Fish Tacos with Garlic Lime Crema

Introduction:

These Fish Tacos with Garlic Lime Crema offer a delightful combination of crispy, seasoned fish and fresh, vibrant toppings. The tangy garlic lime crema brings everything together, making these tacos an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

For the Fish Tacos:

• 24 small white corn tortillas
• 1 1/2 lbs tilapia (or other white fish like cod or mahi-mahi)
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter

Fish Taco Toppings:

• 1/2 small purple cabbage, thinly sliced
• 2 medium avocados, sliced
• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced (optional)
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped (remove longer stems)
• 4 oz Cotija cheese, grated (about 1 cup)
• 1 lime, cut into 8 wedges for serving

For the Fish Taco Sauce:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp lime juice (from 1 medium lime)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Sriracha sauce (or to taste)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner.
2. Season the Fish: In a small dish, combine 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the tilapia fillets.
3. Bake the Fish: Lightly drizzle the fish with olive oil and dot each piece with butter. Bake for 20-25 minutes. For extra browning, broil for 3-5 minutes at the end.

Step 2: Make the Fish Taco Sauce

1. Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 Tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp Sriracha sauce until well blended. Adjust Sriracha to your spice preference.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

1. Toast the Tortillas: Heat a large dry skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and quickly toast the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until warm and lightly charred.
2. Assemble: Start with the fish, then add your desired toppings like purple cabbage, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and Cotija cheese. Drizzle generously with the fish taco sauce.
3. Serve: Serve with lime wedges for an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves approximately 6-8 people. Total preparation and cooking time is around 40-50 minutes.

Variations

• Spicy Fish: Add extra cayenne pepper or a spicy seasoning blend to the fish for more heat.
• Grilled Fish: For a smoky flavor, grill the fish instead of baking it.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the fish with roasted or grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
• Creamy Avocado Sauce: Replace the garlic lime crema with a creamy avocado sauce for a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover fish and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce can also be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the fish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Tortillas should be reheated in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil and warmed in the oven. Avoid microwaving tortillas to keep them from becoming soggy.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen fish?
   • Yes, you can use frozen fish. Thaw it completely before seasoning and baking.
2. What other types of fish can I use?
   • Cod, mahi-mahi, and haddock are great alternatives to tilapia.
3. Can I make the fish ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can bake the fish a day ahead and reheat it before serving.
4. How do I keep the tortillas warm?
   • Wrap them in a clean kitchen towel or foil to keep them warm until ready to serve.
5. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
   • Yes, flour tortillas can be used, though they will change the texture and flavor of the tacos.
6. How can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?
   • Add more or less Sriracha sauce to the crema to suit your taste.
7. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   • Yes, crumbled feta or shredded cheddar can be used instead of Cotija cheese.
8. What can I use instead of sour cream?
   • Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream.
9. How do I ensure the fish stays moist?
   • Avoid overcooking the fish and consider basting it with the butter and oil during baking.
10. Can I prepare the toppings in advance?
    • Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the toppings ahead of time, but add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.

Conclusion

These Fish Tacos with Garlic Lime Crema are a flavorful and satisfying dish that can easily become a family favorite. With a combination of seasoned fish, fresh toppings, and a tangy sauce, they offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, these tacos are sure to impress. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the ease of preparation that make this recipe a standout!

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