Halibut Fish Tacos are a light, fresh, and delicious way to enjoy seafood with a burst of vibrant flavors. This dish features flaky, tender halibut fillets seasoned with a blend of spices, then quickly pan-seared or grilled to perfection. The fish is nestled in warm, soft tortillas and topped with a zesty slaw made from shredded cabbage, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. A drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce adds a hint of smokiness and heat, perfectly balancing the flavors. These tacos are ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a laid-back summer meal, bringing a taste of the beach to your table. Serve them with lime wedges, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an unforgettable, easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients:
For the Fish:
- 1 lb halibut fillets, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Chipotle Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1-2 tsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
For Serving:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Avocado slices (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Halibut:
- In a small bowl, mix the cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Rub this spice mixture over the halibut fillets. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the halibut fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Slaw:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat the cabbage evenly. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Chipotle Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, lime juice, minced chipotle peppers, and a pinch of salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Warm the Tortillas:
- Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side or until warm and pliable. Alternatively, wrap them in foil and warm them in a low oven.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Place a few pieces of halibut in each tortilla. Top with a spoonful of the cabbage slaw and drizzle with the chipotle sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado slices if desired.
Halibut Fish Tacos offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making them a perfect dish for seafood lovers. The tender, flaky halibut paired with the crunch of the slaw and the creaminess of the chipotle sauce creates a deliciously balanced taco that’s light, refreshing, and full of flavor.