Family and food. They go together like butter and biscuits. It’s what every foundation of every civilization is built upon. To sit down to a meal, with forks in position and a wealth of new and old stories to tell.
I too often forget how much I love these simple dinners with the whole gaggle of extended family about. I have to remind myself it really isn’t that hard to send a text, give a call and have someone bring the salsa and chips, someone else grab a dessert.
Because we all want to be involved. It’s half the fun. Especially when everyone else digs in and starts doing the dishes. Best part ever.
So to prep for Cinco de Mayo and test out some new recipes on our loved ones aka guinea pigs, my man and I sent out the call and the flock arrived, ready to chow down on some scrumptious eats.
Basically I was just itching for an excuse to make these Spicy Fish Tacos.
Good news everyone! They received a table-full of hearty thumbs ups.
While a deep fried, Baja style, street fish taco is my ultimate favorite, it wasn’t my inclination to break out the fry daddy and deal with a lot of last minute grease for our impromptu olé shindig.
Instead, my trusty cast iron skillet with a scant tablespoon of oil did just the trick to create a beautifully crusted piece of fish.
I used tilapia for my tacos, one of the mildest of fishes, and sturdy too. It gets bonus points for easy flipping and staying snug in the tortilla while munching. But if you’re looking for an alternative, red snapper, halibut or cod would make great back up swimmers.
But what makes a taco truly special is the fixins’. You won’t see shredded cheddar or green leaf lettuce on these tacos. I like to keep it simple but full of flavor and contrasting texture. Don’t be bashful, load it how you like it.
My homemade spice mix is the key to these tacos, with chili powder, cumin, onion powder and my favorite smoked paprika adding an earthy touch. Kosher salt brings it all together like a queen bee championing her drones.
I’m usually a flour tortilla kind of gal, but fish tacos call for a sturdier binder. I prefer white corn tortillas and take the edge off of them by heating them in my hot cast iron pan for about 3 minutes or so, or until they begin to puff. No oil, no spray. Just heat and some tongs and wa-la, we have supple tortillas.
And a whole house full of happy eaters. #winning.
Spicy Fish Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 3 ounce pieces of tilapia skin removed
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 8 white corn tortillas
- 1 jalapeño thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
- 1 avocado sliced
- Pickled carrots
- 2 limes quartered
Instructions
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Mix the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder and kosher salt in a small bowl. Season the tilapia pieces well with the spice mix.
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Heat a cast iron skillet on high and warm the tortillas on both sides, until lightly browned, about 4 minutes per tortilla.
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Heat 1/2 tablespoon of oil in the cast iron skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on both sides, depending on the thickness of the fish.
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Top each tortilla with a slice of fish, jalapeño slices, pickled carrots, cotija cheese, avocado slices and cilantro leaves. Serve with lime wedges.
Recipe Notes
adapted from Donna Hay
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Amanda says
Spicy fish tacos have got to be one of my favorite all time dishes, order it every time I see it on a menu. Can’t wait to try it your way! :)
Ali | Gimme Some Oven says
You are speaking MY foodie love language here. ;)
These look fantastic! And I totally prefer these to the fried version anyday.
Marie Saba says
Gorgeous as always Heidi!! I can’t wait to try these — fish tacos are my favorite! I always serve them with this cilantro-lime sauce (just four ingredients!) http://cocinamarie.com/best-ever-cilantro-lime-sauce-good-on-everything-and-i-do-mean-everything/
Christine @ Cooking with Cakes says
these look lovely Heidi!
Lauren @ Living the Savory Life says
Beautiful! And the pickled carrot is such a lovely addition.
Christine from Cook the Story says
I love your choice of spices for this fish! YUM!
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says
I was just thinking about picking up some cotija cheese – my favorite!! I love fish tacos. These are gorgeous!
danielle says
These sound perfect!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Love fish tacos and your spice mix is a must-try!
bev @ bevcooks says
I love how the entire fillet sits perfectly in the taco and not all flaked up. Gawg-ush.
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog says
I love the addition of the carrots and cheese in this recipe!! I loooove a good fish taco, especially a spice rubbed one, and these look super fantastic! Yum, will definitely try next time I make Tilapia Tacos!
heidi says
I’m such a sucker for pickled carrots :)
Kristy @ Sweet Treats & More says
Mmmm, can I be a part of your family?! Love fish tacos and these look amazing!
Tieghan says
Spicy and fish?? my very favorite kind of taco!
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic says
These tacos look divine. I must admit that fish tacos are my favorite, even more so than pork. I love adding pickled red onions to mine.
Molly @Doughvelopment says
Love fish tacos, don’t get to have them that often, but this recipe makes me want to try them at home! Especially since there is no deep frying involved!
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
Having volunteers to do this dishes is the best! These tacos look so fresh.
Russell at Chasing Delicious says
These tacos look incredible! I find craving fish tacos way too much, and not eating them enough. I think I need to go ahead and just make these to fix that!
[email protected] Yellow Farmhouse says
I hate to admit this… but I’ve never eaten a Fish Taco. I guess they’re just not sold very often here in the middle of the state of Massachusetts! But these look amazing – and now I can just make my own!!
Lauren H. says
Scrolling through your blog I see so many fresh wholesome foods and it makes me so happy! It’s so refreshing to read all your recipes. I can’t wait to try the recipe. I’m a blogger as well with an only slightly different cause…gardening. I love thinking about where food comes from so I work with a company called Cayisa to promote learning gardens, sustainable gardening, and reforestation. They’ve educated 78,000 kids about where their food comes from through their Seed for Seed program! Cayisa also sells some awesome jewerly to support their cause. You should check out the website (www.cayisa.com) and the blog (www.cayisa.wordpress.com)! Thanks!
nikki says
These are the best tacos i have ever made at home i have made this recipe twice and will continue to keep making it. LOVE LOVE LOVE thank you for sharing!
heidi says
That’s awesome Nikki! I’m glad you’re a fan and LOVE LOVE LOVE that you came back to let me know!
Michelle says
These sound great! Have you ever tried this recipe w another type of fish?
heidi says
Yes! You can use any white fish, or heck, you could use salmon too. Halibut, cod…they all fit the bill.