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    Easy Healthy Fish Tacos

    Seafood 30-Minute Meals Dairy-Free Recipes Gluten Free Main Courses February 23, 2023 | By Kristen Chidsey | 30 Comments | *This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe
    This is the easiest, most flavorful recipe for fish tacos! Tender white fish is baked to flaky perfection after being rubbed with a bright, spicy seasoning rub. The tacos are assembled with a fresh cabbage slaw and a creamy chipotle sauce for the perfect balance in flavors and textures. These fish tacos are must make, healthy family meal!

    Made with perfectly seasoned fish, fresh cabbage slaw, and a creamy chipotle sauce, these Healthy Fish Tacos are not only easy to make, but they are also the most flavorful recipe for fish tacos ever!

    While I love my recipe for Baked Salmon, Lemon Butter Cod, and Blackened Mahi Mahi, these Fish Tacos are my all-time favorite recipe for fish!

    Fish Tacos with Slaw and Chipotle Sauce plated on wooden tray with limes in the background.


    The Best Fish Taco Recipe

    There are good fish tacos and there are great fish tacos. This is a recipe for GREAT fish tacos. As in likely, one of the best fish tacos you have ever had.

    These Healthy Fish Tacos are made with perfectly seasoned white fish that is baked until flaky, which keeps the fish extremely juicy and moist.

    But what makes these fish tacos TRULY stand out, is the toppings. They are topped with a crunchy, bright slaw that adds texture and freshness to the tacos and a creamy, slightly spicy chipotle sauce.

    These fish tacos are EVERYTHING. Creamy, crunchy, spicy, acidic, bright, and flavorful. And best of all, they are so easy to make!

    Key Ingredients

    While it appears there are a lot of ingredients in these tacos, most are pantry staples. The dry spices, onions, mayonnaise, and limes you probably already have on hand. The fish, cabbage, and tortillas are the only ingredients you

    Ingredients for Fish Tacos on counter.
    • White Fish: Any white-flesh flaky fish works for the taco meat. Tilapia, Cod, or Haddock are all great options that are easy to find. Frozen fish is fine, just be sure to defrost fully and pat dry before adding the rub to the fillets.
    • Dry Rub: The rub is key to the flavor of these tacos. It is made with dry seasonings you probably have in your pantry and the zest of a lime. The lime zest adds such a bright note to the fish--you do not want to overlook that ingredient.
    • Slaw: Shredded cabbage, red onions, cilantro, and lime juice are the perfect mixture to create a fresh touch to these tacos. You can use a bag of coleslaw mix to make the slaw or shred the cabbage yourself, which is a money saver!
    • Chipotle Sauce: This creamy, spicy sauce is a delicious finishing touch to these tacos. Made with mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, and the liquid from canned chipotles, it is a simple sauce that takes minutes to make and adds incredible flavor to the tacos. Money-Saving Tip: If you do not have canned chipotle peppers, use Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce in their place. If you do have chipotles, be sure to freeze the leftover contents of the can to use for future recipes.
    • Tortillas: Use your favorite tortilla to serve these fish tacos. Corn tortillas are traditional, but any variety works, even homemade flour tortillas.

    How To Make Fish Tacos

    The process for making these tacos is simple and takes about 30 minutes, making these tacos a perfect wholesome 30-minute family meal that can and should be enjoyed any night of the week.

    Maximize your prep time by using the time the fish is baking to prepare the slaw and the chipotle sauce. Then it is as simple as assembling the fish tacos and digging into perfection!

    • Prepare the dry rub by mixing together the zest of lime, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper together. Be sure to wash and dry your lime BEFORE zesting and only use the bright green zest from the lime. 
    Spice rub for fish tacos in small mixing bowl.
    • Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to keep the fish from sticking to the pan.
    • Pat the fish fillets dry and then rub the spice rub evenly over both sides of the fillets.
    • Place the seasoned fish on the sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. This will help to keep the fish moist while baking. 
    Seasoned cod fillets on baking sheet.
    • Bake until the fish is flaky.
    • While the fish is baking, combine the cabbage, onions, and cilantro with salt, lime juice, and olive oil. Cover and refrigerate while the fish is baking.
    Ingredients for Slaw for Fish tacos in bowl
    • For the chipotle topping, combine the mayo with chipotle sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl and set aside.
    • Toast the tortillas by placing the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat and cooking them each for about 30 seconds per side.
    • Remove the fish from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. After resting, cut the baked fish into bite-size chunks.
    • Assemble the tacos by placing the fish on top of the toasted tortillas. Top with slaw and a dollop of chipotle sauce and serve immediately.
    Fish Tacos with slaw and mayo sauce on wooden platter.

    Serving Suggestions

    These Healthy Baked Fish Tacos are always a huge family hit, especially when served with Pineapple Rice or Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice. While the slaw and chipotle sauce are delicious accompaniments to the tacos, try topping them with Pineapple Mango Salsa or Corn Salsa, for a delicious spin on these fish tacos.

    Storage and Reheating Instructions

    Fish tacos are best served immediately after preparation, as fish can dry out after it has been refrigerated and reheated. However, if you happen to have leftovers, you can refrigerate the slaw and fish in separate airtight containers for up to 48 hours.

    Reheat by placing the fish in a dry skillet and heat over medium heat until warm. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the heated fish and serve with slaw.

    Lower Fat Fish Tacos

    Because the fish is baked, not fried, these tacos are already healthier than most recipes for fish tacos. You can lighten them up more by using Greek yogurt in place of the mayonnaise in the chipotle cream topping or skipping it altogether.

    More Favorite Taco Recipes

    • Black Bean Tacos
    • Classic Beef Tacos
    • Shrimp Tacos
    • Buffalo Chicken Tacos
    • Cauliflower Tacos
    • Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
    • Lentil Tacos

    These delicious fish tacos make an easy, light, and refreshing dinner! I hope you give them a try and be sure to leave a review below letting everyone know how you liked them!

    Healthy Fish tacos served with cabbage and crema.

    Easy & Healthy Fish Tacos

    Made with seasoned baked fish fillets, fresh cabbage slaw, and a creamy chipotle sauce, these fish tacos are simple to make and absolutely delicious!
    4.97 from 33 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 158kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    For the Fish

    • 24 oz firm white fish fillets tilapia, cod, or haddock
    • ½ tablespoon olive oil

    Rub

    • 1 tablespoon chili powder
    • ½ teaspoon cumin
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon smoked or regular paprika
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon lime zest

    For the Slaw

    • 3 cups thinly sliced or shredded cabbage see note
    • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
    • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
    • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

    Chipotle Sauce

    • â…“ cup mayonnaise or Plain Greek yogurt
    • Juice from 1 lime about 1-2 tablespoons
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 tablespoon sauce from canned chipotles in adobe sauce see note

    To Serve

    • Corn Tortillas see note
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • In a small bowl combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and lime zest together. Pat fish fillets dry with a paper towel and then coat with spice mixture. Place them on the prepared sheet pan and drizzle with ½ tablespoon of olive oil.
    • Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until fish is flaky.
    • While the fish is baking, prepare the slaw and sauce for tacos. For the slaw, mix together the cabbage, onion, cilantro, salt, lime juice, and olive oil together. Cover and refrigerate while the fish cooks. For the sauce, whisk together mayonnaise (or yogurt), garlic powder, chipotle, and lime juice together.
    • Remove the fish from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes and then cut fish into small bite-size pieces.
    • Toast tortillas over a grill or gas stove in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side.
    • Place fish on top of corn tortillas, top with slaw, and chipotle sauce. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    Nutrition values have been calculated based on fish, rub, slaw, and 1 tablespoon of sauce. 
    Fish: Frozen fish fillets are fine to use for this recipe. Be sure to defrost fully and then pat dry before rubbing with the spice mixture. 
    Chipotle Sauce: If you do not have canned chipotle, use Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce in its place. If you do have chipotles, be sure to freeze the leftover contents of the can to use for future recipes. I freeze leftover chipotles by placing scooping the contents into an ice cube tray. Freeze until solid and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. 
    Cabbage/Slaw: You can use a bag of coleslaw mix to make the slaw or shred the cabbage yourself, which is a money saver!
    Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional for fish tacos, but any variety works. Just be sure to toast tortillas before assembling tacos for the best flavor. 
    Storage: Fish tacos are best served immediately upon preparation. However, you can store the leftover fish and slaw in the refrigerator in separate containers for up to 48 hours. Reheat the fish in a dry skillet over medium heat until just warmed through. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 158kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 476mg | Potassium: 447mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 594IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!

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    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

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    1. Lynda

      August 22, 2023 at 7:19 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious, and so simple.
      With hungry teens I could easily double this and it would disappear!
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 23, 2023 at 7:19 am

        Thanks for sharing Lynda! I love hearing that your family enjoyed these fish tacos!

        Reply
    2. Holly

      July 16, 2023 at 8:50 pm

      5 stars
      I made these tonight for my fish taco loving husband and me. Very delicious! Thank you so much!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        July 17, 2023 at 6:36 am

        I am thrilled to hear you enjoyed! THank you for sharing.

        Reply
    3. Kat

      July 12, 2023 at 4:50 am

      5 stars
      Hey! Just wanted to let you know I made your fish tacos for my mother last night and she LOVED THEM!! (she had 3!!...n she's 83 years young!) SO KUDOS AND THANK YOU!! for such a delicious easy lite refreshing dinner!! Kat

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        July 12, 2023 at 6:51 am

        I love hearing your mom enjoyed so much! Thanks for sharing, Kat!

        Reply
    4. Dawn Schultz

      June 12, 2022 at 5:21 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent! My family wants me to make this every time we bring home Walleye from fishing!!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        June 12, 2022 at 8:21 pm

        I love hearing that! What a great use for fresh fish!

        Reply
    5. Darlene H

      April 01, 2022 at 8:43 pm

      5 stars
      I was never a fan of fish tacos till now!!! We love these. The slaw is so yummy, even the next day!! And the sauce, WOW!! Totally awesome!!!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        April 02, 2022 at 6:12 am

        YAY! I am so happy to hear this recipe made you a fan of fish tacos! Thanks for sharing Darlene.

        Reply
    « Older Comments

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    This is the easiest, most flavorful recipe for fish tacos! Tender white fish is baked to flaky perfection after being rubbed with a bright, spicy seasoning rub. The tacos are assembled with a fresh cabbage slaw and a creamy chipotle sauce for the perfect balance in flavors and textures. These fish tacos are must make, healthy family meal!

    Meet a Mind "Full" Mom

    A Picture of A Mind"Full"Mom

    Hi! I'm Kristen. I want to welcome you into my kitchen and my REAL, imperfect life. Let me share with you tips and tricks to help you make healthy eating a reality for your family in the chaos of life and on the constraints of a budget. Read more

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    This is the easiest, most flavorful recipe for fish tacos! Tender white fish is baked to flaky perfection after being rubbed with a bright, spicy seasoning rub. The tacos are assembled with a fresh cabbage slaw and a creamy chipotle sauce for the perfect balance in flavors and textures. These fish tacos are must make, healthy family meal!

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