Fish tacos are the perfect balance: crispy or grilled fish, crunchy slaw, creamy sauce, and a hit of lime. One bite and you’re at a Baja beach shack.
This version works with whatever white fish you have. Make the slaw and sauce ahead. Then cook the fish and assemble. Dinner in 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Serves 4 (makes 8-10 tacos).
- 1 lb white fish (cod, halibut, tilapia, or mahi-mahi)
- 8-10 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- Lime wedges for serving
For the Fish (choose one method):
- Grilled: 1 tbsp oil, 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp salt
- Crispy (beer batter): ½ cup flour, ½ cup beer, ½ tsp salt, oil for frying
Creamy Sauce (Chipotle Crema):
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder or hot sauce
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings:
- Pico de gallo, pickled onions, cilantro, avocado
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Sauce
- Whisk together sour cream, mayo, lime juice, chipotle powder, and salt. Refrigerate until ready.
Step 2: Prep the Slaw and Tortillas
- Toss shredded cabbage with a squeeze of lime and pinch of salt.
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet, microwave, or over a gas flame.
Step 3: Cook the Fish
- Grilled: Rub fish with oil, chili powder, and salt. Grill over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Crispy: Whisk flour, beer, and salt. Dip fish in batter. Fry in 350°F oil for 3-4 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Break fish into large chunks.
- Layer: tortilla → slaw → fish → drizzle of crema → any toppings.
Step 5: Serve With Lime
- Squeeze fresh lime over everything. Eat immediately. Make more.
Summary
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 8-10 tacos (4 servings)
Difficulty: Easy
Storage Notes
Fridge (Components):
- Cooked fish: 2 days (best re-crisped in air fryer)
- Cream sauce: 5 days
- Slaw: 1 day (gets soggy)
- Tortillas: Keep separate
Reheating Fish:
Air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. Oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. Microwave not recommended (soggy fish tragedy).
Make Taco Bar:
Set everything out separately. Let everyone build their own. Best party move ever.
