The Best Fish Tacos Recipe You Can Make at Home

Fish tacos are a perfect blend of fresh flavors, satisfying textures, and vibrant colors, making them a beloved choice for seafood lovers everywhere. While enjoying them at a seafood restaurant is always a treat, there’s something special about recreating your favorite dishes at home. Join us as we share the best fish taco recipe to make at home so you can bring the essence of coastal cuisine to your own kitchen. 

Are Fish Tacos Best Served on Corn or Flour Tortillas? 

The debate between corn and flour tortillas for fish tacos often comes down to personal preference, but each type has distinct qualities that pair differently with various taco styles. 

Corn Tortillas

For a classic, authentic fish taco, corn tortillas are the way to go. Their slightly earthy flavor and lighter texture complement many fish taco styles. Corn tortillas are best served warm or lightly toasted to bring out their flavor and prevent them from breaking under the weight of your fillings.

Corn tortillas are ideal for:

• Grilled Fish Tacos: The smoky, charred flavor of grilled fish like mahi-mahi, tilapia, or cod pairs perfectly with the subtle nuttiness of corn tortillas.
• Street-Style Tacos: Smaller, handheld tacos loaded with fresh toppings like pico de gallo, shredded cabbage, and a squeeze of lime work beautifully with corn tortillas.
• Gluten-Free Options: Since corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, they’re a fantastic choice for those with dietary restrictions.

Flour Tortillas

If you’re looking for a soft and versatile base that can accommodate a wide range of toppings, flour tortillas may be your best bet. Flour tortillas offer a slightly neutral flavor that allows bold taco ingredients to shine. 

They are a great option for:

• Baja-Style Tacos: Fried fish, like crispy battered cod or halibut, pairs well with the softness of flour tortillas, creating a balanced bite.
• Loaded Tacos: If you love adding heavier toppings like avocado slices, creamy slaws, or cheese, flour tortillas can better handle the weight without tearing.
• Fusion Tacos: For creative spins on fish tacos—such as adding mango salsa or chipotle aioli—flour tortillas provide a mild canvas for experimental flavors.

Classic Baja Fish Tacos

These fish tacos are a true crowd-pleaser, featuring crispy battered and fried fish, a zesty cabbage slaw, and a creamy white sauce. The combination of crunchy textures and tangy flavors makes them a quintessential fish taco experience.

Ingredients

For the Slaw

• 2 cups shredded red and green cabbage
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)

Additional

• 8 small flour tortillas
• Lime wedges for garnish

Steps to Prepare

1. Prepare the Slaw: Toss shredded cabbage with cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and hot sauce. Refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Batter the Fish: Mix flour, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Gradually whisk in beer until the batter is smooth.
4. Fry the Fish: Heat oil in a pan to 375°F. Dip fish pieces into the batter and fry the fish until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
5. Assemble Tacos: Warm the tortillas, layer with slaw, fried fish, and a drizzle of sauce. Serve with lime wedges.

Grilled Citrus-Spiced Fish Tacos

These easy to make fish tacos are light, fresh, and packed with flavor. The citrus marinade enhances the fish’s natural sweetness, while fresh toppings add brightness and crunch.

Ingredients

For the Toppings

• 1 cup diced mango or pineapple
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime

Additional

• 8 small corn tortillas
• Sliced avocado
• Lime wedges for garnish

Steps to Prepare

1. Marinate the Fish: Combine orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, and spices. Coat the fish in the marinade and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Salsa: Mix diced mango or pineapple with red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Set aside.
3. Grill the Fish: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the fish for 3–4 minutes per side, until opaque and flaky.
4. Assemble Tacos: Warm corn tortillas, layer with grilled fish, mango salsa, and avocado slices. Serve with lime wedges.

Spicy Blackened Fish Tacos with Avocado Crema

For fish taco lovers who enjoy bold flavors, this recipe delivers a smoky, spicy kick with a cooling avocado crema for balance. It’s the perfect fish taco to make at home for a flavor-packed dinner.

Ingredients

For the Toppings

• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1/4 cup sliced radishes
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Additional

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• Lime wedges for garnish

Steps to Prepare

1. Season the Fish: Rub fish filets with olive oil and generously coat with blackening seasoning.
2. Cook the Fish: Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat. Cook the fish for 3–4 minutes per side until the spice coating is charred and the fish is cooked through.
3. Make the Avocado Crema: Blend avocado, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, and salt until smooth.
4. Assemble Tacos: Warm tortillas, add shredded lettuce, blackened fish, a drizzle of avocado crema, and top with radishes and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Best Coleslaw Recipe for Fish Tacos

A good coleslaw can elevate your fish tacos from delicious to unforgettable. The creamy texture and tangy flavor of this mayo-based coleslaw recipe make it the perfect companion for crispy fried fish, grilled seafood, or blackened filets. Its velvety dressing and fresh crunch provide a refreshing balance to the rich, bold flavors of your seafood tacos.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cabbage and grated carrot. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
2. Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, celery seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture. Toss until all the vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
4. Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.

Sides to Serve with Fish Tacos

No fish taco meal is complete without the perfect sides to round out the experience. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or enjoying a casual family dinner, pairing your tacos with complimentary side dishes can elevate your meal. 

Here are some classic and flavorful options to serve alongside your fish tacos:

• Chips and Guacamole: Creamy guacamole pairs perfectly with fish tacos; garnish with tomatoes, queso fresco, or hot sauce for variety.
• Chips and Salsa: Pair crispy tortilla chips with zesty tomato, mango, or pineapple salsa for vibrant flavor variety.
• Spanish Rice: Flavored with tomatoes, garlic, and spices, Spanish rice adds warmth and balance to fish tacos.
• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime delivers a smoky, tangy flavor.
• Black Bean Salad: A zesty mix of black beans, peppers, corn, and lime dressing adds fresh color and tangy flavor.

Best Toppings for Fish Tacos

Toppings can make or break a fish taco, transforming it into a culinary masterpiece. The right combination of flavors and textures adds freshness, zest, and depth to every bite.

Here are some of the amazing toppings that will elevate your fish tacos:

• Homemade Corn Salsa: Sweet, smoky corn salsa made with charred corn, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime adds a perfect balance to grilled or fried fish tacos.
• Homemade Avocado Salad: A chunky mix of avocado, tomatoes, red onion, and lime juice offers creamy freshness and vibrant flavor.
• Pickled Red Onions: Tangy and slightly sweet, pickled red onions add crunch and cut through the richness of fried or blackened fish.
• Spicy Aioli or Chipotle Crema: A smoky, creamy drizzle of aioli or crema with chipotle and lime enhances crispy or grilled fish tacos.
• Fresh Mango or Pineapple Salsa: Fruity mango or pineapple salsa with onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime adds a tropical, sweet-savory twist.

Experience Calabash-Style Seafood at NC Seafood Restaurant

At NC Seafood Restaurant, we’re proud to bring the fresh, flavorful tradition of Calabash-style seafood to Raleigh. Whether you’re dining in with family and friends or enjoying a takeout feast from the comfort of home, our perfectly fried seafood, crispy hush puppies, and delectable sides are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Come visit us and savor the taste of North Carolina’s seafood. Stop by today or order from our online menu for the freshest Calabash-style seafood in town. To stay up-to-date on the latest local seafood news, events, and recipes, sign up for our newsletter.