These easy Fish Tacos can be made in under 30 minutes and are topped with a tangy Jalapeno Ranch Slaw! This is the perfect healthy, easy dinner recipe under 300 calories!
The first time I had fish tacos I was in college and I was instantly hooked. Tender flaky fish wrapped in a warm corn tortilla and topped with a fresh flavorful slaw. What is not to love? Since then I’ve had fried, grilled and pan seared fish tacos and I love them all! This recipe is incredibly easy and can be made in under 30 minutes! With instructions for grilled tacos and pan seared fish tacos this is a must have recipe!
What ingredients do you need for fish tacos?
- Cod
- Spices
- Corn Tortillas
- Slaw (Shredded Cabbage)
- Jalapenos
- Ranch
- Mayonnaise
- Lime Juice
- Green Onions
- Hot Sauce
- Avocado
How do you make fish tacos?
The first thing to do is choose your fish. I prefer cod for fish tacos because it is light, flakey and doesn’t have as strong of a fishy taste as some varieties do. However, aside from cod there are other varieties that work well. You can use halibut, tilapia, mahi mahi or snapper if you prefer.
Cut your fish into small pieces that will fit your tortilla well. Lay the fish on a cutting board and set aside. Combine the spices into a small bowl to make a savory, slightly spicy rub for your fish. Sprinkle on each side of the fish and lightly rub it on with your fingers.
If you want to pan sear your fish like I did in my video heat a large skillet to medium heat and add a enough oil to lightly coat the bottom. Sear the fish 2-3 minutes on each side. Your cooking time will vary depending on how big your slices are, but it is done when the fish flakes easily. Remove from the skillet and cover to keep warm.
An alternative method is to grill your fish. Using a gill plate (because the small slices of fish can be difficult to grill without falling apart) heat a grill to high heat (400 degrees) and grill 2-3 minutes on each side until it flakes easily.
To assemble your fish taco simply wrap in a warm corn tortilla and top with the jalapeño slaw or your favorite fixing!
What do you put on a fish taco?
For this recipe I serve my easy fish tacos with a simple Jalapeno Slaw. This slaw takes just a minute to throw together. I like to do this first so it has a chance to chill while the fish is cooking.
To make this combine the shredded cabbage with ranch dressing, mayonnaise, lime juice, diced jalapeno, green onions, hot sauce and salt and pepper. Just stir well and place in the fridge while you prepare the fish. It gives it a chance for the flavors to meld together nicely.
I also like to top my fish tacos with chopped avocado, because all tacos are better with avocado. But here are some other ideas:
- Chopped radishes
- Green onions
- Fresh Lime Juice
- Cilantro
- Feta Cheese (surprisingly delicious!)
- Purple cabbage instead of regular cabbage in the slaw
What should you serve with fish tacos?
One of my favorite things about fish tacos is that it really makes a complete meal on its own. With perfectly cooked fish, tortillas and a slaw packed with veggies it really has everything you need! However there are some other sides that go great with this meal.
- Salsa and Chips
- Queso
- Seasoned Black Beans
- Chili Cheese Collard Green Chips
- Sweet Corn Chowder
Fish Tacos with Jalapeno Ranch Slaw
Equipment
Ingredients
Jalapeno Ranch Slaw
- 1¾ cup shredded cabbage slaw mix
- 2 tablespoons green onions finely chopped
- 1 fresh jalapeño seeded and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
Fish Tacos
- 1½ pounds cod cut int small pieces
- 1½ teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 Corn tortillas
- 1 avocado chopped
Instructions
- For the slaw: Combine all of the ingredients and stir well. Chill while you cook the fish.
- Cut the fish into small pieces that will fit your tortilla well. Combine the spices into a small bowl sprinkle on each side of the fish and lightly rub it on with your fingers.
- Heat a large skillet to medium heat and add a enough oil to very lightly coat the bottom. Sear the fish 2-3 minutes on each side. Your cooking time will vary depending on how big your slices are, but it is done when the fish flakes easily. Remove from the skillet and cover to keep warm.
- To assemble your fish taco simply wrap in a warm corn tortilla and top with the jalapeño slaw and avocado.