Chipotle Lime Fish Tacos

Featured in: Quick & Easy Meals

This dish features tender white fish fillets marinated in chipotle, lime juice, and spices, then roasted to perfection. Warm tortillas cradle flaky fish, topped with shredded cabbage, cilantro, red onion, and creamy chipotle lime crema for a burst of bold flavors. Easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying and vibrant meal inspired by Mexican flavors.

Updated on Tue, 11 Nov 2025 12:20:00 GMT
Tender chipotle lime roasted fish tacos with fresh toppings in warm tortillas.  Save to Pinterest
Tender chipotle lime roasted fish tacos with fresh toppings in warm tortillas. | krispyrecipes.com

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

This recipe has become a favorite in my house as it combines smoky chipotle with fresh lime perfectly.

Ingredients

  • Fish Marinade: 1 lb (450 g) white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or haddock), 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce finely chopped, 1 tsp adobo sauce (from the chipotle can), 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Tacos & Toppings: 8 small corn or flour tortillas, 2 cups shredded red or green cabbage, ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, ½ small red onion thinly sliced, 1 avocado sliced, Lime wedges for serving
  • Chipotle Lime Crema (optional): ½ cup mayonnaise or sour cream, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce minced, Pinch of salt

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.
Prepare Toppings and Crema:
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.
Zesty chipotle lime roasted fish tacos, bursting with flavor and vibrant garnishes.  Save to Pinterest
Zesty chipotle lime roasted fish tacos, bursting with flavor and vibrant garnishes. | krispyrecipes.com

These tacos always bring the family together for a casual and joyful meal night after night.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a light Mexican lager or a crisp white wine to complement the smoky and tangy flavors.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the marinade and crema in advance to save time on busy evenings.

Variations

Try swapping cabbage for lettuce or add thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch.

Flavorful roasted fish tacos with chipotle lime marinade, served with crunchy toppings. Save to Pinterest
Flavorful roasted fish tacos with chipotle lime marinade, served with crunchy toppings. | krispyrecipes.com

Enjoy these flavorful tacos fresh for the best taste and texture.

Common Recipe Questions

What type of fish works best for this dish?

White fish varieties such as cod, tilapia, or haddock are ideal due to their mild flavor and flaky texture.

Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?

Yes, by using corn tortillas instead of flour, this dish can be made gluten-free.

How do I make the chipotle lime crema optional topping?

Mix mayonnaise or sour cream with lime juice, minced chipotle in adobo, and a pinch of salt to create a tangy crema.

What side dishes pair well with the fish tacos?

Light Mexican lagers or citrusy white wines complement the vibrant flavors, and simple sides like fresh salsa or rice work well.

How long should the fish be roasted?

Roast the fish for 12–15 minutes at 425°F until opaque and flaky.

Chipotle Lime Fish Tacos

Flaky fish roasted with chipotle and lime, topped with fresh veggies in warm tortillas.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Created by Mia Harper

Recipe Type Quick & Easy Meals

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Mexican-Inspired

Total Portions 4 Serving Size

Dietary Considerations None specified

What You’ll Need

Fish Marinade

01 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock)
02 2 tbsp olive oil
03 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
04 1 to 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
05 1 tsp adobo sauce
06 1 tsp ground cumin
07 1 tsp smoked paprika
08 ½ tsp garlic powder
09 ½ tsp salt
10 ¼ tsp black pepper

Tacos & Toppings

01 8 small corn or flour tortillas
02 2 cups shredded red or green cabbage
03 ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
04 ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
05 1 avocado, sliced
06 Lime wedges, for serving

Chipotle Lime Crema (optional)

01 ½ cup mayonnaise or sour cream
02 1 tbsp lime juice
03 1 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce, minced
04 Pinch of salt

How to Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

Prepare marinade: In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lime juice, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until combined.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Roast fish: Roast in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 05

Prepare toppings and crema: While fish roasts, prepare cabbage, cilantro, red onion, avocado, and mix chipotle lime crema ingredients if using.

Step 06

Warm tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until warm and pliable.

Step 07

Flake fish: Remove fish from oven and flake into large pieces using a fork.

Step 08

Assemble tacos: Fill tortillas with flaked fish, top with cabbage, cilantro, red onion, avocado, and optionally drizzle with chipotle lime crema. Serve with lime wedges.

Tools You’ll Need

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

Possible Allergens

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and consult an expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains fish, eggs (if mayonnaise used), milk (if sour cream used), and wheat (if flour tortillas used). Verify allergen info in adobo sauce.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This data is for informational purposes and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 320
  • Total Fat: 13 grams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 31 grams
  • Protein Content: 22 grams