Fish tacos have become one of my all-time favorite dishes.
There’s just something so satisfying about the combination of tender, flavorful fish, warm tortillas, and a variety of fresh toppings.
It’s a culinary adventure that I love to embark on, especially when I want to create a special meal for myself and a loved one.
Today, I want to share with you my recipe for easy fish tacos for two. When it comes to homemade fish tacos, the possibilities are endless.
You can customize them with your favorite fish, experiment with different marinades and seasonings, and get creative with the toppings.
The best part is that they are surprisingly simple to make, yet they always taste like they came from a gourmet restaurant.
For me, I find that making fish tacos together with someone special adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the whole experience.
It’s a chance to bond over cooking, share a delicious meal, and create lasting memories.
So, if you’re ready to embark on a flavorful journey and indulge in some culinary delight, let’s dive into the world of easy fish tacos for two.
How to Prepare Fish for Mouthwatering Results
Fish is the star of the show when it comes to fish tacos, so it’s important to start with the right kind of fish and prepare it properly.
Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:
Choosing the right fish
When selecting fish for your tacos, opt for mild-flavored white fish that is firm and able to hold its shape when cooked.
Popular choices include cod, tilapia, halibut, or mahi-mahi.
These types of fish have a delicate flavor that pairs well with the vibrant toppings and seasonings in the tacos.
Marinating the fish
Marinating the fish is an essential step to infuse it with flavor and ensure it remains moist and tender.
Prepare a simple marinade using ingredients like lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Coat the fish fillets with the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the flesh.
Seasoning and grilling the fish
Once the fish has marinated, it’s time to season it and get it on the grill.
Remove the fillets from the marinade and sprinkle them with additional seasonings such as chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a dash of your favorite spice blend.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the fish for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
Personally, I enjoy the smoky flavor and slightly charred edges that grilling imparts to the fish.
However, if you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the fish in a skillet on the stovetop or bake it in the oven.
For example, I recently made these fish tacos using fresh cod fillets marinated in lime juice, garlic, cumin, and a sprinkle of chili powder.
I grilled the fish to perfection, achieving a beautiful flaky texture and a delightful balance of flavors.
Remember, the key to perfectly cooked fish is not to overcook it. Keep a close eye on the fillets and remove them from the heat as soon as they are cooked through.
Overcooked fish can become dry and lose its delicate taste.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Delicious Tortillas
Dive Into Flavor With Easy Fish Tacos For Two
Course: Lifestyle, Recipes2
servings10
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
2 white fish fillets (such as tilapia or cod)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
4 small flour tortillas
1/2 cup shredded cabbage
1/4 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup diced red onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lime juice
Lime wedges (for serving)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the fish fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the fillets with olive oil and sprinkle them with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the spices onto both sides of the fish.
- Bake the fish in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- While the fish is baking, warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute on each side until they are soft and pliable. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and lime juice to create a creamy lime sauce.
- Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Use a fork to flake the fish into bite-sized pieces.
- To assemble the tacos, place a spoonful of the flaked fish onto each tortilla. Top with shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle the creamy lime sauce over the toppings.
- Serve the fish tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.
- Enjoy your easy and delicious fish tacos for two!
The tortillas play a crucial role in fish tacos, as they serve as the vessel that holds all the delicious ingredients together.
While you can certainly use store-bought tortillas, there’s something special about homemade ones. Here’s a closer look at making the tortillas:
Homemade tortillas vs. store-bought options
Homemade tortillas have a unique freshness and flavor that can take your fish tacos to the next level.
They are surprisingly simple to make and require just a few basic ingredients.
However, if you’re short on time or prefer convenience, store-bought tortillas can be a good alternative.
The making of homemade tortillas
- Gather your ingredients: All-purpose flour, salt, water, and a small amount of vegetable oil.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add 3/4 cup of warm water to the flour mixture while stirring with a spoon or your hands. Continue to mix until the dough comes together.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into small portions, roughly the size of golf balls. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for about 15 minutes.
- Take one portion of dough and roll it out into a thin, round shape using a rolling pin. Aim for a diameter of about 6-8 inches.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with a small amount of vegetable oil.
- Place the rolled-out tortilla onto the heated skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it starts to develop golden brown spots.
- Repeat the rolling and cooking process with the remaining portions of dough until you have a stack of delicious homemade tortillas.
Alternative options for tortillas
If you prefer not to make your own tortillas or are short on time, there are several store-bought options available.
Look for soft, flour or corn tortillas in your local grocery store.
You can warm them up by quickly heating them in a dry skillet or wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for a few seconds.
To give you an idea, I love the process of making homemade tortillas for my fish tacos.
There’s a certain satisfaction in rolling out the dough and witnessing the transformation from a ball of dough to a perfectly round, slightly charred tortilla.
The homemade tortillas add a fresh and authentic touch to the overall experience.
Now that we have our tortillas ready, it’s time to move on to the exciting part—the toppings!
Using Fresh Ingredients for Flavorful Toppings
Now that we have our perfectly grilled fish and homemade tortillas ready, it’s time to dive into the world of fresh and flavorful toppings.
These toppings will add a burst of texture and taste to your fish tacos. Let’s explore some delicious options:
Pico de Gallo: A zesty tomato salsa
Pico de Gallo is a classic Mexican salsa that adds a refreshing and vibrant element to fish tacos.
To make this zesty topping, finely chop fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeños (adjust the heat level to your preference), and cilantro. Squeeze in some fresh lime juice and sprinkle with salt.
Mix everything together, and you’ll have a colorful and tangy salsa to complement the flavors of the fish.
Creamy Avocado Sauce: The perfect taco condiment
Creamy avocado sauce brings a rich and velvety texture to your fish tacos.
Mash ripe avocados and mix them with a squeeze of lime juice, minced garlic, a touch of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess, and a pinch of salt.
The result is a luscious, creamy sauce that pairs wonderfully with the grilled fish.
Cabbage Slaw: Adding crunch and tanginess
Cabbage slaw adds a delightful crunch and tanginess to your fish tacos. Thinly slice or shred cabbage and toss it with lime juice, a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
You can also add some thinly sliced red onion, grated carrots, or chopped fresh cilantro for extra flavor and color.
Additional topping suggestions
Here are a few more topping ideas to consider:
- Pickled Onions. Quick-pickle thinly sliced red onions in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt for a tangy and vibrant topping.
- Fresh Lime Wedges. Serve alongside your tacos to squeeze over the fish for an added burst of citrusy freshness.
- Sliced Radishes. These crisp and peppery vegetables bring an extra layer of texture and flavor to your fish tacos.
- Cilantro Lime Crema. Blend together sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro for a tangy and herbaceous sauce.
- Sliced Jalapeños. For those who enjoy some heat, thinly sliced jalapeños can be added to provide a spicy kick to your tacos.
Remember, the beauty of fish tacos is the opportunity to customize them to your liking. Feel free to mix and match these toppings or add your own creative twists.
For instance, I recently enjoyed fish tacos topped with a vibrant pico de gallo that balanced the flavors with its tangy tomatoes and fresh herbs.
I also added a dollop of creamy avocado sauce to bring a luxurious creaminess to each bite.
The crunch and tanginess from the cabbage slaw elevated the overall texture and taste of the tacos.
Now that we have our fish, tortillas, and toppings prepared, it’s time to assemble our mouthwatering fish tacos.
How to Assemble and Serve Fish Tacos like a Pro
Building the perfect fish taco
Assembling a fish taco is an art that involves layering flavors and textures. Here’s how to build the perfect fish taco:
- Start with a warm tortilla: Place a grilled tortilla on a clean surface or plate.
- Add the fish: Take a piece of grilled fish and place it on the tortilla. Break it into smaller, manageable pieces if needed.
- Add your toppings: Spoon a generous amount of pico de gallo over the fish. Drizzle some creamy avocado sauce on top.
Finally, add a handful of cabbage slaw for crunch and tanginess.
- Optional additional toppings: If desired, add sliced radishes, pickled onions, or cilantro leaves for extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Squeeze some fresh lime juice: Squeeze a wedge of lime over the assembled taco to add a burst of citrusy freshness.
Serving suggestions and side dish ideas
Fish tacos are versatile and can be served with various accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions and side dish ideas:
- Mexican Rice. Serve fish tacos with a side of fluffy Mexican rice, flavored with tomatoes, onions, and spices.
- Refried Bean. Add a scoop of refried beans as a hearty and satisfying side dish.
- Grilled Corn. Grilled corn on the cob or off the cob, seasoned with lime juice, chili powder, and cotija cheese, pairs wonderfully with fish tacos.
- Tortilla Chips and Salsa. Serve a bowl of tortilla chips with your favorite salsa for a crunchy and flavorful side snack.
Beverage pairing recommendations
To complement the vibrant flavors of fish tacos, consider these beverage pairing recommendations:
- Cerveza. A cold Mexican lager or a light, crisp beer pairs well with the zesty and spicy elements of fish tacos.
- Margarita. A classic margarita, whether on the rocks or frozen, with its citrusy and refreshing notes, harmonizes beautifully with the flavors of the tacos.
- Agua Fresca. A refreshing agua fresca, such as watermelon, pineapple, or cucumber-lime, provides a cooling and thirst-quenching option.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade. For a non-alcoholic choice, a glass of iced tea or freshly squeezed lemonade complements the flavors and provides a refreshing balance.
Enjoying the Culinary Adventure
Now that you have assembled your fish tacos and chosen the perfect side dishes and beverages, it’s time to savor the culinary adventure.
Take a moment to appreciate the vibrant colors, the medley of flavors, and the textures that come together in each bite.
Share this delightful meal with a loved one, creating cherished memories and enjoying the shared experience of savoring delicious fish tacos.
If you happen to have leftovers, fear not! Fish tacos make a fantastic meal-prep option.
Refrigerate the components separately—fish, tortillas, and toppings—and assemble fresh tacos when ready to enjoy.
The flavors may meld together even more, enhancing the taste of your next meal.
So, grab a taco, take a bite, and let the flavors transport you to a sunny beachside destination. Bon appétit!
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FAQ’S
Are fish tacos better with corn or flour tortillas?
Are corn or flour tortillas best for fish tacos? Corn tortillas are the best for fish tacos. This is the most authentic choice for true cuisine.
Of course, if you prefer flour tortillas, you may use them if you wish
Why use 2 corn tortillas for tacos?
But a popular explanation is that the second tortilla can be used to make another taco with any fillings that spill out the side.
Other reasons include preventing a tortilla from breaking, or if you have a particularly moist filling, & others do it because corn tortillas are delicious – can’t argue with that!
Do you heat tortillas for fish tacos?
Heating up the tortillas before you fill them makes every taco recipe that much more savory and delicious, so don’t skip this step!
Tacos, quesadillas and enchiladas are too delicious for a cold tortilla.