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Home / Recipes

Fish Tacos

40 minutes
4.93 from 56 votes
24 Comments
Jump to RecipePrint Recipe
  • 551
by: Joanna Cismaru
04.25.22

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pin for freshly made fish tacos on a white serving platter.

Homemade Fish Tacos loaded with fresh ingredients! Perfectly seasoned fish on crispy tortillas, served with a homemade mayo sauce and garnished with red cabbage and green onions! These Fish Tacos are healthy, incredibly fresh and bursting with tons of flavor!

6 fish tacos on a white serving platter.

Fish Tacos

When you want to boost up your taco game and don’t know where to start, you know I’ve got you covered! Fish tacos are such an easy way to make a lighter fresh meal with seriously delicious flavors and really simple steps to put together. Plus, with just 15 minutes prep time, it will feel like a walk in the park to get this meal ready!

  • 15 Minute Prep Time
  • Simple Instructions
  • Tasty Flavors
  • Incredibly Fresh and Healthy

You can use any white fish you like. I’ve made these with Haddock, Cod, Basa and even Marlin, so use your favorite. Not only that but you can cook it any way you like as well. In the past I’ve grilled it, baked it and pan fried it. That’s what’s so great about these fish tacos, they’re versatile. And when you pair them with my awesome mayo sauce, you’ve got a winner!

Ingredient Notes

overhead shot of ingredients needed to make fish tacos.

For Sauce

  • Sour Cream – You can swap this for Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
  • Mayonnaise – You can use either store bought or homemade mayonnaise.
  • Lime juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice is best.
  • Seasoning – Chili powder, cumin, oregano and dried dill. Feel free to play around with your favorite spices and herbs.

For Tacos

  • Fish – You’ll need a few fillets of fresh Haddock. However, any other white fish would work as well such as Cod, Marlin, Basa or Flounder.
  • Tortillas – Small store-bought tortillas or homemade tortillas work, whether they’re corn or flour. Make sure you toast them up first, completely changes the taco experience.
  • Toppings – Go nuts with the toppings and use your favorites. I used shredded red cabbage, because I think it looks amazing and taste great on these fish tacos, cilantro, green onions and a bit of crumbled feta cheese. You can also use queso fresco, radishes, red onion, or jalapeños for a bit of a kick. Your tacos, your rules.

How To Make Fish Tacos

process shots showing how to make the sauce and cook the fish for fish tacos.
  1. Cook the fish: Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish fillets to the skillet, and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until it starts to turn a bit golden. The fish is cooked through when it loses its translucent or raw appearance. Do not overcrowd, you will need to do this in batches. Transfer the fish to a plate and repeat with remaining fish fillets.
  2. Make the Sauce: Mix all the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Assemble the tacos: Lightly toast the tortillas in a skillet over medium-high heat. Using a fork, break the fish into bite size pieces. Top each tortilla with fish, sauce, cabbage, feta cheese, green onions, and garnish with cilantro.
detailed process shots showing how to assemble fish tacos.

FAQ’s & Expert Tips

FAQ’s

What other fish can I use?

If you’re not a fan of Haddock or can’t find it in your grocery store then you can sub it for a number of different fish such as Cod, Flounder, Basa, Marlin, Pollack or Tilapia. Avoid leaner fish such as swordfish or tuna.

Can I substitute the fish with something else?

Don’t limit yourself to just what I’ve included in my recipe card, you can use whatever you’d like to in these tasty little hand held treats. Your fish can be subbed with shrimp, carnitas, steak or chicken. And while you’re at it, you can add extra fillings such as pineapple salsa, corn, or avocado.

What can I serve with fish tacos?

While this dish is a complete meal on its own, you can easily pair it with some delicious side dishes such as Cilantro Lime Rice or Mexican Street Corn Salad, just to name a few.

What is the safe internal temperature for cooked fish?

According to FDA, the safe internal temperature for cooked fish is 145°F.

close up of a plate with fish tacos.

Some Tips

  1. If using frozen fish, allow them to thaw fully in the refrigerator.
  2. Serve these fish tacos with this Mexican Street Corn Slaw for extra flavor.
  3. After cooking the fish, let them rest for a few minutes before flaking them into pieces.
  4. To bake the fish in the oven, season the fillets with salt and pepper, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F for about 10 to 15 minutes or until cooked through.
  5. To grill the fish, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with oil and place the seasoned fish on the grill. Cook for about for about 3-4 minutes per side or until no longer translucent and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. When possible, use wild-caught fish since they have a better flavor and are healthier.
a hand holding a fresh fish taco.

Leftovers

If you have any leftover ingredients, I recommend storing everything separately and not assembled as tacos, since they might get soggy. The oils in fish are very fragile and can oxidize over a short amount of time, which can give the fish that “fishy” taste. However, you can still store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce can also be stored separately in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.

6 fish tacos on a white serving platter.

More Incredible Taco Recipes To Try

  • Blackened Fish Tacos with Mango and Avocado Salsa
  • Easy Ground Beef Tacos
  • Vietnamese Fish Tacos
  • Chicken Street Tacos
  • Steak Tacos
  • Birria Tacos
  • Tacos Al Pastor

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6 fish tacos on a white serving platter.

Fish Tacos

4.93 from 56 votes
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 40 mins
Author: Joanna Cismaru
Serves: 10
Print Pin Rate
Homemade Fish Tacos loaded with fresh ingredients! Perfectly seasoned fish on crispy tortillas, served with a homemade mayo sauce and garnished with red cabbage and green onions! These Fish Tacos are healthy, incredibly fresh and bursting with tons of flavor!

Equipment

  • 12″ AllClad Stainless Skillet

Ingredients

Sauce

  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • 2 tablespoon lime juice from 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

Tacos

  • 1½ pounds haddock
  • ½ teaspoon salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 10 small tortillas

Toppings

  • 1 cup cabbage shredded
  • ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 3 green onions sliced diagonally
  • ¼ cup cilantro chopped
  • 1 lemon cut in wedges
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Cook the fish: Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish fillets to the skillet, and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until it starts to turn a bit golden. The fish is cooked through when it loses its translucent or raw appearance. Do not overcrowd, you will need to do this in batches. Transfer the fish to a plate and repeat with remaining fish fillets.
  • Make the Sauce: Mix all the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Assemble the tacos: Lightly toast the tortillas in a skillet over medium-high heat. Using a fork, break the fish into bite size pieces. Top each tortilla with fish, sauce, cabbage, feta cheese, green onions, and garnish with cilantro.
  • Serve: Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side to drizzle lemon juice over the tacos.

Recipe Notes

  1. If using frozen fish, allow them to thaw fully in the refrigerator.
  2. Serve these fish tacos with this Mexican Street Corn Slaw for extra flavor.
  3. After cooking the fish, let them rest for a few minutes before flaking them into pieces.
  4. To bake the fish in the oven, season the fillets with salt and pepper, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F for about 10 to 15 minutes or until cooked through.
  5. To grill the fish, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with oil and place the seasoned fish on the grill. Cook for about for about 3-4 minutes per side or until no longer translucent and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. When possible, use wild-caught fish since they have a better flavor and are healthier.
  7. If you have any leftover ingredients, I recommend storing everything separately and not assembled as tacos, since they might get soggy. The oils in fish are very fragile and can oxidize over a short amount of time, which can give the fish that “fishy” taste. However, you can still store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce can also be stored separately in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
  8. Originally shared September 2011.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1tacoCalories: 290kcal (15%)Carbohydrates: 18g (6%)Protein: 15g (30%)Fat: 17g (26%)Saturated Fat: 5g (31%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 54mg (18%)Sodium: 636mg (28%)Potassium: 306mg (9%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 3g (3%)Vitamin A: 285IU (6%)Vitamin C: 8mg (10%)Calcium: 101mg (10%)Iron: 2mg (11%)
Course:Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine:American, Mexican
Keyword:fish taco recipe, fish tacos
Tried this recipe? Rate it belowtag @jocooks on instagram and hashtag it #jocooks!
  • 551
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Meet Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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Comments

  1. Jenn@HouseOfJandCo says

    June 7, 2021 at 7:31 pm

    Tried this recipe for dinner this evening & YUM! It was SO tasty! Will be keeping this on regular rotation from now on 😋

    Reply
    • Jo Cooks Team AMJ says

      June 8, 2021 at 9:17 am

      That’s wonderful, so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  2. Desicart says

    June 3, 2021 at 12:42 am

    5 stars
    so yummy!! i love it! i ll definitely try it!!

    Reply
    • Jo Cooks Team AMJ says

      June 3, 2021 at 7:06 am

      So happy you enjoy it! Let us know how you like it once you give these tasty tacos a try!

      Reply
  3. Clelie says

    June 2, 2021 at 9:40 pm

    I love your recipes. I have a technical problem…☺ HOW do you make your taco shells hold this ‘taco’ shape and toast beautifully??? I don’t ever seem to have beautiful ‘presentation’ taco shells. Tips?

    Reply
    • Jo Cooks Team AMJ says

      June 3, 2021 at 8:08 am

      For this recipe, we just brown the tortillas in a skillet until golden brown on both sides. Then use those to hold the taco filling.
      Let us know how this turns out for you!

      Reply
  4. Lee Min Young says

    May 14, 2013 at 6:33 am

    HIHI, I liked it.

    Reply
  5. Gao-Jai says

    January 4, 2013 at 1:33 pm

    Jo, you really are the best. I tried your Bang Bang Chicken which I must say was out of this world. And then I tried your Fish Tacos. First of all, I don’t typically like to eat fish. Secondly, I have never tried fish tacos before. I made this with Tilapia and they were still amazing. You are an amazing cook. I am already indebted to you. Thank you for your delicious recipes!

    Reply
    • jo says

      January 4, 2013 at 3:36 pm

      Hi Gao-Jai
      I really appreciate your comment, thank you so much, this truly makes my day when I receive comments like this about people trying some of my recipes and loving them. Thank you, thank you. 🙂

      Reply
  6. Fisher Boy Food says

    October 14, 2011 at 3:06 pm

    5 stars
    These looks absolutely delcious! Think we’ll give them a try and substitute the marlin for some popcorn shrimp. If they come out looking even half as delicious as your photos here, we’ll be happy!

    Reply
    • jo says

      October 14, 2011 at 4:10 pm

      Popcorn shrimp in these tacos sounds like an excellent idea. Let me know how they turn out. Good luck. 🙂

      Reply
      • Fisher Boy Food says

        October 17, 2011 at 10:40 pm

        5 stars
        Hey Jo! The tacos actually turned out really great – we turned it into a fun family meal and had the kids help out with dinner. All in all, a great way to bring the family together around the dinner table!

      • jo says

        October 18, 2011 at 12:10 am

        Hi there, Glad to hear this. Funny thing is we made fish tacos again here yesterday and this time I made them with tilapia and they were just wonderful. Very healthy. Glad you enjoyed them. 🙂

  7. Jasmine says

    September 27, 2011 at 7:35 pm

    I Have only had one fish taco that i have liked. I had been on the search and like you pointed out most people batter and fry the fish, most of the time tilapia…
    I found the most wonderful fish tacos at a place called California pizza kitchen. The are called baja fish tacos and they are made with sauteed mahi mahi, cabbage, ranchito sauce, and avocado if you want. I was so happy they sautted the fish instead of frying. It had a slight crust on the out side without taking away from the flavor of the fish like frying does.

    Reply
    • jo says

      September 27, 2011 at 8:52 pm

      Jasmine, that fish taco sounds amazing, I might try and make it myself. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Jasmine says

        September 28, 2011 at 6:34 am

        No problem. If you can find a california pizza kitchen near you, you have to try it, and if you try and make it, let me know how it turned out.

  8. mjskit says

    September 22, 2011 at 4:01 am

    Jo – I’m so glad you finally tried fish tacos! For years, it I saw fish tacos on the menu at a restaurant, I ordered them. I’m on a quest for the best restaurant fish tacos. These my dear, look delicious! I prefer the grilled or sauteed fish as well so I’m going to have to give the a try!

    Reply
    • jo says

      September 22, 2011 at 9:46 am

      You know that’s funny, I can’t say I’ve even seen them at a restaurant, but I will definitely have to look for them now. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Charissa says

    September 22, 2011 at 2:07 am

    Would you believe it!? I don’t think I’ve ever had a fish taco, but man…you’re making me want to try it!!!

    Reply
    • jo says

      September 22, 2011 at 3:15 am

      I believe it, I was in the same boat. You have to try a fish taco, you’ll love them. 🙂

      Reply
  10. anh says

    September 21, 2011 at 11:43 am

    I love your version of fish taco!!

    Reply
    • jo says

      September 22, 2011 at 3:14 am

      Thank you. 🙂

      Reply
  11. Mihaela says

    September 21, 2011 at 4:46 am

    Hi Jo, I’m the same, tv on Food Network almost all the time, and my husband knows some of the chefs on tv too 🙂 I love fish tacos, I had them first at the restaurant I used to work, so I made it home too. I like your sauce with capers and cumin, it sounds like a great addition!

    Reply
    • jo says

      September 22, 2011 at 3:14 am

      Thanks Mihaela, like I said I’ve never tried them before, this was my first, and I was quite impressed. I’ll have to make them again, with different type of fish.

      Reply

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I'm Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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