Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Coffee-Rubbed Fish Tacos

Coffee-Rubbed Fish Tacos

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (2 tacos per person) 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Seared
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

These coffee-rubbed fish tacos are bold, smoky, and bursting with flavor. The coffee spice crust pairs perfectly with flaky white fish, crunchy slaw, and creamy sauce for a unique taco experience.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb white fish fillets (cod or tilapia)
  • 1 tablespoon ground coffee
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • Hot sauce (optional, to taste)


Instructions

  1. Mix ground coffee, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl.
  2. Pat fish fillets dry and rub the spice mix evenly over both sides.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the fish for 3–4 minutes per side until flaky.
  4. In a bowl, toss shredded cabbage with lime juice. In a separate bowl, mix mayo or yogurt with hot sauce.
  5. Warm tortillas in a skillet or over an open flame until soft and slightly charred.
  6. Flake the cooked fish and assemble tacos: tortilla, fish, slaw, drizzle of sauce.
  7. Serve with lime wedges and extra sauce if desired.

Notes

  • Use finely ground coffee for better texture and flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the fish to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Prep the spice rub, slaw, and sauce in advance for easier assembly.
  • Try grilling the fish for extra smoky flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tacos
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 430mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg