These Baja Fish Tacos are a delightful dish, perfect for any occasion. With fresh cod filets, vibrant slaw, zesty avocado crema, and pico de gallo, this Baja Fish Tacos Recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy these flavorful tacos at casual gatherings, summer barbecues, or even cozy weeknight dinners. The combination of textures and flavors makes them stand out in any meal lineup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With a quick prep time of just 20 minutes, you can whip up these tacos effortlessly.
- Bursting with Flavor: The blend of spices and fresh ingredients ensures each bite is packed with taste.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Made with nutritious ingredients like cod and fresh vegetables, these tacos are a guilt-free indulgence.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for taco night or served as an appetizer at parties; they fit any occasion.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice levels to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
To create the best Baja Fish Tacos, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. Here’s what you need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick skillet: This helps prevent the fish from sticking while cooking, ensuring a clean release for perfectly cooked filets.
- Mixing bowls: Ideal for preparing your slaw and avocado crema without making a mess.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife is essential for slicing vegetables quickly and safely.

Ingredients
These Baja Fish Tacos are loaded with cilantro lime slaw, zesty Avocado Crema, and fresh Pico de Gallo! The perfect healthy dinner recipe everyone in your family will love!
For the Fish
- 2 lbs. cod filets
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ancho chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 16 corn tortillas
- cooking spray
For the Cilantro Lime Slaw
- 2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 cups purple cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon honey
- salt & pepper to taste
For the Avocado Crema
- 2 avocados
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons red apple vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt to taste
How to Make Baja Fish Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade for the Cod
In a mixing bowl, combine avocado oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, sea salt, ancho chili powder, and black pepper. Mix well until combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Cod
Coat the cod filets with the marinade mixture. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Cod
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, spray lightly with cooking spray. Place marinated cod filets into the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until flaky and cooked through.
Step 4: Prepare the Cilantro Lime Slaw
In a separate bowl, combine green cabbage, purple cabbage, lime juice, chopped cilantro, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
Step 5: Make the Avocado Crema
In a blender or food processor, add avocados, garlic clove, fresh cilantro, cumin, red pepper flakes, lime juice, red apple vinegar, olive oil, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos
Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Layer cooked cod on each tortilla followed by cilantro lime slaw and a generous dollop of avocado crema. Top with optional pico de gallo if desired.
Enjoy this delicious Baja Fish Tacos Recipe with friends and family!
How to Serve Baja Fish Tacos Recipe
These Baja Fish Tacos are not just delicious; they are also versatile. You can serve them in various ways to elevate your dining experience.
Fresh Pico de Gallo
- Fresh pico de gallo adds a burst of flavor and freshness. Simply prepare it with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños for a zesty topping.
Cilantro Lime Slaw
- This crunchy slaw made from green and purple cabbage mixed with lime juice and cilantro provides a refreshing contrast to the warm fish.
Avocado Crema
- A creamy avocado sauce enhances the tacos perfectly. Blend ripe avocados with garlic, lime juice, and spices for a smooth topping that complements the fish nicely.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Serve grilled corn on the cob drizzled with lime and sprinkled with chili powder. It makes for a delightful side that pairs wonderfully with tacos.
Tortilla Chips
- Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa or guacamole offer an excellent appetizer or snack alongside your Baja Fish Tacos.
Lime Wedges
- Providing lime wedges allows guests to squeeze fresh lime juice over their tacos, adding extra zing to each bite.
How to Perfect Baja Fish Tacos Recipe
To make your Baja Fish Tacos even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose fresh fish: Using fresh cod filets ensures the best flavor and texture for your tacos.
- Marinate briefly: Allowing the fish to marinate in spices for 15–30 minutes can enhance its flavor without overpowering it.
- Preheat your grill or pan: Ensuring your cooking surface is hot helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
- Warm tortillas properly: Warm tortillas in a skillet or directly over a flame until soft and pliable for easier assembly.
- Don’t overcrowd the cooking surface: Cooking fish filets in batches prevents steaming, ensuring each piece gets that perfect golden crust.
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to customize toppings like pickled onions or jalapeños to suit your taste preferences.
Best Side Dishes for Baja Fish Tacos Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Baja Fish Tacos can enhance the meal significantly. Here are some ideas:
-
Mexican Street Corn Salad
A vibrant salad made with corn, cotija cheese, lime dressing, and fresh herbs offers a tasty complement. -
Black Bean Salad
This protein-packed salad combines black beans, corn, red onion, and bell peppers dressed in lime vinaigrette for added texture. -
Guacamole
Creamy guacamole made from ripe avocados is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve with tortilla chips as an appetizer before digging into tacos. -
Rice Pilaf
Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs and spices serves as a great side dish that balances out the richness of the tacos. -
Chili Lime Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with chili powder and lime add savory notes that pair well with seafood tacos. -
Simple Green Salad
A light green salad tossed with olive oil and vinegar provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors of the fish tacos.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Baja Fish Tacos, it’s easy to overlook certain details that can affect the dish’s overall quality. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Using the wrong fish: Opt for fresh cod filets or similar white fish for a flaky texture. Avoid fish that is too oily.
- Overseasoning: While spices add flavor, too much can overpower the dish. Stick to the recommended amounts for balance.
- Neglecting the slaw: The cilantro lime slaw is essential for freshness. Don’t skip it; it enhances both flavor and texture.
- Skipping the avocado crema: This creamy addition is what makes these tacos indulgent and delicious. Always prepare it for extra richness.
- Forgetting to warm tortillas: Cold tortillas can break easily. Warm them on a skillet before serving to keep them pliable.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep components separate (fish, slaw, and crema) to maintain freshness.
Freezing Baja Fish Tacos Recipe
- You can freeze cooked fish for up to 2 months.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating Baja Fish Tacos Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place fish on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate. Heat fish on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add fish and cook for 3-5 minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Baja Fish Tacos Recipe.
What type of fish is best for Baja Fish Tacos?
Cod filets are highly recommended due to their flaky texture and mild flavor, perfect for tacos.
Can I make this Baja Fish Tacos Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use corn tortillas, which are naturally gluten-free.
How do I customize my Baja Fish Tacos?
You can add toppings like jalapeños, different salsas, or even mango slices for added flavor and texture.
What sides pair well with Baja Fish Tacos?
Consider serving with black beans, rice, or a simple salad to complete your meal.
Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
Yes! Just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.
Final Thoughts
These Baja Fish Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. With fresh ingredients like cilantro lime slaw and zesty avocado crema, they offer a delightful mix of flavors everyone will love. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or sides!
Baja Fish Tacos Recipe
Baja Fish Tacos are a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings a taste of the coast straight to your dinner table. This recipe features tender cod filets marinated in a zesty spice blend, complemented by a crunchy cilantro lime slaw and creamy avocado crema. Perfect for casual gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, these tacos not only please the palate but also offer a healthy option that the whole family will enjoy. Easy to customize with your favorite toppings, this Baja Fish Tacos Recipe is sure to impress and satisfy any taco lover.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 (12 tacos) 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. cod filets
- 16 corn tortillas
- 2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 cups purple cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 avocados
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ancho chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons red apple vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine avocado oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, sea salt, ancho chili powder, and black pepper to make the marinade.
- Coat the cod filets with the marinade and let them sit for about 10 minutes.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly spray with cooking spray. Cook the marinated cod filets for 4-5 minutes on each side until flaky.
- In another bowl, mix green and purple cabbage with lime juice, chopped cilantro, honey, salt, and pepper to prepare the slaw.
- Blend avocados, garlic clove, fresh cilantro, cumin, red pepper flakes, lime juice, red apple vinegar, olive oil, and salt in a food processor until smooth for the avocado crema.
- Warm corn tortillas in a skillet or microwave and assemble tacos with cooked cod, slaw, and avocado crema.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (approximately 180g)
- Calories: 355
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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