This flavorful skillet cilantro and lime fish taco recipe is light and healthy and the best part is that it’s fast and uses only one skillet!

In the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit that the only reason I initially made this dinner was because

a) I had some fish in the freezer that I needed to use up before a long trip and

b) I was hoping a light and healthy meal like this would cause me to instantly lose 10 pounds of post-baby weight (it didn’t, but whatever, 10 pounds is, like, so overrated).

two fish tacos in corn tortillas with avocado slices and tomatoes on a white plate

While my motives were sketchy, the finished product completely blew me away. Completely. I’m not kidding when I say this may be my favorite meal of the summer.

It’s light. It’s healthy. It’s quick and uses one measly skillet.

But the real merits of these fish tacos are that they result in a major flavor explosion of zesty lime, succulent fish, a tad bit of spicy jalapeno and a fresh pop of cilantro and tomato. Sandwiched in soft, pliable corn tortillas and I am lost for words. (I have to admit that I’m normally a flour tortilla girl but in this instance, I went for the corn tortillas and have to insist you do the same. Out.of.this.world.)

Seriously, if you have any hankering for a fish taco meal, make this. You’ll love it (and if you do happen to lose 10 pounds upon eating it, you are totally and completely fired and we can no longer be friends).

corn tortilla fish tacos with diced tomatoes and sliced avocados on top

What To Serve With This:

Balsamic Black Bean Salsa or Guacamole Salad
Black Bean Hummus and fresh vegetables
Tortilla Chips

One Year Ago: Chocolate-Mint Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches
Two Years Ago: Cheesesteak Subs – Quick and Tasty!
Three Years Ago: Classic Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Skillet Cilantro and Lime Fish Tacos

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 18 mins
Total Time: 33 mins
4.43 stars (7 ratings)
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Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 small white or yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded, membranes removed and finely diced
  • 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped (about 2 cups)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, from about 2-3 limes
  • 1 pound tilapia, flounder or other mild white fish fillets, rinsed and patted dry
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 8 (5-inch) white corn tortillas
  • 1-2 ripe avocados, sliced
  • Lime wedges and cilantro for garnish

Instructions 

  • In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil and add the onions. Saute, stirring often, until translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Add jalapenos, tomatoes and lime juice. Cook until heated through, 1-2 minutes. Add the fish and cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, gently breaking up the fish into bite-sized clumps, until the fish is cooked through and the liquid in the skillet is somewhat reduced (it should be fairly wet but not really soupy). Be careful not to stir too vigorously or the fish will turn into mushy bits. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in the cilantro.
  • Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet for a few minutes on each side to warm or sandwich 3-4 tortillas in between damp paper towels and microwave for 30-45 seconds until pliable. Scoop the fish mixture into the corn tortillas and top with the avocado.

Notes

Fish: the original recipe calls for tilapia but I used flounder with stellar success. My guess is any mild, white fish will work here.
Queso Fresco: also, although it isn’t traditional with fish tacos, I served ours with a sprinkle of queso fresco…and oh my, I have not the words.
Serving: 1 Serving, Calories: 329kcal, Carbohydrates: 35g, Protein: 28g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 57mg, Sodium: 92mg, Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 5g

Recommended Products

12-Inch Nonstick Skillet
Garlic Press
Citrus Juicer
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Recipe Source: adapted from Skinny Taste

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