Fish Taco Recipe and Agua Fresca Give Cinco de Mayo a Fresh Take

Shanthi Appelo, MS, RD

| 1 min read

Cinco de Mayo
In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican army’s victory over France in the state of Puebla in 1862. But in the United States, it’s often a celebration of Mexican heritage centered around food and street fairs. Tacos, nachos and a plethora of cheese-heavy dishes are on the Cinco de Mayo menu for many U.S. celebrants. When you add in the sugary margaritas and dips – the festive foods aren’t exactly a recipe for health. If you’re looking for a fresh take on Mexican-American cuisine this Cinco de Mayo, try this simple fish taco recipe and agua fresca.
Serving Amount
Ingredients
  • 8 12 street taco tortillas

  • 2 large or 4 small tilapia filets

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

  • 2 tsp cumin

  • 2 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 2 cup shredded lettuce

  • 4 Roma tomatoes, diced

  • Quick pickled onions (found in this recipe)

  • Cilantro-lime yogurt crema (recipe below)

  • 3 limes, wedged for serving

  • 12 jalapeño, seeded

  • 2 garlic cloves

  • 1 lime, juiced

  • 1 cup 2% Greek yogurt

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro

  • 112 tsp cumin

  • 2 tbsp water

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
  • Step 1

    Preheat the oven to degrees 425 F. Prepare a lined baking sheet. 

  • Step 2

    Combine panko breadcrumbs, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper in a bowl. Pat tilapia filets dry, then brush with olive oil. Dip each side of the filets in the breadcrumb mixture and press in to set. Place on the lined baking sheet. 

  • Step 3

    Bake tilapia for 8-12 minutes or until cooked through. While tilapia is baking, toast or grill tacos. 

  • Step 4

    Serve bits of the tilapia on toasted street tacos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled onions, a drizzle of cilantro-lime yogurt crema and fresh-squeezed lime. 

  • Step 5

    Optional step – in a small pan over medium-high heat, add garlic cloves and jalapenos until lightly charred. 

  • Step 6

    In a blender or food processor, add all ingredients and blend until smooth. Dress fish tacos with a drizzle of the crema.

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