Baked Mexican-Style Fish Tacos with Avocado Crema and Cabbage Slaw
Lightly seasoned white fish fillets baked and served in warm corn tortillas with crisp cabbage slaw and a cooling avocado crema for vibrant taco night flavors. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 3-inch pieces white fish fillets (cod or tilapia)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp, divided lime juice
- 1 medium ripe avocado
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 tsp (for crema) salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss 1 lb white fish pieces with 2 tbsp olive oil and the spice mixture until fully coated.
- Step 2: Arrange the seasoned fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 3: While fish bakes, combine 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 1 tbsp lime juice in a bowl. Toss gently to make the slaw.
- Step 4: For the avocado crema, blend 1 medium ripe avocado, 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 tsp salt in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side. Assemble tacos by layering baked fish, cabbage slaw, and a generous dollop of avocado crema. Serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Mexican-Style Fish Tacos with Avocado Crema and Cabbage Slaw take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Mexican-Style Fish Tacos with Avocado Crema and Cabbage Slaw?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chili powder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Mexican-Style Fish Tacos with Avocado Crema and Cabbage Slaw?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Mexican-Style Fish Tacos with Avocado Crema and Cabbage Slaw for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Mexican-Style Fish Tacos with Avocado Crema and Cabbage Slaw?
Mexican seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.