Description
These Chipotle Tilapia Fish Tacos are a flavorful and easy-to-make seafood dish featuring marinated tilapia fillets seasoned with smoky chipotle chili and cumin. Served with a tangy red cabbage slaw and chipotle ranch dressing wrapped in warm tortillas, they make a perfect light lunch or dinner full of bold southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Marinade
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili pepper (optional)
- Juice from 1/2 lime
Tacos
- 8-10 flour or corn tortillas
- Chipotle ranch dressing (to taste)
Slaw
- 1/4 red cabbage (shredded)
- 1/2 (12 fluid ounce) can of sweet corn (drained)
- 2-3 scallions (green parts) (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Marinate the Fish: Combine the tilapia fillets with olive oil, ground cumin, garlic powder, chipotle chili pepper, and lime juice in a large Zip-Loc bag. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 3 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse the fish.
- Prepare Chipotle Ranch Dressing: While the fish marinates, prepare your chipotle cilantro lime ranch dressing or use a pre-made version for topping the tacos.
- Warm the Tortillas: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the tortillas in foil and place them in the oven to warm while you assemble the other components.
- Make the Slaw: In a bowl, mix shredded red cabbage, drained sweet corn, chopped scallions, lime juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Tilapia: Choose your preferred cooking method: grill the tilapia on a medium-high BBQ heat for about 4 minutes per side until it flakes easily with a fork, or pan-fry the fillets for a few minutes on each side depending on thickness. Ensure the fish is cooked through but still moist.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place warm tortillas on plates and top each with a portion of the cabbage slaw, flaked tilapia, and a drizzle of chipotle ranch dressing. Serve with extra lime wedges if desired for an added fresh zing.
Notes
- Marinating the fish longer (up to 3 hours) intensifies flavor but avoid exceeding to prevent texture changes.
- For gluten-free tacos, choose corn tortillas instead of flour.
- Adjust chipotle chili pepper amount based on preferred spice level or omit for mild flavor.
- Slaw can be prepped a few hours ahead and refrigerated to save time.
- Use fresh lime juice for best brightness and flavor in marinades and slaw.
