sauce for fish tacos

Dinner

Fish Tacos Recipe: A Love Story with the Best Fish Taco Sauce

A Tale of Fish Tacos, a Little Drama, and a Splash of Love

fish taco sauce recipe

Imagine this: a quaint beach town, a calm evening, with a tiny Taco stand on the beach with the scent of freshly cooked fish frying in the barbecue. On one such night when Jessica first came across Tom. Simple orders of fish tacos set them up, creating a romantic tale with adventure, laughter and a lot of journeys to search for what they considered to be the “best fish tacos around me” everywhere they went. Their quest led to develop their own recipe, a fish taco made with delicate cod with a zingy slaw for fish tacos, as well as a delicious sauce for fish tacos that was delicious. Family and friends couldn’t be satisfied, and eventually everyone wanted to know their recipe.

If you’re looking to create the ultimate fish tacos, then you’re going to be embarking on an amazing journey that will keep you coming back for more. If you’re planning a taco evening with a couple or having a party at the beach with your buddies Fish tacos featuring a delicious seafood taco sauce, and a crunchy salad, will surely turn into a favorite. Let’s get started and create fish tacos to give a touch of excitement and plenty of taste to your daily life.

The Best Fish Tacos Recipe with a Zesty Fish Taco Sauce

This recipe for fish tacos includes everything you require to create the ideal combination of flavor and textures. It is made with tender flaky seafood, a zesty rich fish taco sauce, and an slaw that is crunchy and delicious every bite will take you to a restaurant on the beach.

fish taco slaw

Ingredients

For the Fish
  • Cod 1lb, or mahi fillets (you may also substitute either halibut or tilapia)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lime Juice
  • 1 TSP chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1/2 TSP cumin
  • Salt, pepper and according to your taste
For the Fish Taco Sauce
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • Juice from 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha, or hot sauce (adjust the amount to suit your tastes)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper as desired
For the Fish Taco Slaw
  • 2 cups of shredded cabbage (or colelaw mix)
  • 1/2 cup of carrots shredded
  • 1/2 cup diced cilantro
  • Juice from 1 lime
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper according to your taste
For Assembly
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • Other toppings Avocado slices and chopped tomatoes, additional lime wedges

Step 1: Marinate the Fish

Make sure to marinate your fish in a short time for your fish to impart the flavor of a zing:

  1. Put your cod (or mahi mahi) fillets into an shallow dish.
  2. Pour olive oil over the top and lime juice. Then sprinkle on chili powder along with cumin, paprika and cumin. salt and pepper.
  3. Apply the marinade to the fish and ensure that each piece has been coated thoroughly.
  4. Let the marinate sit for about 15 minutes as you make the sauce and the slaw.
fish taco sauce

Step 2: Make the Zesty Fish Taco Sauce

This fish taco sauce is creamy and tangy and is exactly the right level spice.

  1. In a large bowl Mix together mayonnaise, lime juice and Sriracha (or your preferred hot sauce) as well as garlic powder and smoking black paprika.
  2. Add any salt or pepper you like. You can adjust the quantity of Sriracha to your preferred degree of spice.
  3. Refrigerate and cover the sauce until it’s time to make your tacos.

Tips: If you like more pronounced sauces, allow it chill in the refrigerator for at minimum 10 minutes. This allows for the flavors to combine and create a greater taste.

Step 3: Prepare the Fish Taco Slaw

The slaw that goes with fish tacos is sour, light and crunchy. It is perfect for enhancing the richness of fish as well as the creamy flavor that the sauce offers.

  1. A large mixing bowl blend shredded cabbage, chopped carrots and chopped cilantro.
  2. Mix lime juice with apple cider vinegar. Finally, add salt and pepper as desired.
  3. Mix everything until all the ingredients are well covered.

TIP: For an authentic crunch, you can use fresh shredded cabbage. However, in case you’re running out of time you can use a mix that comes in a bag is also a good option!

Step 4: Cook the Fish

Once the fish has been in the marinade, you can prepare it for cooking to perfection. Grill or bake the fish, based on the style you prefer.

  1. Grilling Bring your grill up to medium temperature. Oil the grates lightly and then cook the fish 3-4 minutes each side until the fish is translucent and flaky.
  2. Pan-frying Prepare a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Sprinkle a few drops of oil on the skillet and fry the fish for about 3-4 minutes per side.
  3. Baking Preheat your oven until 400 degF (200degC). Set the fish out on a baking tray covered with parchment. Then bake for between 10 and 12 minutes or until fish is cooked to perfection.

Tips: Fish cooks fast and is best cooked with a watchful eye on it in order to avoid cooking too long! The flesh should be clear and easy to flake using the help of a fork.

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

Fish tacos taste best when served with soft and warm tortillas. The warmth enhances their sweetness and helps them become more flexible to support fillings.

  1. on the Stove: Place each tortilla into a skillet that is dry at medium-low heat for approximately 20-30 secs per side.
  2. in the Oven: Wrap a pile of tortillas with foil and then bake the tortillas in a 300 degF (150degC) oven in 5-10 minutes.
  3. Microwaves: Wrap the tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave for about 15 minutes.

Step 6: Assemble Your Fish Tacos

Now it’s the time to get everything put in place!

  1. The first step is to spread the fish taco sauce across the middle of each tortilla.
  2. Serve a portion of fish that has been cooked, and serve with a large portion of slaw for fish tacos.
  3. Add any other garnishes that you prefer for garnish, like tomato slices cut into pieces, avocado or lime wedges.

TIP: For additional flavor add a little the fish taco sauce over the top!

cod fish tacos

Tips for Perfect Fish Tacos Every Time

  1. Explore Fish Types: Cod and mahi mahi have become popular choices in fish-tacos. But you shouldn’t be shy about trying the likes of snapper, halibut or even salmon to give your tacos a distinctive variation.
  2. Crunch Matters A well-made slaw will provide both freshness and crunch. You can add finely chopped radishes or even green onions for some extra flavor.
  3. Adjust the spice level: Adjust the amount of sriracha that is in the sauce for this recipe according to your preference for spice and substitute it with more mild sauces if like lower spice.
  4. Test New Toppers: From pickled onions to queso fresco. Feel at ease to use your preferred toppings to make these delicious fish tacos your own.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Fish Tacos

Fish Tacos Recipe: A Love Story with the Best Fish Taco Sauce

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This fish taco recipe combines tender cod with a zesty sauce and a crunchy slaw, bringing the flavors of a beachside taco stand to your kitchen. Perfect for gatherings, these tacos deliver a taste adventure with each bite

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 tacos 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fish

  • 1 lb cod fillets (or substitute with mahi mahi, halibut, or tilapia)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Fish Taco Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • 1 tbsp sriracha (or hot sauce; adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Fish Taco Slaw

  • 2 cups shredded cabbage (or coleslaw mix)
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For Assembly

  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • Additional toppings: avocado slices, chopped tomatoes, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Fish
    • Place cod fillets in a shallow dish. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, then sprinkle with chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
    • Coat the fish well and let marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Fish Taco Sauce
    • In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, sriracha, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Adjust salt, pepper, and sriracha to taste.
    • Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Prepare the Slaw
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, and cilantro.
    • Add lime juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  4. Cook the Fish
    • Grill: Preheat grill to medium. Oil the grates lightly, then cook fish for 3–4 minutes per side until flaky.
    • Pan-Fry: In a non-stick pan over medium-high heat, add a bit of oil and cook fish for 3–4 minutes per side.
    • Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place fish on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes or until flaky.
  5. Warm the Tortillas
    • Stovetop: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 20–30 seconds per side.
    • Oven: Wrap tortillas in foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes.
    • Microwave: Wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 15 seconds.
  6. Assemble Tacos
    • Spread fish taco sauce on each tortilla, add fish, top with slaw, and add optional garnishes like avocado or lime wedges.

Notes

  • Experiment with Fish: Cod and mahi mahi are popular, but halibut, snapper, or salmon can add unique flavors.
  • Extra Crunch: Add chopped radishes or green onions to the slaw.
  • Control Spice: Adjust sriracha for desired heat; substitute milder sauce if needed.
  • Explore Toppings: Try pickled onions or queso fresco for added flair.
  • Author: Célia Brooks
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling, Pan-Frying, Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: per taco
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 370 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Protein: 13 g

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Make Fish Tacos?

The process of making fish tacos is simple and only requires a couple of easy steps:

  1. Marinade the salmon with spice as well as lime juice to enhance the fish with flavor.
  2. Create the sauce for fish tacos by mixing mayonnaise, lime juice, sour-cream along with a little hot sauce to give it a spicy punch.
  3. The fish taco Slaw with chopped cabbage, carrots and cilantro with lime juice along with some vinegar.
  4. The fish can be cooked through grilling the fish, pan-frying it, or baking until smooth and tender.
  5. Make the tacos by placing the sauce, fish and slaw onto warm tortillas. You can add additional toppings according to your preference.

How can I make These Fish Tacos with Frozen Fish?

Absolutely! You can simply thaw the fillets of fish in a refrigerator or in an ice-cold bowl prior to marinating. Make sure you pat the fish dry in order to make sure the marinade is well-resistant.

What Fish Works Best for Fish Tacos?

Mahi mahi and cod are both popular due to their subtle taste and flaky texture however, halibut, snapper and tilapia also work. If you’re looking for a more elegant taco, consider salmon.

How Do I Store Leftover Fish Tacos?

To keep leftovers in storage, put all the ingredients (fish sauce, slaw, and sauce) separately in airtight jars within the fridge. Fish will last for about 3 days, while sauce and slaw keep in good condition for 3-4 days.

A Few Final Words: The Magic of Homemade Fish Tacos

The appeal of this recipe is in its simplicity. Every element – the delicious seafood, the smooth sauce, the slaw that’s crunchy–plays it’s part in making something enjoyable and memorable. The way Jessica and Tom found out, the most enjoyable adventures begin by eating something tasty. When you’re in the mood for fish tacos take note of this recipe, collect your ingredients then let every taco provide an ocean-side taste right to your dining table.

Whether you’re eating the tacos with your relatives, friends or perhaps a romance that’s just beginning you’re sure to be able to share happiness and make you yearn to have “just another bite.”

By Célia brooks.

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star