Get ready for a fiesta with these Epic Baja Fish Tacos! Crispy, flavorful fish is tucked inside warm tortillas, making every bite a tasty delight. The homemade fish taco sauce adds a zesty twist that you won’t want to miss!
I love piling on fresh toppings like crunchy cabbage and creamy avocado. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a sunny day, and let’s be real, it’s hard to have just one taco! 🌮
Ingredients & Substitutions
White Fish: Cod and tilapia are excellent choices for their mild taste and flaky texture. If those aren’t available, try using haddock or even shrimp for a different spin on the taco.
Flour and Cornmeal: This combo gives the fish a delightful crunch. You can swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour or almond flour if needed. For a fluffier texture, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of cornmeal.
Spices: The paprika and cumin bring warmth and depth. If you’re looking for a change, taco seasoning or smoked paprika can add a nice twist. Adjust the cayenne pepper depending on your heat preference.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding lemon juice to milk, as mentioned. Yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt can also work well to help the coating stick.
Tortillas: Choose between corn and flour tortillas based on your preference. Corn provides a traditional base, while flour adds a softer texture. Whole wheat tortillas are a good healthier alternative.
How Do I Get the Fish Perfectly Crispy?
The key step to achieving crispy fish is in the coating process. Make sure you properly dip and dredge your fish, allowing the buttermilk to adhere to the flour-cornmeal mixture. This creates a lovely crust when fried.
- Start by preparing your frying oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Coat each fillet in buttermilk first, letting the excess drip off.
- The dredging should be thorough, ensuring every inch of fish is covered in the cornmeal-flour mix.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps maintain the oil’s temperature for crispiness.
Cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side allows the fish to develop a beautiful golden brown color. Use a paper towel to catch any excess oil after frying.
Epic Baja Fish Tacos With Homemade Fish Taco Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fish:
- 1 lb white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice for a substitute)
- Oil for frying
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup purple cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded (optional)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
- Avocado or guacamole for topping (optional)
For the Fish Taco Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook. Overall, you’ll spend about 30-35 minutes from start to finish, resulting in delicious fish tacos that are perfect for any occasion. Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fish Taco Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lime juice, taco seasoning, hot sauce (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined smoothly. Set this delicious sauce aside while you work on the fish.
2. Prepare the Fish:
In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, pour in the buttermilk. This combo is going to give your fish a tasty coating!
3. Coat the Fish:
Take each fish fillet and dip it into the buttermilk, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. Then, dredge the fillet in the flour-cornmeal mixture, making sure to coat both sides well.
4. Fry the Fish:
Heat oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated fish fillets into the pan. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. When done, remove the fish and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any extra oil.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While the fish is frying, warm your tortillas! You can either place them in a dry skillet over low heat for about 30 seconds on each side or wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at low heat until they are soft and ready.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take your warm tortillas and lay them flat. Add a nice portion of the shredded cabbage, then place some pieces of your crispy fried fish on top. Sprinkle the diced tomatoes and fresh cilantro over it. Finally, drizzle your homemade fish taco sauce on top. If you like, add some avocado or guacamole to make it even tastier!
7. Serve:
These tacos are best served right away! Make sure to have lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos. Enjoy every bite of your homemade Baja fish tacos!
Can I Use a Different Type of Fish?
Absolutely! While cod and tilapia are great choices, you can also use other white fish like haddock, mahi-mahi, or even salmon for a different flavor. Just ensure the fish is fresh or properly thawed if frozen for the best results!
What if I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No problem! You can easily make your own buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly before using it in the recipe.
Can I Make the Fish Taco Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the fish taco sauce a day in advance. Just mix all the ingredients and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
How to Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover fish and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the fish in a skillet to retain its crispiness and warm the tortillas briefly before assembling the leftover tacos for a quick meal!
