Tilapia Fish Tacos

Why You’ll Love These Tilapia Fish Tacos

These easy tilapia fish tacos have been a family favorite for at least a decade, and I’m so glad to share this recipe with you. Now, I know that there are a lot of ways to make fish tacos, many calling for fried fish. I’ve even taken a shortcut and made Easy Fish Stick Tacos (bonus – my kids love these!). But I also like making them a bit lighter, though just as quick and easy.

I have been making my recipe for tilapia fish tacos for years. It relies on the fresh, natural flavors of white fish, a little taco seasoning, plenty of lime, and all the toppings. This is a super fast, light, and straightforward way to add a little seafood to taco night. I know you’ll love these, too.

• Light and fresh. You’ll see that the ingredients list for fish tacos with tilapia is short, and this is intentional. I like to keep this recipe unfussy, which makes it both light and quick.
• Simple. You don’t need to make this recipe complicated. In fact, I think it’s best to keep things simple! This allows the flavors of the fish to shine through. Then you can rely on whatever toppings you like to add flavor, or just serve them with an extra squeeze of lime.
• Adaptable. You can make these tacos as spicy as you wish, try another citrus such as lemon instead of lime, and change them up depending on your mood with different kinds of toppings from cheese to guacamole or slaw.

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s a look at what you need to make fish tacos using tilapia. Scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full ingredient amounts.

• Tilapia: I buy fresh tilapia filets for my tacos, but you can also use frozen fish. Thaw the fish in the fridge before beginning the recipe.
• Taco Seasoning: I love adding my homemade Taco Seasoning to fish tacos! Store-bought seasoning also works.
• Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
• Lime: You’ll need the juice of one freshly squeezed lime.
• Tortillas: Your choice of corn or flour tortillas (gluten free, if needed).
• Toppings: Taco slaw, shredded lettuce, or shredded cabbage, salsa, guacamole or diced avocado, sour cream or Mexican crema, sliced jalapeno, red onion, crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese.

Can I Use Other Types Of Fish?

Tilapia is a type of white fish that is affordable and readily available. Feel free to use other fish in this fish tacos recipe, but to keep a similar flavor profile I recommend using another white fish such as cod, halibut, snapper, or mahi mahi. You can also use this method for fish tacos with salmon, although they will have a slightly different taste and texture because it’s a different type of fish. Depending on the specific fish you use, you may want to adjust the amount of seasoning.

How To Make Tilapia Fish Tacos

I’ve put photos below to guide you through this simple and delectable recipe. Find the detailed instructions in the recipe card lower down.

• Season. Pat dry the fish and season with the taco seasoning.
• Cook. In a large skillet, heat the oil and cook the fish for 4-5 minutes on each side.

• Add lime. During the last 1-2 minutes of cooking add lime.
• Serve. Flake the fish into pieces and stuff it into warmed tortillas to serve with your favorite toppings.

How To Store Leftovers

You can wrap leftover tacos in foil and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also store the filling separately in an airtight container for up to 2 days, and assemble the tacos right before you plan to eat.