Seafood Nachos Recipe

Seafood nachos are a delightful and flavorful twist on the traditional nacho platter that we all know and love. Imagine the creamy, cheesy goodness of your favorite nachos, but with a fresh and succulent seafood twist. If you’re a fan of fish tacos or love indulging in creative seafood dishes, this seafood nachos recipe is just what you need. It combines the textures of corn tortilla chips with the savory and creamy mixture of seafood and melted Monterey jack cheese, creating a snack or appetizer that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients

1 lb white fish (cod, tilapia, or any firm fish of your choice)

1 cup crab meat (optional, but a great addition for crab meat nachos recipes)

One and ½ cups Monterey jack cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon hot sauce (or to taste)

½ cup sour cream

½ cup cream cheese

1 bag of corn chips or tortilla chips

¼ cup chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Seafood

When making Seafood nachos recipe begin by seasoning your white fish with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is heated, place the seasoned fish in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily. If you’re adding crab meat for a crab meat nachos recipe twist, ensure it’s properly cooked or warmed up alongside the fish.

Once the seafood is done, squeeze a bit of lime juice over the fish and gently flake it into bite-sized pieces. The lime juice adds a refreshing citrus note that pairs beautifully with the creamy elements of the nachos.

Step 2 – Assemble the Nachos

Next, grab a baking tray and spread a generous layer of corn tortilla chips or tortilla chips on the base. These chips form the crunchy foundation for your seafood nachos. Whether you’re a fan of fish nachos or prefer crab meat, the choice of chips matters, and corn tortilla chips bring an authentic flavor in seafood nacho recipe.

Now, it’s time to layer the seafood. Scatter the flaked fish (and crab if you’re using it) evenly over the chips. The seafood will blend beautifully with the rest of the toppings, ensuring every bite has a bit of the ocean’s bounty.

Step 3 – Add the Cheese

One of the most critical steps of any seafood nacho recipe is the cheese. For this recipe, we’re using 1 ½ cups of Monterey jack cheese. Sprinkle the cheese generously over the seafood and chips. The jack cheese has a mild yet creamy flavor that melts wonderfully over the nachos, making it the perfect cheese for this dish.

If you’d like, you can add a few extra spoonfuls of cream cheese scattered throughout the layers. The cream cheese will melt alongside the Monterey jack cheese, creating a rich, velvety texture that balances the savory fish and crispy chips.

Step 4 – Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled nachos into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to ensure the chips don’t over-toast. You want the chips to remain crispy, while the cheese becomes gooey and slightly golden.

Step 5 – Garnish and Serve

Once your seafood nachos are out of the oven, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Drizzle a little hot sauce over the top for an extra kick of heat. Then, spoon on dollops of sour cream for a cool, tangy contrast to the spiciness. Finally, sprinkle chopped green onions over the nachos for a pop of color and a fresh crunch.

Serve these nachos with extra lime juice on the side for those who like a citrusy punch, and feel free to customize with additional toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or pico de gallo.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Seafood nachos recipes are an exciting variation of the classic nachos we all love.

The combination of crispy corn tortilla chips and tender, flaky seafood with gooey melted cheese makes for an irresistible snack.

It’s incredibly versatile—whether you’re making fish nachos or mixing in crab for crab meat nachos recipes, the possibilities are endless.

With a prep and cook time of around 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick appetizer or snack at parties or gatherings.

The blend of flavors—from the zesty lime juice to the spicy hot sauce and the creaminess of the Monterey jack cheese and cream cheese—elevates this dish beyond your usual nachos.

If you’ve ever tried Chi Chi’s seafood nachos, this homemade version will remind you of those beloved flavors, but with your unique touch. It’s also reminiscent of flavors found in fish tacos, blending the freshness of seafood with familiar nacho toppings. Whether you’re a nacho enthusiast or a seafood lover, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.

So, gather your ingredients and try this delicious seafood nacho recipe