If you’re craving fresh, vibrant, and zesty tacos, look no further than these Baja Fish Tacos! Inspired by the flavors of Baja California, these tacos feature crispy battered fish, creamy slaw, and a tangy Baja sauce all wrapped in warm corn tortillas.
Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, summer gatherings, or Taco Tuesdays. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, these fish tacos will be an instant favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Crispy & Flavorful – Lightly battered fish with a crispy exterior.
✔️ Fresh & Tangy – A delicious balance of textures and flavors.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes!
✔️ Customizable – Works with different types of fish and toppings.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
For the Fish:
- 500g (1 lb) white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or halibut)
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) sparkling water or beer (for a crispy batter)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Baja Slaw:
- 2 cups (150g) shredded cabbage (green or purple)
- 1 small carrot, shredded
- 2 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Baja Sauce:
- ½ cup (120g) mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
For Assembly:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Sliced avocado or pickled onions (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slaw
- In a bowl, combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrot, mayo, sour cream, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and set aside to marinate while you cook the fish.
Step 2: Make the Baja Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, and cumin.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until serving.
Step 3: Batter & Fry the Fish
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Gradually add sparkling water or beer, whisking until smooth.
- Heat oil in a skillet (about 1 inch deep) over medium-high heat.
- Dip fish pieces into the batter, then carefully fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm corn tortillas on a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side.
- Place a piece of crispy fish on each tortilla.
- Top with Baja slaw, drizzle with Baja sauce, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges and optional toppings like avocado or pickled onions.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
(Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.)
Tips for the Best Baja Fish Tacos
✔️ Use Fresh Fish – The fresher the fish, the better the flavor!
✔️ Crispy Batter? – Use cold sparkling water or beer. It creates the lightest, crispiest batter.
✔️ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady.
✔️ Make It Healthier – Skip frying and use grilled or baked fish instead.
✔️ Add Heat – Add jalapeños or chili flakes for extra spice!
Storage & Meal Prep
🧊 Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge.
🔥 Reheat: To maintain crispiness, reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
🚫 Avoid Freezing: Fried fish can become soggy when thawed.
What to Serve with Baja Fish Tacos
🥑 Guacamole or Salsa – A refreshing side to balance the crispy fish.
🌽 Mexican Street Corn – Adds a sweet, smoky contrast.
🍚 Cilantro Lime Rice – A perfect light and zesty pairing.
🫘 Black Beans or Refried Beans – A hearty, protein-packed addition.
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