Fish Tacos

Ingredients Overview

Seasonings

• For a delicious all-purpose taco seasoning we use a combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano and black pepper. This mixture can be used for fish, chicken or beef tacos.

Cornstarch

• This may seem like a strange ingredient but it really works. The cornstarch helps thicken the paste so the lime juice and olive oil don’t just slide off the fish. The more seasoning you have on the fish the better the flavor.

Neutral Oil

• I typically use olive oil for this recipe but feel free to use any neutral oil like Canola or vegetable as desired.

Lime Juice

• The acidity in lime juice helps add a little brightness, zip and zing to the recipe. In addition to the lime in the seasoning paste, we also serve our tacos with fresh lime wedges for squeezing on top just before devouring.

White Fish

• For the recipe in these photos I’ve used fresh, wild caught Halibut. It’s not the least expensive by far, but the flavor is mild and it takes to these seasonings like a champ. I typically use a less expensive tilapia or cod when making fish tacos.

• Each fillet has a different thickness so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Trust your judgment and check the fish frequently.

Tortillas

• I prefer small tacos that are easier to hold so I often buy flour tortillas labeled “street tacos.” These 5-inch tortillas can be warmed in the microwave or in a skillet on the stove top.

• I also love the small corn tortillas approximately 6-inches in diameter. Both flour and corn tortillas work well with this recipe.

How to make Fish Tacos

Rinse the fish in cold water then pat dry with paper towels.

Make a paste with the oil, fresh lime juice and seasonings. Brush or spoon over the fish and refrigerate for up to one hour before cooking.

Air Fryer

• Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Grease the basket with oil. Place the fish, seasoned side up, in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes. Check the fish and see if it flakes easily or is translucent in the center when checked with the tip of a paring knife. Continue cooking for a minute or two more until done.

Baked in the Oven

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease or spray a baking pan or line with parchment paper. Place the seasoned fish, skin side down, and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillet.

On the Grill

• Preheat your gas or charcoal grill on high. Once hot, reduce the heat to medium-high. Generously grease the grate with vegetable oil. Place the fish, skin side down, and grill until cooked through.

Flat Top Griddle

• Preheat the griddle and coat the cooking surface with oil. Place the fish, seasoned side down and cook until well seared. Turn and continue cooking until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 5-10 minutes.

Skillet on the Stove Top

• Lightly grease a non-stick skillet and preheat over medium-high heat. Place the fish, seasoned side down and cook until almost firm. Flip the fish with a spatula and continue cooking until it flakes easily with a fork.

Optional Toppings

We love fresh, homemade Mango Salsa with our fish tacos. The flavor combination of mild, well seasoned fish with the sweet, soft mango is memorable!

More great topping ideas:

• pico de gallo
• sour cream or Greek yogurt
• shredded cheese or cotija
• avocado
• jalapeno slices
• fresh lime wedges
• shredded lettuce
• thin sliced green cabbage or red cabbage
• diced red onion
• chopped cilantro leaves
• hot sauce, taco sauce, sriracha or fish taco sauce

The BEST Fish for Fish Tacos

Any mild white fish will work well for fish tacos. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Halibut
• Tilapia
• Cod
• Mahi Mahi
• Rockfish

The fish may have the skin on or off. Simply remove any cooked fish skin before serving on the tacos.

Storing leftovers

Typically I’m not a big fan of leftover fish. However, you can keep these leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 day.

Rewarm gently in the microwave on 50% power.

Since it won’t be as good rewarmed, for best results only cook the amount of fish you think you’ll need for your hungry family.