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Baja Fish Tacos: The Ultimate Guide to Making Authentic and Delicious Tacos


  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 tacos 1x

Description

Crispy fish tacos featuring seasoned white fish, fresh toppings, and a creamy sauce make for a delightful twist on taco night. Perfect for sharing with family and friends!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or halibut)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage (green or purple)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Cut the fish into strips, about 1 inch wide.
  2. In a shallow bowl, pour the buttermilk. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Submerge the fish strips in the buttermilk and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  4. In a separate shallow dish, combine flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
  5. Remove each fish strip from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat. Set aside.
  6. In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 1/4 inch. Heat over medium-high until shimmering.
  7. Carefully add the coated fish strips in batches, frying for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C).
  8. Transfer cooked fish to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining fish.
  9. In a small bowl, mix sour cream (or Greek yogurt) with lime juice and hot sauce (if using).
  10. Slice the avocado and chop the cilantro. Squeeze lime juice over the avocado to prevent browning.
  11. If desired, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds on each side or wrap in foil and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
  12. Place a warm tortilla on a plate. Add crispy fish strips, a handful of shredded cabbage, slices of avocado, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and the creamy sauce on the side.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, consider adding diced tomatoes or pickled onions as additional toppings.
  • Adjust the level of heat by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce used.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes