We cannot get enough of the famous fish taco! They are incredibly simple to make, and the flavors are just delicious. Tender seasoned fish, crunchy cabbage, and buttery avocado are wrapped in tortillas and served with a chilled, creamy fish taco sauce. This is one dinner that will undoubtedly become a staple in your household!
Many fish taco recipes appear unnecessarily intricate and difficult to handle on a busy night. The purpose of this blog and this fish taco recipe is to keep things simple without losing flavor. You may not need to make a slaw for the fish taco; crunchy cabbage alone makes a delightful fish taco slaw, especially when coupled with the fish taco sauce. With only a few simple ingredients, the sauce is ready in minutes. A few cupboard seasonings add a peppery, smokey taste to light white fish.
What Fish to Use
In this blog recipe, we used cod, but any flaky fish (such as tilapia) will suffice. Whatever fish you select, we recommend marinating it in a simple mixture of lime juice, chili powder, and cumin. Marinating your fish for at least 15 minutes will make your tacos as tasty as possible; believe us, it's worth the extra effort.
People may be intimidated by cooking fish for tacos, but don't be! After marinating, simply fry the fish in a skillet with a little oil for a few minutes per side to achieve a flawlessly flaky outcome. Allow the fish to rest for a few minutes before flaking it into pieces with a fork.
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Ingredients
- Fish: Popular selections include white fish like tilapia, cod, halibut, and haddock. These fish have a moderate flavor. Cod is a popular choice since it is slightly harder and keeps together well when cooked.
- Spices: Ingredients for a DIY spice rub include chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. This mixture imparts a delicious flavor to the fish. Alternatively, store-bought seasoning can be used as well.
- Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditionally preferred for their flavor and texture, however, flour tortillas can also be utilized. Both are easily found in most supermarkets. Remember to gently heat them before using them to ensure they're soft and simple to roll.
- Toppings: You can put stuff like salsa, sour cream, or shredded cheese on top to make it more interesting.
Seasoning the Fish
Sprinkle chili powder on the fish before cooking for a spicy flavor. It contrasts with the cabbage slaw. If you don't like chili powder, use paprika or your favorite spice mix. You can even just use salt and pepper!
Preparing Fish Tacos
Make the fish taco sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and spicy sauce (if using) for the taco sauce. Stir until thoroughly blended.
To make red cabbage slaw, combine shredded cabbage and 3 tablespoons of taco sauce in a medium bowl. Stir to coat, then add extra taco sauce if desired.
To reheat the tortillas, place them in a dry skillet over medium-high heat and cook for 30 seconds on each side. Alternatively, wrap 1–3 tortillas in a moist paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds until heated.
Keep the warmed tortillas wrapped in a clean dish towel while you prepare the fish.
To season the fish, sprinkle both sides with chili powder and salt. Gently work the seasonings into the fish with your fingertips to ensure it is completely coated.
To cook the fish, preheat a big cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is heated, add one tablespoon of olive oil and tilt it to coat the entire bottom.
Put the fish in the pan and cook it for 2 minutes. Then, turn the fish over and cook it for another 2 minutes. Flip and cook for a further 1-2 minutes, if necessary; the fish is done when it is opaque throughout and readily breaks apart. If you notice any small, thin pieces of the fish starting to break off when you flip it, just gently take them out and put them on a plate for serving.
To serve the tacos, place cooked fillets on a dish and use a fork or knife to break them into large chunks. Assemble the tacos with a few pieces of fish, cabbage slaw, desired toppings, and a dab of taco sauce.
Substituting Ingredients
This is a recipe that may be modified to use any ingredients you have on hand. It's difficult to go wrong, even if you run out of one item and need to substitute something else. Here are some suggestions:
- Out of sour cream or mayonnaise? Use the one you have! I've even thinned yogurt with milk in a pinch.
- No red cabbage? Choose green cabbage or savoy cabbage, or forgo the slaw altogether.
- All of the toppings are entirely adjustable. Avocados, spring onions, cilantro, and radishes are my favorites, but you could also use chopped arugula or thinly sliced apples.
- Out of limes? Use lemons instead
- If you are not in the mood for fish, you may prepare this with shrimp.
What to serve with fish tacos
Here are some of the items that you can serve as a side with your freshly made fish taco.
- Cabbage Slaw
- Pico de Gallo
- Avocado Salsa
- Chipotle Crema
- Pickled Red Onions
- Black Bean and Corn Salad
- Mango Salsa
- Cilantro Lime Rice
Answering some questions
What’s in taco sauce?
Keep it simple here. Just mix sour cream, mayo, lime juice, and a splash of Sriracha for the sauce. Use this sauce to quickly mix coleslaw with red cabbage and also to drizzle over the top.
Corn or Flour Tortillas
You can choose your tortilla. I love the flavor of maize tortillas, especially when lightly charred in a dry skillet or over the flames of a gas stove.
Frequently Asked Questions
The white sauce is a mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and spices like garlic powder and cilantro.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making the ideal fish taco is more than just following a recipe; it's a culinary journey that allows you to express your creativity and flavor. Whether you prefer the crispiness of the fish, the freshness of colorful salsas, or the crunch of slaw, the beauty of fish taco is their variety. So, put on your apron, experiment with different combinations, and let your taste buds lead you on a journey to uncover your own ideal fish taco recipe. Remember that the delight of cooking these tacos lies not just in the finished product, but also in the process itself—a celebration of tastes that draws people together around a table full of wonderful memories. Happy taco making!
