Spiced Amberjack Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw
Flaky amberjack fish seasoned with a smoky spice rub, served in warm corn tortillas with a zesty cilantro lime slaw for a fresh finish. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 25 minutes pairs ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili 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 2-inch pieces amberjack fillets
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups, shredded green cabbage
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss 1 lb amberjack fillet pieces in the spice mix until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned fish pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, flipping carefully.
- Step 3: While fish cooks, prepare the slaw by mixing 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 3 tbsp lime juice, 3 tbsp mayonnaise, and 1 tsp honey in a bowl. Toss until well combined and creamy.
- Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds each side.
- Step 5: Assemble tacos by placing cooked amberjack pieces on each tortilla and topping with a generous spoonful of cilantro lime slaw. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Amberjack Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Spiced Amberjack Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime 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 ground cumin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Amberjack Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime 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 Spiced Amberjack Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime 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 Spiced Amberjack Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw?
Mexican tacos & burritos 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.
