Description
Crispy, golden fried fish tucked into warm tortillas and topped with a zesty red onion-tomato salsa—these Fried Fish Tacos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal, these tacos are packed with flavor and texture in every bite.
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Ingredients
Scale
For the Fried Fish:
- 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or halibut)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornmeal or breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
For the Red Onion-Tomato Salsa:
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for spice)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- Lime wedges
- Avocado slices (optional)
- Shredded cabbage or lettuce (optional)
- Sour cream or a drizzle of creamy taco sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salsa
- In a bowl, combine the diced red onion, chopped tomatoes, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro.
- Add lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Prepare the Fish
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and cut them into bite-sized strips.
- Season the fish with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- In one bowl, mix the flour and cornmeal (or breadcrumbs).
- In another bowl, whisk the egg and milk together.
- Dip each fish piece into the egg mixture, then coat it in the flour mixture. Press lightly to ensure a good coating.
Step 3: Fry the Fish
- Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated fish pieces into the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Place a few pieces of fried fish on each tortilla.
- Top with the red onion-tomato salsa.
- Add optional toppings like avocado slices, shredded cabbage, or a drizzle of sour cream.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos and serve immediately!
Notes
- Use fresh fish for the best flavor and texture.
- Make the salsa ahead of time to let the flavors develop.
- Keep the fried fish warm in a low oven (200°F) while you assemble the tacos.
- For a healthier version, bake or air-fry the fish instead of deep frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired