Our Ultimate Fish Taco Recipes

Beer-Battered Fish Tacos
Photo: Photo by Antonis Achilleos / Food Styling by Chelsea Zimmer / Prop Styling by Hannah Greenwood

No matter what kind of fish you love best, or whether you like your fish tacos battered and fried, grilled, baked on a sheet pan, or made in an air fryer, we have a fish taco recipe for you. Our favorite fish taco recipes include Air Fryer Fish Tacos, Beer-Battered Fish Tacos, and even Al Pastor Fish Tacos. Read on for these recipes and more. 

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Al Pastor Fish Tacos

Al Pastor Fish Tacos
Caitlin Bensel

Chef Marcela Valladolid trades classic pork for flaky white fish in this fish taco inspired by  sweet and spicy al pastor taco. In her recipe, white fish fillets are marinated al pastor-style, then baked to yield a delectable filling for tacos.  

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Chipotle-Rubbed Salmon Tacos

Chipotle-Rubbed Salmon Tacos
© Joseph de Leo

In this recipe, spicy grilled salmon is cooled down with a tangy lime mayo, crunchy cabbage, and a juicy apple-cucumber salsa. The apple-cucumber salsa combines granny smith apples, cucumber, vinegar, and more for a punch of flavor that compliments the fish. 

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Beer-Battered Fish Tacos

Beer-Battered Fish Tacos
Photo by Antonis Achilleos / Food Styling by Chelsea Zimmer / Prop Styling by Hannah Greenwood

IPA adds depth to the crunchy coating on perfectly cooked, beer-battered cod fillets. The tacos also feature bright homemade pickled red onions and a cabbage slaw that gets tart creaminess from lime crema and a hint of sweetness from honey.

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Fish Tacos with Creamy Lime Guacamole and Cabbage Slaw

Fish Tacos with Creamy Lime Guacamole and Cabbage Slaw
© Matthew Hranek

This is the ultimate recipe for grilled fish tacos that pack a ton of flavor by relying on fresh ingredients like sliced jalapeños, red onion and cilantro. Plus, the slaw that accompanies the dish can be prepared with ease by tossing the cabbage with an instant lime vinaigrette.

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Fish Tacos with Tomatillo-Jalapeño Salsa

Fish Tacos with Tomatillo-Jalapeño Salsa
© John Kernick

For her light and satisfying tacos, chef Deborah Schneider fills warm corn tortillas with meaty charred halibut and a brilliant, spicy, tart salsa. The whole recipe comes together in under half an hour. 

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Crispy Fried Fish Tacos

Crispy Fried-Fish Tacos
© Con Poulos

Chef Tomas Lee fries tilapia fillets in a panko-flour mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and white pepper before frying them until golden brown. The tacos are then served with a hoisin mayonnaise, shredded cilantro and sliced scallions.

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Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Golden brown panko-breaded cod fillets and a creamy red cabbage slaw are folded into charred corn tortillas in this fish taco recipe. The slaw gets a pop of acidity from fresh lime juice, as well as savory notes from Mexican-style hot sauce and grated garlic. 

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Tuna Tacos with Onions

Tuna Tacos with Onions
© Rick Lew

Corn tortillas envelop slices of perfectly grilled tuna in these tuna tacos from chef Aarón Sanchez of New York City's Paladar. The tacos are accompanied by a quick, vinegary, super crunchy red-onion pickle, and a fast mango, cucumber, and serrano salsa. 

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Dry-Rubbed Salmon Tacos with Tomatillo-Avocado Slaw

Day 5: Dry-Rubbed Salmon Tacos with Tomatillo-Avocado Slaw
MARCUS NILSSON

For maximum flavor in minimal time, chef Jeff Smith opts for spice rubs over marinades for these salmon fish tacos. A big pinch of ground coffee is the secret ingredient that lends earthiness to the rub for the grilled salmon fillets for these tacos.

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Grilled Fish Tacos

Grilled-Fish Tacos
© EDMUND BARR

These grilled fish tacos are marinated with olive oil, garlic, serrano peppers, paprika, and pepper, and once grilled, offer tons of customizable options. Here, we're pairing them with a dreamy avocado cream and a dreamy mayo-based coleslaw.

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Crispy Fish Tacos

Crispy Fish Tacos
Cedric Angeles

Chef Rick Bayless adds dimension to classic Baja-style fish tacos by adding garlic and oregano to the beer batter for an extra punch of flavor. Serve on steamy corn tortillas with a dollop of crema and a splash of lime for a crispy, satisfying summer meal.

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Fish Tacos

Fish Tacos
© Beatriz Da Costa

Fish is sauteed with toasted cumin seeds and coarsely chopped kalamata olives, and topped with a salad of chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber in this unorthodox but delicious fish taco recipe from Marcia Kiesel.

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Ceviche Fish Tacos with Avocado and Lime

Ceviche Fish Tacos with Avocado and Lime
© Phoebe Lapine

For these extra-refreshing tacos, fish gets marinated in a mixture of tomatoes, citrus juices and chiles. The citrusy marinade turns the fish opaque, cooking the fish without any heat. The recipe calls for striped bass, but any firm white fish fillets will do.

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