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    Home » Recipes » Seafood Recipes

    Easy and Delicious Fish Tacos

    Published: Jun 6, 2022 by Chef Dennis Littley

    126 shares
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    • Yummly
    5 from 17 votes
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    pinterest image for fish tacos

    When you’re looking for Fish Tacos that are easy to make, and incredibly delicious my fish taco recipe is sure to please.

    overhead view of 3 fish tacos with lime wedges on a white plate.

    Perfectly seasoned whitefish, topped with crunchy cabbage, salsa fresca, avocado slices, and lime crema will have your family coming back for seconds!

    side view of 3 fish tacos with lime wedges on a white plate.

    And my fish taco recipe can be on your dinner table in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for your next taco night. So said weeknight meals had to be boring?

    *You can use corn tortillas or flour tortillas to make these delicious tacos. And if you’d like to make your own tortillas, I love this Blue Corn Tortilla recipe that Maricruz at M.A. kitchen shared with us.

    What Ingredients do I need to make Fish Tacos?

    Ingredients to make fish tacos.

    Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make my tacos. In Chef Speak this is called the “Mise en Place” which translates to “Everything in its Place”.

    Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed up the cooking process, it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

    *I used green cabbage for the crunch in my tacos but feel free to use red cabbage instead.

    What type of fish should I use for fish tacos?

    Any type of white-fleshed, mild, saltwater fish can be used for tacos. I used rockfish, but snapper, mahi-mahi, grouper, flounder, halibut or cod, are also good choices.

    Some of the tastiest tacos I’ve ever had were made with fresh local fish. So don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite fish or the freshest fish in the market. I’ve even made my tacos using salmon.

    What seasonings should I use to make fish tacos?

    I used very basic seasonings consisting of chili powder, cumin, sea salt, and black pepper. But you can customize your fish taco seasoning by adding any of these spices.

    • chili powder
    • smoked paprika or sweet paprika
    • dried oregano
    • garlic powder
    • onion powder

    You can also use a store-bought taco seasoning blend.

    How do I make Fish Tacos?

    Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F

    three images showing the cooking process of the fish.
    • In a small bowl combine, chili powder, cumin, sea salt and black pepper.
    • Place the fish on a baking sheet (add a little water to the baking sheet so the fish doesn’t dry out while cooking). Sprinkle the fish liberally with the seasoning blend.
    • Bake at 375 for 15 – 20 minutes or until the fish is fully cooked. Flake the fish apart for the tacos

    If you want to kick your taco night up a notch my Grilled Shrimp Tacos and Etouffee Street Tacos are delicious menu options.

    How do I make Lime Crema?

    lime cream in a stainless steel bowl with a wire whisk

    Mix the sour cream, heavy cream, sea salt and lime juice together in a small bowl. Allow the crema to sit unrefrigerated for 30 minutes, then cover and refrigerate until needed.

    You can use the crema right away, but letting it sit for 30 minutes will build the tangy flavor that crema is known for.

    How do I make Salsa Fresca?

    salsa fresca in a glass bowl

    Add the red onion, lime juice, tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and salt to a small bowl. Mix the ingredients together and if time permits allow them to sit for 10-15 minutes before using. This will let the salsa become more flavorful.

    four tacos with toppings on a sheet pan

    Build the tacos using your choice of toppings. It doesn’t matter the order, it will still be delicious no matter how you add the toppings.

    What other toppings can I use on fish tacos?

    • roasted corn
    • guacamole
    • jalapeño peppers
    • pickled onions
    • diced tomatoes
    close up view of 3 tacos on a white plate.

    Who’s ready to join me in a plateful of these delicious and easy fish tacos?

    Recipe FAQ’s:

    What side dishes should I serve with fish tacos?

    Mexican rice, refried beans, Mexican street corn, black beans, cilantro-lime rice, jalapeño poppers, sweet potato fries and oven-roasted potatoes all make great side dishes. And of course, watermelon and margaritas are always a welcome addition!

    What sauces go well with fish tacos?

    I love lime crema with my fish tacos, but if you prefer a spicer white sauce try adding sriracha and garlic powder to the crema. Baja sauce is another good choice.

    What are fish tacos made with?

    Classic fish tacos use basic ingredients, flaky white fish, shredded cabbage, and crema (or some type of white sauce). Of course, you’ll see many variations on menus, feel free to add your favorite toppings.

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    close up view of 3 tacos on a white plate.
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    5 from 17 votes

    Easy and Delicious Fish Tacos

    Fish tacos couldn't be easier to make and are a delicious way to change up your weeknight dinner. Add your favorite toppings and let your friends and family have fun making their own tacos. Taco night will never be the same!
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time20 mins
    Total Time35 mins
    Course: Entree
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 154kcal
    Author: Chef Dennis Littley

    Ingredients

    Fish

    • 8 corn tortillas white or yellow corn
    • 1 lb rockfish or your favorite white-fleshed, mild, saltwater fish, salmon, or tilapia.
    • ½ tsp ground cumin
    • ½ tsp chili powder
    • ½ tsp salt
    • ⅛ tsp black pepper

    Lime Crema

    • ½ cup sour cream
    • ¼ cup heavy cream
    • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
    • ½ tsp sea salt

    Salsa Fresca

    • ½ cup red onions finely chopped
    • 1 ½ cups tomatoes chopped
    • ½ lime juiced
    • 1 tbsp cilantro chopped
    • ¼ tsp salt or to taste

    Other Toppings

    • 2 cups cabbage finely shredded
    • 4 oz Cotija cheese crumbled
    • 2 avocado peeled, cored and sliced
    US Customary – Metric
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    Instructions

    Toppings

    • Finely shred the cabbage. Refrigerate until needed.
    • Crumble the cotija cheese
    • Peel, core and slice the avacado.

    Fish

    • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
    • Place the fish on a baking sheet. Add a little water to the baking sheet so the fish doesn't dry out while cooking.
    • In a small bowl combine, chili powder, cumin, sea salt and black pepper.
    • Sprinkle the fish liberally with the seasoning blend.
    • Bake at 375 for 15 – 20 minutes or until the fish is fully cooked.

    Lime Crema

    • Mix sour cream, heavy cream, sea salt and lime juice together in a small bowl. Allow the crema to sit unrefrigerated for 2-3 hours.   Cover and refrigerate until needed.

    Salsa Fresca

    • Mix red onion, lime juice, Roma tomatoes, cilantro, and salt in a bow. Mix well and allow to stand 15 minutes for the flavors to blend before serving.

    Assembly

    • While the fish is cooling toast the tortillas on a griddle, frying pan or grill to warm them.
    • Place the toasted tortillas on a sheet pan and begin adding the fish taco ingredients.
    • Add all or just the toppings you like in any order you prefer and enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 154kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 511mg | Potassium: 316mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 128IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 108mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askChefDennis or tag #askChefDennis!

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    About Chef Dennis

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    Chef Dennis Littley is a classically trained chef with over 40 years of experience working in the food service industry. In his second career as a food blogger he has made it his mission to demistify cooking by sharing his time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen. Let Chef Dennis help you bring the joy of cooking into your home. For more details, check out his About page.

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    My name is Dennis Littley or "Chef Dennis" as I'm known both at work and across the blogosphere. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

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