Fish Tacos
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
40 mins
-
Cook Time
20 mins
-
Total Time
1 hr
-
Servings
12 tacos
-
Calories
246 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
American
Fish Tacos
Description
Fish Tacos combine flaky white fish, such as cod, with a marinade emphasizing chili powder, cumin, and lime juice, which imparts both mild heat and brightness. The fish is pan-fried in butter for a crisp, golden exterior while remaining tender inside. The accompanying sauce adds a creamy, tangy element enhanced by garlic powder and smoked paprika, complementing the savory fish well.
The tacos are assembled in warmed corn tortillas, providing a soft base that holds the flaky fish and fresh toppings: finely shredded cabbage for crunch, chopped red onion and cilantro for aromatics, and optional cotija cheese and jalapeño for flavor layers. This combination balances textures and flavors in each bite.
This recipe serves about four adults, making approximately twelve tacos depending on size and toppings. It is suited for casual meals and pairs well with chips and guacamole or a light side salad.
Marinate the fish for at least 20 minutes, but up to 40 is fine. Leftover sauce keeps well refrigerated. The mild spice level can be adjusted by adding or omitting jalapeños. Corn tortillas should be warmed individually and wrapped to retain softness before serving.
Ingredients
For the fish:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 pounds cod see note for subs, fillets
- 1 tablespoon butter for frying
For the sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For serving:
- 12 corn tortillas see note
- 2 cups cabbage green or red, finely shredded
- 1/2 medium red onion chopped
- 1 handful cilantro chopped, fresh
- lime wedges
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese optional, to taste, grated
- 1 jalapeno pepper chopped finely, optional
Instructions
- Prepare your fish by adding the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt to a medium bowl and stirring together. Add the cod fillets to a ZipLoc bag and pour the marinade over, then massage to coat and pop it in the fridge. You will prep the rest of the recipe while it marinates, and this will likely take 30-40 minutes, but as long as you marinate the fish for at least 20 minutes, you're good to go.
- Meanwhile, add the sauce ingredients to a medium bowl and stir together until smooth. Taste and adjust if needed (e.g. add more lime or salt). Refrigerate until needed.
- Prep your toppings and warm your tortillas. To warm the tortillas, use your preferred method or heat a dry cast iron skillet (don't add oil or butter) over medium-high heat. Once it's HOT, warm each tortilla individually, flipping once with tongs (about 30 sec/side). Place them in a clean kitchen towel or foil as you go along, and wrap them up to keep them warm.
- When the fish is done marinating, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat (you can use the same one you just warmed the tortillas in). Once the pan is hot, cook the fish for 3-5 minutes/side or until it flakes easily with a fork, taking care to not overcook it. Break the fish up with your fork, then serve straight from the skillet to keep it warm; it'll continue to cook a bit more once you take it off the stove.
- Serve on warmed tortillas with desired toppings and a drizzle of the sauce.
Notes
- Use cod or a similar flaky white fish like tilapia or mahi-mahi for best results.
- The coating marinade requires at least 20 minutes but can be left up to 40 minutes for more flavor.
- Warm tortillas individually in a dry skillet and wrap to keep them soft before serving.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for later use.
- Omit jalapeños in the sauce to keep the tacos mild, or add more for heat.
- This recipe yields about 12 tacos and serves 4 adults when combined with sides.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12tacos
Amount Per Serving
Calories 246 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 246kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 40mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 371mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 359mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 457IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 80mg | 8% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
