender. We add lime juice for a burst of citrusy freshness, enhancing the overall flavor profile. The spice blend, including chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of cayenne pepper, gives the fish its signature kick. A little salt balances everything out. For the tacos, corn tortillas provide a traditional base, and toppings like red cabbage, cilantro, jalapeño, and feta cheese add texture and freshness. A drizzle of sour cream ties the flavors together, with lime wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of zest.

Tips & Tricks

  • Don't skip the marinating step; it ensures the fish absorbs all the flavors.
  • Use a fish spatula for easy flipping on the grill without breaking the fillets.
  • For a less spicy version, reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño slices.
  • To prevent tortillas from cracking, keep them covered with a damp cloth until serving.

Serving Suggestions

These tacos pair wonderfully with a simple side salad of mixed greens and avocado. For a heartier meal, serve with a side of Mexican rice or black beans. A chilled glass of citrusy white wine or a light beer complements the flavors nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of fish?
Absolutely! Any mild, flaky white fish like cod or haddock works well.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! You can cook the fish in a hot skillet on the stovetop.
How can I make these tacos dairy-free?
Simply omit the feta cheese and use a dairy-free sour cream alternative.

Spicy Grilled Fish Tacos Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preparing your marinade. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lime juice, and spices: chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. This will be your flavor-packed coating for the fish. Once combined, coat your tilapia fillets thoroughly with the marinade. Let them sit for at least 20 minutes; this waiting time allows the fish to soak up all those wonderful flavors.

While the fish is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, place the tilapia fillets on it. Grill each side for about 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

As the fish is cooking, warm your corn tortillas. Simply place them on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side. This step is crucial for making them pliable and enhancing their flavor.

Now, it’s time to assemble the tacos. On each tortilla, place a portion of the grilled fish. Top with a handful of shredded red cabbage, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a few slices of jalapeño, and a crumble of feta cheese. Finish with a drizzle of sour cream. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of citrus brightness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Packed with vibrant flavors from a homemade spice blend.
  • Light and healthy, yet satisfying, making it suitable for any diet.
  • Customizable toppings to suit everyone's taste preferences.

Ingredients

1 lb tilapia fillets
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp salt
8 small corn tortillas
1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup sour cream
1 lime, cut into wedges

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt to create a marinade.
2. Coat tilapia fillets with the marinade and let them sit for at least 20 minutes.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and grill tilapia fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side, until cooked through and flaky.
4. Warm corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side.
5. Assemble tacos by placing grilled fish on each tortilla, topped with shredded red cabbage, cilantro, jalapeño slices, and crumbled feta cheese.
6. Drizzle sour cream over the top and serve with lime wedges on the side.

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