Tilapia Fish Tacos make the best weeknight meal. They are healthy, easy to make and the fish turns out flaky and loaded with flavor.
Get My Easy Grilling Cookbook Bundle for 75% OFF
We make a lot of seafood recipes on the grill. They cook fast and always flavored packed. Tilapia is one of our favorites because of the mild flavor and how delicious they cook.
Making tacos with the tilapia makes for the best weeknight meal. If you love seafood tacos, then you must try Blackstone Shrimp Tacos and Blackened Fish Tacos. Check out even more Easy Blackstone Fish Recipes.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
Tilapia is my fish of choice because of how easy it cooks. You can bake or grill the Tilapia to make these tacos. Top with your favorite toppings and serve with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal idea.
If your kids are not big fish eaters, then they need to try Tilapia. The mild flavor and the super simple to steps to prepare, even my pickiest eater loves when this recipe is on the menu.
You can even make Grilled Halibut to make these tacos.
Ingredients
- Tilapia Filets
- Vegetable Oil
- Chili Powder
- Paprika
- Ground Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- Corn Tortillas
- Shredded Cabbage or Lettuce
- Ripe Avocado, sliced
- Diced Tomatoes
- Finely Chopped Red Onion
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Fresh Lime, cut into wedges
For the Creamy Lime Sauce
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
- Lime Juice
- Lime Zest
- Salt and Pepper to taste
For the full recipe, scroll to the bottom for the recipe card.
Variations Ideas
- Tortillas – These tacos can be made with type of tortillas. They are delicious flour tortillas, low carb tortillas, or any tortilla that fits into your diet.
- Seasoning Blend – Feel free to change the seasoning when making this white fish recipe. These tilapia fish tacos recipe are delicious with what is listed but you can add extra hint of spice of you prefer. Start by adding ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can always add more if you want it more spicy. Smoked paprika can also be used.
Step by Step Instructions
- Step 1 – Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Step 2 – Mix chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3 – Brush tilapia with vegetable oil and rub with spice mix.
Step 4 – Grill tilapia 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Step 5 – Warm tortillas on the grill, 30 seconds per side. Prepare the Creamy Lime Sauce: Whisk together sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, lime zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
- Step 6 – Break tilapia into chunks. Place on tortillas and top with cabbage or lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro.
- Step 7 – Drizzle each taco with the creamy lime sauce. Serve with lime wedges for extra zing.
Recipe Tips
- Prepare the Grill – Make sure the grill is hot and the grates are clean to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Tilapia – Brush the tilapia with oil instead of oiling the grill grates.
- Grill Pan – For easier handling, consider using a grill basket or grilling the fish on foil.
- Cooking Tilapia – Flip the fish gently and only once to keep it from breaking apart. Tilapia cooks quickly, usually within 4-5 minutes per side. Avoid overcooking to keep it moist. Let the fish cook undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping.
Topping Ideas
Anytime we make tacos, we love to setup a taco bar with all our favorite toppings. These tacos are delicious topped with pico de gallo, slice avocados and coleslaw mixes. The creamy lime sauce takes these tacos to the next level, so don’t skip it.
We also love to serve with our favorite cilantro lime rice and refried beans.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fish is done when it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If you have particularly thick tilapia fillets, consider using indirect heat to ensure they are cooked through without burning the outside.
Yes, tilapia can be made on the stove top or baked in the oven. When cooking on the stovetop, place the seasoned tilapia in a cast iron skillet and cook over medium heat until cooked through. If you want to cook in the oven, place on a baking sheet or baking dish. Bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes or cooked through.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. If stored properly the tilapia will last about 3-4 days. We recommend storing separately from the taco toppings for best results.
More Easy Tilapia Recipes
- Grilled Tilapia
- 54 Best Grilled Tilapia Recipes
- Blackstone Blackened Tilapia
- Grilled Blackened Tilapia Recipe
We love this recipe. If you try making these Tilapia Fish Tacos Recipe, please leave us a comment.
Tilapia Tacos
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
- 1 ripe avocado sliced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- Fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 lime cut into wedges
For the Creamy Lime Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Mix chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brush tilapia with vegetable oil and rub with spice mix.
- Grill tilapia 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Warm tortillas on the grill, 30 seconds per side.
- Prepare the Creamy Lime Sauce: Whisk together sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, lime zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
- Break tilapia into chunks. Place on tortillas and top with cabbage or lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro.
- Drizzle each taco with the creamy lime sauce. Serve with lime wedges for extra zing.
