Fried Fish Tacos with Red Onion & Tomato Salsa
Golden, crispy fried fish tucked into warm tortillas and topped with a tangy, refreshing red onion and tomato salsa. These tacos are crunchy, juicy, and bursting with flavor — great for a fun family meal or weekend dinner.
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Fish
1.5 lbs (700g) white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 cup sparkling water (or cold club soda, for a light batter)
Oil, for frying
For the Salsa
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1/2 medium red onion, finely diced
1 small jalapeno or green chili, minced (optional, for heat)
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Salt & pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
1/2 cup shredded cabbage or lettuce (for crunch)
Optional toppings: avocado slices, sour cream, lime wedges
Instructions
1. Prepare the salsa:
In a bowl, mix tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno (if using), cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside to marinate.
2. Make the batter:
In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Slowly add sparkling water until a smooth batter forms (slightly thick, like pancake batter).
3. Fry the fish:
Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot (about 350°F / 175°C).
Dip fish pieces into batter, shake off excess, and fry in batches 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
4. Assemble tacos:
Fill each tortilla with shredded cabbage, crispy fried fish, and a spoonful of tomato-onion salsa.
Add optional toppings like avocado, sour cream, or extra lime juice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with Mexican rice or refried beans on the side.
Pair with a refreshing margarita, lime soda, or agua fresca.
Add a drizzle of chipotle mayo or garlic yogurt sauce for creaminess.
Notes & Tips
Sparkling water keeps the batter light and crispy.
Keep fried fish warm in the oven (200°F / 95°C) while frying batches.
For a lighter version, grill or pan-sear the fish instead of frying.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I make the fish ahead?
Best enjoyed fresh, but you can fry and reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
Q: Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes — coat fish in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes.
Q: What if I don’t eat spicy food?
Just skip the chili in the salsa and keep it mild.
Nutrition information
Calories: 260
Protein: 17g
Fat: 10g
Carbs: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 370mg