Description
These Fried Fish Tacos are crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned, topped with a fresh and zesty red onion-tomato salsa. Wrapped in warm tortillas and finished with a drizzle of creamy sauce, they’re a must-try for taco night!
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Ingredients
Scale
For the Fried Fish:
- 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or halibut)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornmeal or panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Red Onion-Tomato Salsa:
- ½ red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- ½ cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
- ½ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Salsa
- In a bowl, mix diced red onion, cherry tomatoes, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well and let sit for at least 10 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Fish
- Cut fish into bite-sized strips or fillets for tacos.
- In a bowl, whisk together egg and buttermilk.
- In a separate dish, mix flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each fish piece into the buttermilk mixture, then coat in the flour mixture.
Step 3: Fry the Fish
- Heat ½ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
- Fry fish pieces for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Place a small amount of shredded cabbage or lettuce on each tortilla.
- Add fried fish and a spoonful of red onion-tomato salsa.
- Drizzle with sour cream or crema and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Notes
Use Fresh Fish – Fresh fillets give the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature stable.
Serve Immediately – Fried fish is best enjoyed crispy and hot!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired