I’ve had tacos with halibut, snapper, and even salmon. I’ve enjoyed tacos with deep-fried fish and tacos with grilled fish. I’ve sampled tacos with tongue-tingling tingling mayo and tacos with tangy fruit salsa. I’ve had tacos at fancy San Francisco restaurants with white tablecloths and tacos from open air taquerias overlooking the Pacific Ocean. But there really is only one kind of fish taco that I routinely make myself at home: these easy pan-seared fish tacos with citrusy mayo and a simple cabbage slaw. They’re ready in about 20 minutes and they hit the spot every time.
Best Fish for Fish Tacos
Cod, tilapia, or halibut are my go-to choices for fish tacos, but you could really use any white fish fillets. It doesn’t really matter if the fish is a firm variety or more flakey; you break up the cooked fish into the tacos anyway, so perfect presentation isn’t really important. Make your life easier and pick up filets that have already been skinned. If you buy from a fish counter, you can always ask to have the skins removed for you at no extra charge. If you end up with fillets with the skins still on, it’s no problem. Cook them as directed in the recipe skin-side on top first, then flip so they’re skin-side down. They may need an extra minute or two to cook through. The fish is done when it flakes easily away from the skin.
The Best Seasoning for the Fish
I lightly coat my fish with chili powder before searing. It adds a touch of spice to the fish and makes a nice contrast to the cooling cabbage slaw. If you’re not a fan of chili powder, use plain paprika or any favorite spice mix. Even just salt and pepper is just fine!
What’s in the Taco Sauce?
Again, I keep it simply here. The sauce is just a simple mix of sour cream, mayo, lime juice and a splash of Sriracha. I use this saw both to mix a quick coleslaw with red cabbage and also to drizzle over the top. (Or you can do like my husband does and smear the sauce on the tortilla so you’re sure to get some in every bite!)
Corn or Flour Tortillas?
I’ve had fish tacos with all manner of tortillas, even cauliflower! This is to say, your choice of tortilla is your own. Personally, I prefer the flavor of corn tortillas the best, especially if you take the time to lightly char them in a dry skillet or over the flames of a gas stove. Want to make your own tortillas? Try these recipes:
Homemade Corn Tortillas Homemade Flour Tortillas
Swaps, Substitutions, and Suggestions
This is a recipe that is meant to be played with and adapted to whatever you have in the kitchen. It’s really hard to go wrong, even if you’re out of an ingredient and need to swap something else. Here are some suggestions:
Out of sour cream or mayo? Use whichever one you have! I’ve even used yogurt thinned with milk in a pinch.Out of limes? Use lemons instead.No red cabbage? Go for green cabbage or savoy cabbage, or skip the slaw entirely.All the toppings are completely adaptable . I like avocados, spring onions, cilantro, and radishes, but you could use anything from chopped arugula to thinly sliced apples.If you’re not in the mood for fish, you could make this with shrimp instead.
You can also switch up the cooking method, if you like.
To grill the fish, buy fillets with the skin left on. Follow the method in this recipe for Grilled Fish Tacos. To deep fry your fish, follow the method in this recipe for Crispy Fish Tacos.
Love Tacos? Try These Recipes
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos Crispy Fish Tacos with Red Cabbage Slaw Chorizo and Egg Breakfast Tacos Grilled Fish Tacos with Strawberry Pineapple Salsa
1 pound cod, tilapia, halibut, or other white fish filets 2 to 3 teaspoons chili powder, enough to coat the fish 1 teaspoon kosher salt
For the fish taco sauce:
1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup mayonnaise 3 to 4 tablespoons lime juice (from 2 limes) 1 teaspoon hot sauce, optional
To assemble:
1/2 small head red cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups) 12 taco-sized corn or flour tortillas 1 avocado, sliced 4 radishes, thinly sliced 4 spring onions, thinly sliced 1/3 cup roughly chopped cilantro
Keep warmed tortillas wrapped in a clean dish towel while you make the fish. Add the fish to the pan and cook for 2 minutes. Flip the fish and cook another 2 minutes. Flip and cook 1-2 minutes longer if needed; the fish is done when it is opaque all the way through and breaks apart easily. If any smaller, thinner pieces of the fish start to break off as you flip, just scoop them out and transfer them to a serving platter.
