Chipotle Lime Fish Tacos

Featured in: Fresh & Light Meals

This dish features flaky white fish seasoned with smoky chipotle peppers and zesty lime, oven-roasted for a tender finish. Complemented by crunchy cabbage, creamy avocado slices, and fresh cilantro, the components combine in warm tortillas to deliver vibrant flavors and textures. Optional chipotle lime crema adds a tangy, spicy touch, balancing the savory fish and crisp garnishes for a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Updated on Sun, 16 Nov 2025 08:54:00 GMT
Chipotle Lime Roasted Fish Tacos feature flaky fish, vibrant toppings, and warm tortillas for a flavorful meal. Save
Chipotle Lime Roasted Fish Tacos feature flaky fish, vibrant toppings, and warm tortillas for a flavorful meal. | tastyeffect.com

Tender flaky fish roasted with chipotle and lime served in warm tortillas with fresh toppings for a zesty and satisfying meal.

I first made these chipotle lime roasted fish tacos as a weeknight dinner when I needed something vibrant but simple. The burst of citrus and smoky chipotle was an instant hit at home.

Ingredients

  • White fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or haddock): 1 lb (450 g)
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Freshly squeezed lime juice: 2 tbsp
  • Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped: 1–2
  • Adobo sauce (from the chipotle can): 1 tsp
  • Ground cumin: 1 tsp
  • Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
  • Garlic powder: ½ tsp
  • Salt: ½ tsp
  • Black pepper: ¼ tsp
  • Corn or flour tortillas: 8 small
  • Shredded red or green cabbage: 2 cups
  • Fresh cilantro leaves: ½ cup
  • Red onion, thinly sliced: ½ small
  • Avocado, sliced: 1
  • Lime wedges, for serving: as needed
  • Mayonnaise or sour cream (for crema, optional): ½ cup
  • Lime juice (for crema, optional): 1 tbsp
  • Chipotle in adobo sauce, minced (for crema, optional): 1 tbsp
  • Salt (for crema, optional): pinch

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make Marinade:
In a bowl whisk together olive oil lime juice chipotle peppers adobo sauce cumin smoked paprika garlic powder salt and black pepper.
Prepare Fish:
Pat fish fillets dry and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush both sides generously with the marinade.
Roast Fish:
Roast fish for 12–15 minutes or until opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Prep Toppings:
While the fish cooks prepare toppings and if desired mix chipotle lime crema ingredients in a small bowl.
Warm Tortillas:
Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
Flake Fish:
Flake roasted fish into large pieces.
Assemble Tacos:
Place fish in tortillas top with cabbage cilantro red onion avocado and a drizzle of chipotle lime crema. Serve with lime wedges.
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| tastyeffect.com

Gathering in the kitchen to flake the fish and fill our own tortillas makes taco night fun and interactive for everyone. We always end up laughing over who can load the most toppings without spilling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with extra lime wedges and your favorite salsa or a side of black beans for a complete meal.

Variations

Try adding sliced radishes or swap the cabbage for crisp lettuce for a new twist. You can make the same tacos with shrimp or salmon as an alternative to white fish.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cooked fish and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble tacos fresh for best texture and flavor.

These Chipotle Lime Roasted Fish Tacos display perfectly roasted white fish piled into fresh corn tortillas, ready to eat. Save
These Chipotle Lime Roasted Fish Tacos display perfectly roasted white fish piled into fresh corn tortillas, ready to eat. | tastyeffect.com

Enjoy these tacos fresh for the best flavor. They're sure to become a new favorite on your dinner rotation.

Recipe FAQ

What type of fish is best for these tacos?

White, flaky fish like cod, tilapia, or haddock work best as they absorb the marinade well and cook quickly.

How do I prepare the chipotle lime marinade?

Combine olive oil, lime juice, chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a smoky, tangy marinade.

Can I make these tacos gluten-free?

Yes, using corn tortillas ensures the tacos are gluten-free without compromising flavor or texture.

What toppings complement the roasted fish best?

Shredded cabbage, fresh cilantro, sliced red onion, and avocado provide brightness and crunch, enhancing the smoky fish.

Is the chipotle lime crema optional?

Yes, it adds a creamy, tangy layer of flavor but the tacos are delicious on their own without it.

How long should the fish be roasted?

Roast the fish for 12 to 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C) until it flakes easily and is opaque throughout.

Chipotle Lime Fish Tacos

Tender fish infused with chipotle and lime, served with fresh citrusy toppings on soft tortillas.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Jane Miller


Skill level Easy

Heritage Mexican-Inspired

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements None specified

Components

Fish Marinade

01 1 pound white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock)
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
04 1 to 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
05 1 teaspoon adobo sauce from chipotle peppers
06 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Tacos and Toppings

01 8 small corn or flour tortillas
02 2 cups shredded red or green cabbage
03 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
04 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
05 1 avocado, sliced
06 Lime wedges for serving

Chipotle Lime Crema (Optional)

01 1/2 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
02 1 tablespoon lime juice
03 1 tablespoon minced chipotle in adobo sauce
04 Pinch of salt

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Prepare Marinade: Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.

Phase 03

Marinate Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry, place them on the baking sheet, and brush both sides generously with the marinade.

Phase 04

Roast Fish: Bake the fish in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the flesh becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Phase 05

Prepare Toppings and Crema: While the fish roasts, assemble the cabbage, cilantro, red onion, avocado slices, and lime wedges. If using, mix mayonnaise or sour cream with lime juice, minced chipotle, and salt to create the crema.

Phase 06

Warm Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they are soft and pliable.

Phase 07

Flake Fish: Remove the roasted fish and flake it into large chunks suitable for filling tacos.

Phase 08

Assemble Tacos: Place flaked fish on each tortilla, then top with shredded cabbage, cilantro leaves, sliced onion, avocado, and drizzle with chipotle lime crema if desired. Serve with lime wedges.

Necessary tools

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Small skillet

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Contains fish, eggs (if using mayonnaise), milk (if using sour cream), and wheat (if using flour tortillas)
  • Check adobo sauce for additional allergens
  • Use gluten-free tortillas to avoid gluten

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are approximate guides only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy: 320
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Proteins: 22 g