Crispy Baja Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

If you’re craving something crispy, fresh, and full of flavor, these Baja Fish Tacos are the answer.

Perfectly golden fish tucked into warm tortillas with crunchy slaw and zesty sauce—this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, taco nights, or casual weekend meals.

They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and loaded with bright, bold flavor.

Let’s dive into how to make delicious, crispy Baja-style fish tacos with creamy cilantro lime slaw.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, here are the main ingredients. You can change or skip some based on what you like or what you have at home.

For the Crispy Fish:

• White fish fillets – Cod, tilapia, or haddock work well
• Flour – For the batter
• Cornstarch – Makes the fish extra crispy
• Baking powder – Helps the batter puff a little
• Spices – Paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper
• Cold water or club soda – Makes the batter light and airy
• Oil – For frying (vegetable or canola oil)

For the Cilantro Lime Slaw:

• Cabbage – Green or purple, thinly sliced
• Carrots – Shredded
• Fresh cilantro – Chopped
• Lime juice – Freshly squeezed
• Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt – For creaminess
• Honey – Adds a little sweetness
• Salt and pepper – To taste

For the Tacos:

• Small tortillas – Corn or flour
• Lime wedges – For serving

Optional toppings – Avocado, hot sauce, sliced jalapeños

How to Make Crispy Baja Fish Tacos (Step-by-Step)

Making these tacos is easy when you follow these simple steps:

1. Make the Slaw:
   In a bowl, mix sliced cabbage, carrots, cilantro, lime juice, mayo or yogurt, honey, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it sit in the fridge while you cook the fish.
2. Prepare the Batter:
   In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and spices. Slowly add cold water or club soda while stirring until the batter is smooth and not too thick.
3. Cut and Dip the Fish:
   Cut the fish into small strips. Dip each piece into the batter, covering it well.
4. Fry the Fish:
   Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the fish pieces for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Place them on a paper towel to remove extra oil.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
   Heat your tortillas in a pan or microwave until warm and soft.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
   Place a few pieces of crispy fish on each tortilla. Add a spoonful of the cilantro lime slaw on top. Add extra toppings if you like.
7. Serve:
   Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and enjoy your crispy Baja fish tacos!

Why You’ll Love These Baja Fish Tacos

• Crispy and fresh – Golden fried fish with cool slaw
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and steps
• Fun to eat – Great for parties or family dinners
• Full of flavor – Zesty, creamy, crunchy, and a little spicy
• Customizable – Make it your own with toppings and sauces

Taco Variations You’ll Enjoy

Looking for a little twist? Try these ideas:

• Spicy Baja Tacos – Add hot sauce to the slaw or top with sliced jalapeños
• Grilled Fish Option – Grill the fish for a lighter version
• Vegan Version – Use crispy tofu or battered cauliflower instead of fish
• Low-Carb Wrap – Use lettuce leaves instead of tortillas

What to Serve with Fish Tacos

Make it a full meal with these simple sides and drinks:

Side Dishes:
Mexican rice, chips and salsa, corn on the cob, or a fresh fruit salad

Sauces and Dips:
Extra lime crema, guacamole, spicy mayo, or chipotle sauce

Drinks:
Lime soda, iced tea, cold lemonade, or sparkling water with fruit

Kid-Friendly Ideas:
Serve tacos with plain rice, sweet corn, and apple slices

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Meal Prep Tips

Make Ahead:

Prepare the slaw a few hours early and keep it chilled

Mix the batter just before frying for the best crunch

Cut the fish in advance and store in the fridge

Storage:

Store leftovers in separate containers

Eat within 2 days for the best flavor

Reheat the fish in an oven or toaster to keep it crispy

Freezing Tip:

You can freeze cooked fish pieces. Let them cool first, then freeze in a container for up to 1 month

Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I use frozen fish?
Yes! Thaw it completely and pat it dry before using.

What kind of fish is best?
Any mild white fish like cod, tilapia, or haddock.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free flour and corn tortillas.

What if I don’t like cilantro?
You can skip it or use parsley instead.