• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Hilda's Kitchen Blog

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Book
  • About
  • Resources
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Book
    • About
    • Resources
    • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    • Recipes
    • Book
    • About
    • Subscribe

    You Are Here Home » Entree Recipes

    Published: Dec 28, 2021 Updated: Dec 28, 2021 by Hilda Sterner | This post may contain affiliate links 2 Comments

    Crispy Tilapia Fish Burritos

    Sharing is caring!

    130 shares
    • Share86
    • Yummly
    • Tweet
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    fish burrito and salsa pin

    You will love this Southern California-style Fish Burritos Recipe! Besides being absolutely delicious, Fish Burritos are so easy to prepare. Crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, your favorite fish fillets will be taken to a whole new level when smothered with flavor-packed Chimichurri Slaw, tangy Lime Crema, cheese, and salsa!

    fish burrito sliced in half on a blue plate with salsa in the background

    I'm sure by now most people have heard of Fish Tacos, made popular by chains like Rubio's. However, a Fish Burritos Recipe might sound a bit weird to some people. Don't toss the idea out the door just yet!

    Fish Burritos are amazing and one of my favorite items to order from taco shops in Southern California, more specifically, San Diego.

    Since I can't get them in Montana, I had to come up with my own recipe. This recipe has been in the making for years now. I first came up with it in San Diego using Crunchy Breaded Tilapia fillets from Southwinds Foods. Sadly, I haven't been able to find them in Montana. If you can get your hands on some, definitely use them, otherwise, use your favorite breaded white fish fillets.

    Why This Recipe Works

    As mentioned above, for the sake of convenience, we're using breaded or beer-battered fish fillets. For a healthier option, you can use grilled fish fillets instead. You would expect the fish to be the star of the show when it comes to a Fish Burritos Recipe, am I right? Not so in this recipe.

    While the spicy Chimichurri Slaw is to die for, the Spicy Lime Crema, cheese, and salsa really put it over the top!

    Don't let the few extra steps it takes to prepare the toppings scare you. Trust me, the small amount of effort involved in preparing them is well worth it!

    What you Need for This Recipe

    slaw for fish burritos ingredients
    spicy Crema ingredients, labeled
    fish burritos ingredients, labeled

    Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

    • Fish — Breaded Tilapia is my favorite fish to use in this recipe. However, you can use beer-battered fish or your favorite fish fillets instead.
    • Flour Tortillas — If at all possible, use large flour tortillas, 12" or larger. They're the best for making burritos and won't split or leak from being over-stuffed.
    • Coleslaw — You may be tempted to replace my Chimichurri Slaw with ordinary slaw. I strongly recommend that you don't skip this part of the recipe. Chimichurri adds a ton of flavor!
    • Cheese — I like to use shredded cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend, but feel free to substitute with what you have available.
    • Hot Sauce — Use your favorite hot sauce, Mexican Salsa, or both.

    How to Make This Recipe

    Step 1 | Make Chimichurri Sauce

    Begin by preparing the Chimichurri Sauce. Either make ½ the recipe or make the full recipe and use the remaining chimichurri sauce over grilled chicken, lamb chops, or steaks. 

    chimichurri sauce

    Step 2 | Prepare Spicy Lime Crema

    Set aside two tablespoons of sour cream to slather onto the tortillas. Mix the remaining Crema ingredients into a small bowl until thoroughly combined. Transfer to a squeeze bottle and store in the refrigerator until needed. The sauce can be thinned with a small amount of water or cream, if necessary.

    small white bowl with  crema ingredients
    crema in a small bowl

    Step 3 | Make Chimichurri Slaw

    Shred or slice cabbage and add to a bowl. Top with cubed avocado, chopped onion, and cilantro. Add the juice of half of a lime, salt, and Chimichurri sauce. Mix gently to blend the flavors.

    cabbage slaw in a white bowl
    adding chimichurri to baggage slaw
    mixing cabbage slaw in a bowl

    Step 4 | Cook the Tilapia

    Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Place the frozen fillets on the tray and lightly spray with oil. Bake according to the package directions. 

    Alternatively, you can try grilling, frying, or air frying the fish. If you opt to fry the fish, be sure to drain it on paper towels after frying it.

    fried fish fillets

    Step 5 | Assemble the Burritos

    Step 1: Warm and slightly char a flour tortilla over the flame on both sides. This not only refreshes the tortilla, but it makes it more pliable and improves the flavor.

    tortilla on the flame
    charred tortilla

    Tip: Watch the tortillas carefully so that they do not burn. If you don't have a gas stove, you can heat them in a hot cast-iron skillet or Comal (sponsored link).

    Step 2: Top each tortilla with one tablespoon of sour cream, then divide the chimichurri slaw, fish fillets, shredded cheese, crema, and salsa between the two burritos.

    cabbage slaw on a tortilla
    fish burrito, unrolled
    fish burrito with cheese and hot sauce

    Step 3: Fold the sides inwards over the filling, then fold the bottom over the filling as you roll up to completely enclose the ingredients.

    rolled fish burrito
    fish burrito sliced in half

    Enjoy this Fish Burritos Recipe with Spicy Mexican Pickled Carrots, Roasted Salsa, and chips.

    fish burrito with salsa in the background

    Recipe FAQs

    What's the best fish to use in Fish Burritos?

    Any breaded mild-tasting fish works great, especially Tilapia. The fish can be deep-fried, air-fried, or baked for a healthier option.

    What ingredients are used in a California Fish Burrito?

    The following ingredients are usually found in this California classic:
    • Fried breaded fish
    • Mexican shredded cheese
    • Cabbage, onions, and cilantro
    • Sour Cream or crema
    • Guacamole
    • Pico de gallo and or hot sauce

    What is the white sauce used in Fish Burritos?

    The white sauce that's usually found in seafood burritos and tacos is called Mexican Crema. Although there are various recipes, some ingredients include buttermilk, cream, half and half, yogurt, sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and salt.

    Pro Tips

    • Some people like to add Mexican rice to their burritos. I've never liked rice in my burritos. If anything, I would serve Mexican Rice on the side.
    • To make a mild version of this recipe, leave out the Serrano peppers in the Chimichurri sauce, and the hot sauce in the Mexican Crema. You can also use mild salsa, or prepare some pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, garlic, red onion, and chopped cilantro. Add a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime and you're done.
    • If you prefer, you can use Queso Fresco or Cotija cheese instead of shredded Mexican cheese. 
    • To make Fish Tacos instead, simply replace the large flour tortillas with corn tortillas. Serve with creamy cilantro lime sauce.
    • This recipe is best when freshly prepared. Although leftovers will be ok for a day or two, the fish will no longer be crisp and the slaw mixture will be wilted.
    • This recipe does not freeze well.
    fish burrito on a blue plate

    Related Recipes

    • california burrito
      California Burrito Recipe
    • pickled carrots in jars
      Spicy Mexican Pickled Carrots
    • mexican salsa in a bowl with a yellow rim and a sliced avocado on the side
      Mexican Salsa Recipe (using canned tomatoes)
    • Mexican Breakfast Burrito Recipe

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page.

    Stay in touch with me through social media @ Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

    fish burrito and lime slices on a blue plate

    Crispy Tilapia Fish Burritos

    Easy to prepare Fish Burritos, using frozen breaded tilapia. Don't let the frozen part put you off, these burritos taste as good if not better than your favorite Mexican joint!
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: dinner, lunch
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 2 servings
    Calories: 707kcal
    Author: Hilda Sterner

    Ingredients

    Spicy Lime Crema

    • 2 tbs mayonnaise
    • ¼ cup sour cream (divided)
    • ½ medium lime (juiced)
    • 2 teaspoon hot sauce
    • 1 clove garlic (crushed)
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Chimichurri Slaw

    • 1½ cups shredded cabbage
    • 1 medium avocado (cubed)
    • 2 tablespoon red onion
    • 2 tablespoon chopped cilantro
    • ½ lime (juiced)
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 3 tablespoon chimichurri (recipe)

    Other Ingredients

    • 2 Breaded Crunchy Tilapia Fillets
    • 2 large flour tortillas
    • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

    Instructions

    Make Chimichurri Sauce

    • Begin by preparing the Chimichurri Sauce. Either make ½ the recipe or make the full recipe and use the remaining chimichurri sauce over grilled chicken, lamb chops, or steaks. 

    Prepare Spicy Lime Crema

    • Set aside two tablespoons of sour cream to slather onto the tortillas. Mix the remaining Crema ingredients into a small bowl until thoroughly combined. Transfer to a squeeze bottle and store in the refrigerator until needed. The sauce can be thinned with a small amount of water or cream, if necessary.

    Make Chimichurri Slaw

    • Shred or slice cabbage and add to a bowl. Top with cubed avocado, chopped onion, and cilantro. Add the juice of half of a lime, salt, and Chimichurri sauce. Mix gently to blend the flavors.

    Cook the Tilapia

    • Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Place the frozen fillets on the tray and lightly spray with oil. Bake according to the package directions. 
      Alternatively, you can try grilling, frying, or air frying the fish. If you opt to fry the fish, be sure to drain it on paper towels after frying it.

    Assemble the Burritos

    • Warm and slightly char a flour tortilla over the flame on both sides. This not only refreshes the tortilla, but it makes it more pliable and improves the flavor.
    • Top each tortilla with one tablespoon of sour cream, then divide the chimichurri slaw, fish fillets, shredded cheese, crema, and salsa between the two burritos.
    • Fold the sides inwards over the filling, then fold the bottom over the filling as you roll up to completely enclose the ingredients.
    • Enjoy with some Spicy Mexican Pickled Carrots, Roasted Salsa, and chips.

    Notes

    • Some people like to add Mexican rice to their burritos. I've never liked rice in my burritos. If anything, I would serve Mexican Rice on the side.
    • To make a mild version of this recipe, leave out the Serrano peppers in the Chimichurri sauce, and the hot sauce in the Mexican Crema. You can also use mild salsa, or prepare some pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, garlic, red onion, and chopped cilantro. Add a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime and you're done.
    • If you prefer, you can use Queso Fresco or Cotija cheese instead of shredded Mexican cheese. 
    • To make Fish Tacos instead, simply replace the large flour tortillas with corn tortillas.
    • This recipe is best when freshly prepared. Although leftovers will be ok for a day or two, the fish will no longer be crisp and the slaw mixture will be wilted.
    • This recipe does not freeze well.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1burrito | Calories: 707kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 768mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 5g
    Tried this Recipe? Please leave A Star Rating!Mention @HildasKitchenBlog or tag #HildasKitchenBlog!

    More Entree Recipes

    • instant pot Irish lamb stew in a white dish
      Instant Pot Lamb Stew
    • Ukrainian borscht recipe in a white bowl with more in a pot
      Traditional Ukrainian Borscht Recipe
    • sliced corned beef
      Smoked Corned Beef Brisket
    • chicken lemon coriander soup
      Lemon Coriander Soup With Chicken

    Sharing is caring!

    130 shares
    • Share86
    • Yummly
    • Tweet

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




       

      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Mili says

      July 07, 2022 at 5:18 pm

      5 stars
      Great recipe! I used to worry about the quality of fish burrito depends on how good the fish and how to fry them (I am not good at fried food); but those ingredients are just great combination with fish in a burrito.
      I made rice and beans on the side.

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        July 07, 2022 at 6:33 pm

        Thank you, Mili. I agree that in this case, the extras are everything! Take care!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    profile photo-Hilda

    Hi, I'm Hilda! I'm the creator of Hilda's Kitchen Blog, author of Mom's Authentic Assyrian Recipes, and a recipe contributor to Brian Baumgartner's Seriously Good Chili Cookbook (AKA Kevin Malone, from The Office).

    Are you looking for a little inspiration in the kitchen? Let me show you how to use unique ingredients to make tasty meals for your family! more about me →

    Get My Cookbook!

    cook book on a wooden board

    Easter Recipes

    • easter round up main photo
      35 Tasty Easter Recipe Ideas
    • a slice of carrot cake on a white plate
      Carrot Cake with Pineapple
    • kileche under a Christmas tree
      Kileche | Kleicha (Assyrian Holiday Cookies)
    • roasted carrots
      Parmesan Roasted Rainbow Carrots
    • healthy deviled eggs on a blue plate
      Healthy Keto Deviled Eggs
    • birds nests on a plate
      Bird Nest Recipe (Osh El Bulbul) Baklava

    Check Out My Etsy Shop!

    montana healing salves logo

    Popular Recipes

    • Katiafi pastry
      How to Make Kataifi Pastry from scratch!
    • smoked Tri Tip being sliced
      Traeger Smoked Tri-Tip
    • smoked turkey breast on the grill
      Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast
    • tri tip sandwiches featured image
      Tri-Tip Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions
    • orange powder in a jar with oranges around it
      Drying Orange Peels and How to Use Them
    • jiffy cornbread with creamed corn in a cast iron pan with a slice removed
      Jiffy Cornbread with Creamed Corn

    Featured On

    featured on

    Subscribe to Get my Latest Recipes!

    Privacy Policy

    Stay Connected

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • My Etsy Shop

    Policies

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Photo & Content Sharing Policy

    LET'S CONNECT!

    • Contact Page
    • Work with Me

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage from qualifying Amazon purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 • Hildas Kitchen Blog • All rights reserved