Fish tacos are a coastal Mexican classic that pairs crispy textures with bright citrus notes. This homemade version simplifies the process without sacrificing authentic seaside flavor, making it perfect for quick dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
How many are you cooking for?
Original recipe for 4 servings
- 600 g tilapia or cod fillet, cut into strips
- 120 g corn tortilla flour mix
- 100 g shredded white cabbage
- 50 g shredded purple cabbage
- 1/4 small cucumber, diced
- 1/2 white onion, thinly sliced into rings
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 lime, freshly juiced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step by step
Follow the timeline: technique icon, time and temperature when relevant.
- Step 1 Mix 5 min
Prepare the coleslaw by combining white and purple cabbage with cucumber, onion rings, lime juice and a pinch of salt; refrigerate while frying the fish so the vegetables soften and absorb the citrus.
- Step 2 Prep 2 min
Season the fish strips with cumin, paprika, salt and pepper; lightly dredge each piece in sifted corn tortilla flour to create a thin coating that guarantees a crispy crust without becoming heavy.
- Step 3 Pan 4 min 170 °C
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 170 °C and fry the fillets in batches until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side; remove and drain on paper towels to preserve maximum crunchiness.
- Step 4 Cook 1 min
Meanwhile, warm the corn tortillas directly over a gas flame or in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side; wrap them in a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft and prevent cracking during assembly.
- Step 5 Blend 1 min
Blend sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped chipotle and garlic until smooth and slightly spicy; adjust with extra lime juice if you prefer a sharper, more fruity acidity in your sauce.
- Step 6 Assemble
Assemble the tacos by layering two crispy fish pieces, a generous spoonful of slaw and a drizzle of chipotle sauce; repeat with remaining ingredients and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.