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Fish Tacos

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

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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