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A serving of delicious Baja-style fish tacos, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime.

Proven way to grow Your Fish Tacos (Baja Style)

These Baja-style fish tacos offer a perfect balance of crispy fish, refreshing slaw, and a zesty crema. They are surprisingly easy to make and bursting with authentic Mexican flavors.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 tacos
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Fish
  • 1 lb firm white fish fillets (e.g., cod, tilapia, mahi-mahi)
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup cornstarch
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.75 cup cold beer or club soda
  • 3 cups vegetable oil, for frying
For the Slaw
  • 3 cups green cabbage, shredded
  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.125 tsp black pepper
For the Crema Sauce
  • 0.5 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (e.g., Cholula, Tapatío) or to taste
  • 0.25 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.125 tsp salt
For Assembly and Toppings
  • 12 small corn or flour tortillas
  • salsa optional
  • avocado, sliced optional
  • pickled red onions optional

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Deep-sided pan or Dutch oven
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Skillet (for tortillas)

Method
 

Prepare the Fish
  1. Cut fish into 1-inch strips and marinate for 15 minutes with lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and cold beer/club soda to create a smooth batter.
  3. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C), then dip fish pieces into the batter and fry for 3-5 minutes until golden and crispy.
Make the Slaw
  1. Combine shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. Stir well to coat the cabbage evenly and set aside.
Whip up the Crema Sauce
  1. Whisk together Mexican crema (or sour cream), lime juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
Assemble the Tacos
  1. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
  2. Place a portion of fried fish in each tortilla, top with slaw, and drizzle generously with crema sauce.
  3. Add optional toppings like salsa, avocado slices, or pickled red onions before serving immediately.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level of the fish marinade and crema sauce to your preference. For extra crunch, consider adding thinly sliced radishes to the slaw. Serve immediately for best results!