A Flavor-Packed Summer Dinner You’ll Crave Every Week!
There’s something magical about fresh, zesty fish tacos on a warm evening. These Easy Baja Fish Tacos are the ultimate summer dinner — light, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding the family or impressing guests, this vibrant recipe brings the sun-drenched vibes of Baja California straight to your table.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these irresistible Baja fish tacos from scratch.
the Fish:
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500g (1 lb) white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or mahi-mahi)
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup cornstarch
-
1 tsp baking powder
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
1/2 tsp paprika
-
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
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1 cup cold sparkling water or beer
-
Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Slaw:
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2 cups shredded green cabbage
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1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
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1/4 cup grated carrots
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2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
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Juice of 1 lime
-
2 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
-
Salt & pepper to taste
the Baja Sauce:
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1/3 cup sour cream
-
1/4 cup mayonnaise
-
1 garlic clove, minced
-
Juice of 1 lime
-
1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
-
Salt to taste
Assembly:
-
8 small corn or flour tortillas
-
Fresh lime wedges
-
Extra cilantro for garnish
Kitchen Tools Needed
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Mixing bowls (various sizes)
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Whisk
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Knife and cutting board
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Frying pan or deep skillet
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Tongs or slotted spoon
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Paper towels
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Grater (for carrots)
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Serving platter or taco tray
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
1. Prepare the Slaw
In a large bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, and cilantro. Add lime juice, mayonnaise (or yogurt), salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside in the fridge while you prepare the rest. This helps the flavors develop and gives the slaw a crisp, refreshing texture.
2. Make the Baja Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, lime juice, and hot sauce. Season with salt to taste. Keep chilled until ready to use.
3. Prepare the Fish Batter
In a medium bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, paprika, and cayenne. Gradually whisk in cold sparkling water or beer until the batter is smooth and slightly thick. It should coat the back of a spoon.
4. Heat the Oil
Pour about 1–2 inches of oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high until shimmering (around 350°F/175°C). Test with a small drop of batter — it should sizzle immediately.
5. Fry the Fish
Cut the fish into strips about 1 inch wide. Dip each piece into the batter, then gently place it into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Warm the Tortillas
While the fish drains, lightly toast the tortillas on a skillet or directly over a gas flame for 20–30 seconds per side until soft and slightly charred.
7. Assemble the Tacos
To each tortilla, add a spoonful of slaw, a piece of fried fish, and a drizzle of Baja sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Tips for the Perfect Summer Dinner
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Use fresh fish: Fresh white fish gives a cleaner flavor and firmer texture. If using frozen, be sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry.
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Keep it crispy: For a crunchier result, double-fry the fish—fry once until lightly golden, rest, then re-fry for 1 minute just before serving.
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Tortilla tip: Warm tortillas in foil in a low oven (about 250°F/120°C) to keep them soft for serving a crowd.
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Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and corn tortillas for a celiac-friendly version.
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Add extras: Try topping with pickled red onions, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco for a gourmet touch.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving – 2 tacos)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 420 kcal |
Protein | 22 g |
Carbohydrates | 32 g |
Fat | 22 g |
Saturated Fat | 5 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sodium | 520 mg |
Sugar | 3 g |
Note: Values may vary depending on exact ingredients and quantities used.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Summer Dinner
These Easy Baja Fish Tacos are more than just a meal — they’re a celebration of fresh flavors, crunchy textures, and vibrant summer energy. Whether you’re enjoying them on the patio with a cold drink or serving them at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Print
Easy Baja Fish Tacos Recipe – Perfect Summer Dinner
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these irresistible Baja fish tacos from scratch.
For the Fish:
-
500g (1 lb) white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or mahi-mahi)
-
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
-
1/2 cup cornstarch
-
1 tsp baking powder
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
1/2 tsp paprika
-
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
-
1 cup cold sparkling water or beer
-
Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Slaw:
-
2 cups shredded green cabbage
-
1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
-
1/4 cup grated carrots
-
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
-
Juice of 1 lime
-
2 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
-
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Baja Sauce:
-
1/3 cup sour cream
-
1/4 cup mayonnaise
-
1 garlic clove, minced
-
Juice of 1 lime
-
1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
-
Salt to taste
For Assembly:
-
8 small corn or flour tortillas
-
Fresh lime wedges
-
Extra cilantro for garnish
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes