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June 13, 2026 · 20 min

Spiced Tilapia Tacos with Mango Red Cabbage Slaw and Chipotle Crema

Dinner20 min540 cal / serving

These spiced tilapia tacos are bright, smoky, creamy, and crunchy all at once. Tender flaky fish gets tucked into warm flour tortillas with a lime-dressed mango and red cabbage slaw.

A quick chipotle sour cream sauce brings just enough heat, while cilantro adds a fresh finish. It is a fast skillet dinner that feels colorful and satisfying without much prep.

Ingredients

Chipotle Powder1 teaspoon chipotle powder, used to tasteView ingredient guideCilantro0.25 ounce cilantro, leaves torn from stemsView ingredient guideFlour Tortillas6 flour tortillasView ingredient guideLime1 lime, halvedView ingredient guideMango1 mango, peeled and cut into thin matchsticksView ingredient guideOlive Oil2 teaspoons olive oil, plus more as needed for the panView ingredient guidePPepper, to tasteView ingredient guideSaltSalt, to tasteView ingredient guideShredded Red Cabbage4 ounces shredded red cabbageView ingredient guideSour Cream4 tablespoons sour creamView ingredient guideSouthwest Spice Blend1 tablespoon Southwest spice blendView ingredient guideTilapia11 ounces tilapiaView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the produce. Peel the mango, cut the flesh away from the pit, then slice it into thin matchsticks. Halve the lime.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the mango, shredded red cabbage, and a squeeze of lime juice. Season with salt and pepper, toss well, and set aside.
  3. Place 0.5 teaspoon of the Southwest spice blend in a small bowl and reserve it for the crema. Pat the tilapia dry if needed, then season all over with salt, pepper, and the remaining Southwest spice blend. Drizzle with olive oil and rub the seasoning over the fish until evenly coated.
  4. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, preferably nonstick. Add the tilapia and cook until opaque and flaky, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
  5. While the fish cooks, add the sour cream and a pinch of chipotle powder to the small bowl with the reserved spice blend. Season with salt, pepper, and additional chipotle powder to taste. Stir in water 1 teaspoon at a time until the sauce is thin enough to drizzle.
  6. Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave on high until warm, about 30 seconds.
  7. Break the cooked tilapia into bite-size pieces. Divide the fish among the warm tortillas, top with mango-cabbage slaw, scatter cilantro leaves over the top, and drizzle with chipotle crema. Serve any extra slaw on the side.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Peeler

OXO Good Grips Swivel PeelerOXO Good Grips Swivel PeelerView on AmazonSpring Chef Premium Swivel Vegetable Peeler, Soft Grip Handle and Ultra Sharp Stainless Steel Blades - Perfect Kitchen Peeler For Veggie, Fruit, Potato, Carrot, Apple - BlackSpring Chef Premium Swivel Vegetable Peeler, Soft Grip Handle and Ultra Sharp Stainless Steel Blades - Perfect Kitchen Peeler For Veggie, Fruit, Potato, Carrot, Apple - BlackView on AmazonOXO Good Grips Y-PeelerOXO Good Grips Y-PeelerView on Amazon

Knife

Legal Pocket Knife with 2.95” Serrated Blade, Glass Breaker, Seat Belt Cutter - EDC Sharp Folding Knives with Portable Clip - Small Tool for Tactical Camping Survival Hiking - Gifts for Men 6680Legal Pocket Knife with 2.95” Serrated Blade, Glass Breaker, Seat Belt Cutter - EDC Sharp Folding Knives with Portable Clip - Small Tool for Tactical Camping Survival Hiking - Gifts for Men 6680View on AmazonSmith & Wesson Accessories Extreme Ops SWA24S 7.1in S.S. Folding Knife with 3.1in Serrated Clip Point Blade and Aluminum Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDCSmith & Wesson Accessories Extreme Ops SWA24S 7.1in S.S. Folding Knife with 3.1in Serrated Clip Point Blade and Aluminum Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDCView on AmazonAOSILEY Pocket Folding Knife with Stainless Steel Point Lock Blade Knives and Lightweight Lockback Multi-Tool for Camping, Outdoor, Hunting，Survival and EDCAOSILEY Pocket Folding Knife with Stainless Steel Point Lock Blade Knives and Lightweight Lockback Multi-Tool for Camping, Outdoor, Hunting，Survival and EDCView on Amazon

Cutting board

Astercook Deep-Carbonized Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen with Wood Storage Stand, Reversible Charcuterie & Chopping Boards with Juice Grooves and Easy-Grip Handles, Fathers Day Gift for MenAstercook Deep-Carbonized Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen with Wood Storage Stand, Reversible Charcuterie & Chopping Boards with Juice Grooves and Easy-Grip Handles, Fathers Day Gift for MenView on AmazonZeawec 3-Piece Set Bamboo Cutting Board for Kitchen - Crack-Resistant Wood Chopping Boards with Deep Juice Grooves, Pre-Oiled Butcher Block for Meat, Vegetables & Cheese, CarbonizedZeawec 3-Piece Set Bamboo Cutting Board for Kitchen - Crack-Resistant Wood Chopping Boards with Deep Juice Grooves, Pre-Oiled Butcher Block for Meat, Vegetables & Cheese, CarbonizedView on AmazonGORILLA GRIP BPA-Free Reversible Kitchen Cutting Board Set of 3, US Designed, Nonporous, Juice Grooves Catch Liquid, Slip Resistant Border, Dishwasher Safe, Durable Large Food Chopping Boards, BlackGORILLA GRIP BPA-Free Reversible Kitchen Cutting Board Set of 3, US Designed, Nonporous, Juice Grooves Catch Liquid, Slip Resistant Border, Dishwasher Safe, Durable Large Food Chopping Boards, BlackView on Amazon

Medium bowl

DOWAN 22 OZ White Ceramic Bowls Set of 4 - Perfect for Soup Bowls for Kitchen, Cereal Bowl, Ramen Bowl, Microwave Safe for Oatmeal, Fruit,Salad and Rice Bowl - Dishwasher & Microwave SafeDOWAN 22 OZ White Ceramic Bowls Set of 4 - Perfect for Soup Bowls for Kitchen, Cereal Bowl, Ramen Bowl, Microwave Safe for Oatmeal, Fruit,Salad and Rice Bowl - Dishwasher & Microwave SafeView on AmazonMfacoy 2 Pack Salad Bowl, 8 inch 60 oz Large Serving Bowl Set, Deep Bowl for Kitchen, White Ceramic Bowl Set for Soup, Cereal, Ramen, Pasta, Salad, Dishwasher & Microwave Safe, Easy CleanMfacoy 2 Pack Salad Bowl, 8 inch 60 oz Large Serving Bowl Set, Deep Bowl for Kitchen, White Ceramic Bowl Set for Soup, Cereal, Ramen, Pasta, Salad, Dishwasher & Microwave Safe, Easy CleanView on AmazonMASTERCOOK Plastic Bowls Set of 6 – 15oz Multipurpose Deep Plates Salad and Pasta Bowls Ideal for Home, Kids, Parties – Stackable Bowl for Kitchen – Non-BPA and Food Grade – Cute ColorsMASTERCOOK Plastic Bowls Set of 6 – 15oz Multipurpose Deep Plates Salad and Pasta Bowls Ideal for Home, Kids, Parties – Stackable Bowl for Kitchen – Non-BPA and Food Grade – Cute ColorsView on Amazon

Small bowl

Kaytee Stoneware Ceramic Pet Hamster Bowl, Brown, 3-InchKaytee Stoneware Ceramic Pet Hamster Bowl, Brown, 3-InchView on AmazonFarielyn-X 3.5in 4oz Small Glass Bowls, Mini Glass Containers, Ramekins, Prep, Pinch Bowl, Stackable Condiment Containers, for Prep, Dips, Nuts, Snacks, Candy Meal Prep Bowls, Dessert BowlsFarielyn-X 3.5in 4oz Small Glass Bowls, Mini Glass Containers, Ramekins, Prep, Pinch Bowl, Stackable Condiment Containers, for Prep, Dips, Nuts, Snacks, Candy Meal Prep Bowls, Dessert BowlsView on AmazonDipping Bowls, Soy Sauce Dish Ceramic, 3 OZ Small Serving Bowls for Side Dishes Vintage Blue Stylish Design, Set of 6 Mini Appetizer Plates for Condiment Sushi Ketchup BBQ Party, 4 InchDipping Bowls, Soy Sauce Dish Ceramic, 3 OZ Small Serving Bowls for Side Dishes Vintage Blue Stylish Design, Set of 6 Mini Appetizer Plates for Condiment Sushi Ketchup BBQ Party, 4 InchView on Amazon

Large pan, preferably nonstick

Tramontina Professional 14-Inch Non Stick Extra Large Frying Pan, Heavy-Gauge Aluminum Skillet with Reinforced Nonstick Coating, Red Handle, Dishwasher and Oven SafeTramontina Professional 14-Inch Non Stick Extra Large Frying Pan, Heavy-Gauge Aluminum Skillet with Reinforced Nonstick Coating, Red Handle, Dishwasher and Oven SafeView on AmazonCAROTE Non Stick Frying Pan Skillet, Nonstick Granite Fry Pan with Glass Lid, Egg Pan Omelet Pans, Stone Cookware Chef's Pan, PFOA Free (Classic Granite, 10-Inch)CAROTE Non Stick Frying Pan Skillet, Nonstick Granite Fry Pan with Glass Lid, Egg Pan Omelet Pans, Stone Cookware Chef's Pan, PFOA Free (Classic Granite, 10-Inch)View on AmazonSENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 13.3 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 6 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS FreeSENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 13.3 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 6 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS FreeView on Amazon

Paper towel

Scott Paper Towels, Choose-A-Sheet, 6 Double Rolls = 12 Regular Rolls (108 Sheets Per Roll)Scott Paper Towels, Choose-A-Sheet, 6 Double Rolls = 12 Regular Rolls (108 Sheets Per Roll)View on AmazonSparkle Pick-A-Size Paper Towels, 6 Double Rolls (660 Sheets Total) - Strong 2-Ply Towels for Kitchen Cleanup and Everyday MessesSparkle Pick-A-Size Paper Towels, 6 Double Rolls (660 Sheets Total) - Strong 2-Ply Towels for Kitchen Cleanup and Everyday MessesView on AmazonAmazon Basics 2-Ply Flex-Sheets Paper Towels, 12 Basics Rolls = 40 Regular Rolls, Everyday Value with 150 Sheets per Roll, Packaging May VaryAmazon Basics 2-Ply Flex-Sheets Paper Towels, 12 Basics Rolls = 40 Regular Rolls, Everyday Value with 150 Sheets per Roll, Packaging May VaryView on Amazon

Microwave

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - BlackChefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - BlackView on AmazonBLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ftBLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ftView on AmazonChefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - BlackChefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - BlackView on Amazon

Recipe Tips

Use the chipotle powder gradually; it is smoky and spicy, and the recipe is designed so you can adjust the heat to taste.

The tilapia is ready when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Do not overfill the tacos with slaw at first; any extra mango-cabbage slaw is meant to be served on the side.

Warming the tortillas in a damp paper towel keeps them flexible for filling.

FAQ

How long do these tilapia tacos take to make?

They come together in about 20 minutes, including prepping the mango slaw, cooking the fish, making the crema, and assembling the tacos.

How do I know when the tilapia is cooked?

Cook the tilapia for 3 to 4 minutes per side over medium-high heat. It should be opaque throughout and flake easily.

Are these fish tacos spicy?

They have some heat from the chipotle powder and Southwest spice blend. Start with a pinch of chipotle in the crema, then add more to taste.

How should I warm the tortillas?

Wrap the flour tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them on high for about 30 seconds.

What allergens are in this recipe?

This recipe contains fish from the tilapia, milk from the sour cream, and soy and wheat from the flour tortillas.