Homemade Baja Fish Tacos (Printable)
Golden crispy fish with fresh slaw and avocado crema in warm tortillas
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Fish
01 - 1.1 pounds white fish fillets (cod or tilapia), cut into strips
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1/2 cup cornstarch
04 - 1 tsp baking powder
05 - 1 tsp salt
06 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
07 - 1 tsp paprika
08 - 1 cup cold sparkling water
09 - Oil for frying
→ For the Avocado Crema
10 - 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
11 - 1/2 cup sour cream
12 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
13 - 2 tbsp lime juice
14 - 1 garlic clove
15 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ For the Slaw
16 - 2 cups finely shredded cabbage (green or red)
17 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
18 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
19 - 2 tbsp lime juice
20 - Salt to taste
→ To Serve
21 - 8 small corn tortillas, warmed
22 - Lime wedges
23 - Extra cilantro (optional)
# Directions:
01 - In a bowl, toss cabbage, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Set aside to let flavors meld.
02 - Combine avocado, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
03 - In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Gradually whisk in the sparkling water until you have a smooth batter.
04 - Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat to 350°F.
05 - Pat fish strips dry with paper towels. Dip each strip into the batter, letting excess drip off, and carefully place in the hot oil. Fry in batches until golden and crisp, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
06 - Place a portion of fried fish in each warm tortilla. Top with slaw and a generous drizzle of avocado crema. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The contrast between hot crispy fish and cool tangy slaw hits every craving at once
- That avocado crema transforms ordinary tacos into something you will dream about
02 -
- Pat the fish strips completely dry before dipping them in batter, any moisture on the surface will prevent the coating from adhering properly
- Let fried fish drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels so air can circulate and keep the bottom crispy
03 -
- Set up your topping station before you start frying because once that fish is hot you want to assemble and eat immediately
- Double the avocado crema recipe because I guarantee you will want to put it on everything the next day