This Baja Fish Taco Recipe will change your life!
If you have never had a really good fish taco, you have been missing out. Big time. These homemade Baja Fish Tacos are so delicious with the most wonderful balance of flavor and texture you can imagine. They’re also very simple to make, so this recipe really is a must-try! Baja Fish Tacos originate in California, or San Diago, to be precise. I love California. I moved a LOT growing up. I’ve lived all over the country (and traveled much of the rest of it), so I’ve made an American Eats series that goes through my favorite American recipes state-by-state. It’s a great way of revisiting some favorite dishes I’ve picked up along the way and exploring new ones from states I have yet to get to! This Baja Fish Tacos recipe is a part of the collection, but there are more amazing dishes there too. We love all kinds of Mexican food at our house! Some of our other favorites for serving with these tacos are Horchata (a creamy cinnamon rice drink) with Tres Leches Cake for dessert! But California has a special place in my heart. Not only is this where I have lived for the past 9 years, but I also spent my formative preteen and early teen years there. While I’ve never lived in San Diego itself, I do love it there. With the taco stands on pretty much every corner and fish tacos galore, it’s amazing! The fish taco is to San Diego what the Deep Dish Pizza is to Chicago, Philly Cheese Steak is to Philadelphia, and the Lobster Roll is to Maine. Even if you don’t consider yourself much of a fish person, you should really give try these Baja fish tacos. They don’t taste “fishy” at all, thanks to using a firm white fish that is coated in a wonderfully spiced batter before being fried crispy in a pan of oil. If you love these delicious Mexican tacos then you’ll also love my Slow Cooke Pork Carnitas, these super easy Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas, and these amazing Chicken Fluatas!
Why this is the Best Fish Taco Recipe
Make the best fish tacos with any of your favorite fillings. Made with simple ingredients, it works with many types of fish! This quick and easy baja fish tacos recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Baja Fish Tacos ingredients
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Fish Tacos
Fish – Use cod halibut, tilapia, mahi mahi, or another firm white fish. Coating – Use all-purpose flour, panko breadcrumbs, and baking powder for the base of the coating for the fish. Seasoning – To flavor the coating, use chili powder, ground cumin, kosher salt, ancho chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Egg – To make the batter. Ginger Ale – Ginger ale sprite, beer, or soda water will work for making the batter. (I used ginger ale, but beer is more authentic to make a beer batter.) Oil – Vegetable oil for frying Tortillas – Corn tortillas are the more traditional choice for Mexican dishes. You can use flour or whole-wheat tortillas if you prefer.
Baja Sauce for Fish Tacos
Sour Cream and Mayonnaise – This is for the base of the sauce to give it a slightly tart flavor. You can use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream if you prefer. Lime Juice – Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor. Seasoning – Use ground cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt to season the sauce.
What goes on Fish Tacos?
Pico De Gallo – Fresh Pico De Gallo is best, but you can use store-bought in a pinch. Cabbage – Use white cabbage or red cabbage, whichever you prefer. Lime – Lime wedges are great to serve on the side for an added citrus boost. Cilantro – Fresh cilantro has a classic Mexican flavor you don’t want to miss! Avocado – Serve sliced or chopped avocado on the side, or some Homemade Guacamole if you prefer.
Fried Fish Tacos Recipe substitutions and variations
Add chipotle pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the tacos for extra heat. Use chicken strips instead of pieces of fish for chicken tacos. Corn tortillas are the more traditional choice for Mexican dishes but you can use flour tortillas or whole-wheat tortillas if you prefer.
How to make this Baja Fish Tacos Recipe
It’s so easy to make this Baja fish tacos recipe! All you really need is a cast iron skillet or other deep, wide pan for frying the fish in about an inch of oil and some tongs for turning the fish pieces so both sides can get golden brown and crispy.
How to make the Baja Fish Tacos sauce
What goes on fish tacos?
Fried Fish Tacos Recipe tips for success
The most authentic Baja fish tacos use beer for the liquid in the batter, but since we don’t drink, I used ginger ale and it worked out great! You could also sub Sprite or soda water instead. I always double up the warm corn tortillas and serve these with my favorite pico de gallo and plenty of fresh, chopped cilantro. You can’t have Baja fish tacos without crunchy, thinly sliced cabbage slaw and a tangy, creamy white sauce! I fill a Ziploc bag with the sauce and snip off one end to drizzle it over the tacos for a great presentation. Use fresh lime wedges on the side! That hit of citrus is the perfect finish and an absolute must!
Serving Baja California Tacos
What is a side dish for fish tacos?
There are so many great side dishes to round out your meal of fish tacos! These are some of our favorites:
Mexican Rice: A classic choice, Mexican rice is flavorful and pairs well with fish tacos. Black Beans: Serve up some seasoned black beans with cumin and chili powder makes a great side dish for fish tacos! Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice is a delicious and authentic Mexican side dish. Slaw: Coleslaw, especially a tangy and slightly spicy slaw, complements fish tacos nicely. Use cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing. Guacamole: Fresh guacamole is always a hit. It’s creamy and pairs wonderfully with the flavors in fish tacos. Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds a burst of freshness to your meal. Salsa Verde: A green salsa made from tomatillos, green chilies, and cilantro can be a zesty and tangy side option. Tortilla Chips: Serve some tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole for a crunchy side. Fruit Salsa: A mango salsa or pineapple salsa can provide a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory fish tacos. Avocado Crema: Blend avocados with sour cream or yogurt, lime juice, and some spices to create a creamy dipping sauce for your tacos or a drizzle for your sides. Grilled Vegetables: Season and grill some vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions to add a smoky and charred flavor to your meal.
Are fish tacos better on corn or flour?
Fish tacos are delicious on either nutty corn tortillas or soft flour tortillas. We love them both and trade off or offer them both so everyone can choose what they like best.
More Delicious Mexican Food
Grilled Pork Tacos al Pastor Easy Mexican Restaurant-Style Salsa Authentic Carne Asada Horchata (Mexian Drink) The BEST Chicken Tacos
More States I Have Visited in my American Eats Series
Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • Florida • Georgia • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • New Jersey • New York • Oregon • Puerto Rico • South Carolina • South Dakota • Texas • Utah • Wisconsin It takes all of 2 minutes to combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt in a bowl and whisk it all together.
Frijoles Charros (Charro Beans)
Mexican Corn Recipe
The BEST Homemade Guacamole
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