Easy Fish Tacos
These light and healthy Easy Fish Tacos with Zesty Slaw are packed with flavor and ready in just 20 minutes! This dish is gluten free and perfect for busy weeknights!
This fish taco recipe is the perfect light, filling meal, especially when served with some lime wedges and fresh cilantro! Your favorite white fish is coated in a delicious seasoning blend and pan-seared or grilled for a flavorful and quick protein. It is then wrapped up in a warm tortilla and topped with a creamy, tangy slaw recipe that perfectly complements the tasty fish! This wholesome meal is easy to make gluten-free and dairy-free for a delicious dinner the whole family will devour.
Ingredients
Here is an overview of what you’ll need for the best fish tacos. For the complete recipe just keep scrolling to the printable recipe card.
- White Fish: such as cod or tilapia
- Spices: chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper
- Corn Tortillas: flour tortillas work if you are not gluten free
- Vegetables: Slaw (Shredded Cabbage), Avocado, Lime, Green Onions and Jalapeños
- Ranch dressing, Mayonnaise, and Hot sauce: I used sriracha for my hot sauce, but you should use your favorite brand.
How do you make fish tacos?
- Cut your fish fillets into small pieces that will fit your tortilla well. Dry the fish with paper towels on a cutting board and set aside. Combine the spices into a small bowl to make a savory, slightly spicy rub for your fish. Sprinkle on each side of the fish and lightly rub it on with your fingers.
- Heat a large skillet to medium heat and add a enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. Sear the fish 2-3 minutes on each side. Your cooking time will vary depending on how big your slices are, but it is done when the fish flakes easily. Remove from the skillet and cover to keep warm. An alternative method is to grill your fish. Using a grill plate (because the small slices of fish can be difficult to grill without falling apart) heat a grill to high heat (400 degrees) and grill 2-3 minutes on each side until it flakes easily.
- To assemble your fish tacos, simply wrap in a warm corn tortilla and top with the jalapeño slaw or your favorite fixing!
What to serve with fish tacos
One of my favorite things about fish tacos is that it really makes a complete meal on its own. With perfectly cooked fish, tortillas and a slaw packed with veggies it really has everything you need!
- Tomatillo Salsa or Queso and Chips
- Seasoned Black Beans
- Instant Pot Mexican Rice
- Slow Cooker Bean Dip
Fish Taco FAQs
I prefer cod for fish tacos because it is light, flaky, easily accessible, and doesn’t have as strong of a fishy taste as some varieties do. However, you can use halibut, tilapia, mahi mahi, bass, grouper, or snapper if you prefer.
Place a tortilla on a dry pan over medium heat and let each side warm up for 30-60 seconds. If you are grilling your fish, place the tortillas right on the hot grates for about 30-seconds per side. To prepare tortillas for a large group, place tortillas on a baking sheet and place in an oven with the broiler on (just watch so they don’t burn). If you prefer very soft tortillas, spritz them with a little water and microwave for 25-30 seconds.
A light and tangy slaw is my favorite, but avocado/guacamole adds a lovely, creamy texture! Sliced radishes or purple cabbage in your slaw adds more of a crunchy bite if you like that better. Chopped green onions, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, sour cream, some cilantro, even a crumbly cheese like cotija cheese or feta is great!
Sure, you could swap the corn tortillas with these Zucchini Tortillas for a grain-free, low-carb option.
More Taco Recipes:
Get the Recipe: Easy Fish Tacos
Ingredients
For the Zesty Slaw:
- 1 3/4 cup shredded cabbage, slaw mix
- 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
- 1 fresh jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Fish Tacos:
- 1 1/2 pounds white fish, such as tilapia or cod, cut into small pieces
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 avocado, chopped
Instructions
- For the slaw: Combine all of the ingredients and stir well. Chill while you cook the fish.
- For the tacos: cut the fish into small pieces that will fit your tortilla well. Combine the spices into a small bowl sprinkle on each side of the fish and lightly rub it on with your fingers.
- Heat a large skillet to medium heat and add a enough oil to very lightly coat the bottom. Sear the fish 2-3 minutes on each side. Your cooking time will vary depending on how big your slices are, but it is done when the fish flakes easily. Remove from the skillet and cover to keep warm.
- To assemble your fish tacos, simply wrap in a warm corn tortilla and top with the jalapeño slaw and avocado.
I love how fresh and colorful these tacos are- so healthy and so flavorful 🙂
Thank you Medha!!
I’m usually hesitant to order fish tacos, depending on the restaurant, because I’m afraid they won’t live up to my expectations! But they are one of my favorites when I’m feeling a little more daring with my seafood. These tacos sound delicious, especially with the avocados and black beans. Love how easy these are to make!
I totally know what you mean, sometimes I worry the fish will be too fishy? Do you know what I mean?! haha! I think you would really like these though!
Would you believe that this girl has NEVER had a fish taco in her life?? That is changing as of right now because I seriously can’t even stand how fabulous these look, Annie! Love the avocado and that jalapeno ranch dressing in these!
Sarah you would just love them!! You’ve got to try them!
Fish tacos are everywhere in San Diego, and I love them so much! Your rendition looks absolutely delicious – love that jalapeno ranch!
I bet they are!! They are not very easy to find here. All our fish is catfish and is deep fried! 😉 hahaha!!
Fish tacos are my thing…meaning every time I go somewhere and they’re on the menu, I order them! They’re so fresh and light, I can never pass them up. Your tacos looks delicious, Annie!
Yes! It is such a fun spin on seafood, I love it! Thanks Marcie!
These look so good Annie! And I am LOVING that Jalapeño Ranch it is right up my alley!
Oh the sauce is good enough to eat with a spoon! 🙂 Thanks Jessica!
Tacos have always been a favorite of mine.. and these look nothing less than delicious!