Fried Fish Tacos with Red Onion-Tomato Salsa

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Fried Fish Tacos with Red Onion-Tomato Salsa

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Get ready to bite into a crispy, flavorful fish taco topped with a fresh and zesty red onion-tomato salsa! These Fried Fish Tacos with Red Onion-Tomato Salsa bring the perfect combination of crispy, golden fish and the bright, tangy kick from the salsa. A quick and easy meal that’s perfect for Taco Tuesday or any night you’re craving something fresh and delicious. Ready to make these mouthwatering tacos? Let’s dive in!

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Why You’ll Love These Fish Tacos
Crispy & Light – The fried fish is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Fresh & Zesty Salsa – The red onion-tomato salsa adds a tangy crunch that balances the richness of the fish.
Quick & Easy – These tacos come together in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun taco night.
Perfectly Customizable – Add your favorite toppings, sauces, or even a squeeze of lime to make these tacos your own!

Ingredients for Fried Fish Tacos with Red Onion-Tomato Salsa

For the Fried Fish:

  • 1 lb white fish fillets (like cod, tilapia, or halibut)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Red Onion-Tomato Salsa:

  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tacos:

  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need
✔ Large skillet or frying pan
✔ Mixing bowls
✔ Tongs or slotted spoon for frying
✔ Paper towels (for draining oil)

How to Make Fried Fish Tacos with Red Onion-Tomato Salsa

Step 1: Prepare the Salsa

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the diced red onion, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste and toss everything together. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Prepare the Fish

  • Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and cut them into 2-3 inch pieces for tacos.
  • In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk.
  • Dip each fish piece into the flour mixture, coating it evenly, then dip it into the egg mixture, and coat it again with the flour mixture for a crispy crust.

Step 3: Fry the Fish

  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
  • Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded fish pieces in the skillet, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  • Fry the fish for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

  • While the fish is frying, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or until soft and pliable. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds to warm them quickly.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

  • Place a few pieces of crispy fish onto each warm tortilla.
  • Top with a generous spoonful of the red onion-tomato salsa.
  • Add a dollop of sour cream (optional) and garnish with fresh cilantro.
  • Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos for an added burst of flavor.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

  • Serve your fried fish tacos immediately with extra lime wedges and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal.
Top with sliced avocado or a drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce for added richness.
Add a few slices of jalapeño or a sprinkle of chili powder for an extra kick.

Tips for the Best Fried Fish Tacos

Use a Neutral Oil for Frying – Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work best for frying the fish to avoid overpowering the flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry the fish in batches to keep the oil hot and ensure an even, crispy coating.
Customizable Salsa – Feel free to add more ingredients to the salsa, such as corn, diced cucumber, or even a little jalapeño for extra spice.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

  • Store: Leftover fried fish and salsa can be stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat: Reheat the fried fish in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes to keep it crispy. Warm the tortillas fresh when serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use a different type of fish?
A: Absolutely! Any firm white fish like mahi-mahi, snapper, or even trout will work well for these tacos.

Q2: Can I make the salsa ahead of time?
A: Yes! The salsa can be made up to a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Q3: Can I bake the fish instead of frying it?
A: Yes! To make a lighter version, you can bake the coated fish at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Crispy, Flavorful, and Fresh! These Fried Fish Tacos with Red Onion-Tomato Salsa are everything you want in a taco—crispy, flavorful fish, fresh salsa, and a burst of lime that makes every bite irresistible. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just a craving for something fresh, these tacos will hit the spot!

Did you make this recipe? Share your photos and tag us on social media!

🕒 Preparation Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 15 minutes
🌍 Cuisine: Mexican

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 4g

Enjoy these crispy, fresh fish tacos at your next taco night!

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Fried Fish Tacos with Red Onion-Tomato Salsa

Fried Fish Tacos with Red Onion-Tomato Salsa


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  • Author: Evelyn
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Description

Get ready to bite into a crispy, flavorful fish taco topped with a fresh and zesty red onion-tomato salsa! These Fried Fish Tacos with Red Onion-Tomato Salsa bring the perfect combination of crispy, golden fish and the bright, tangy kick from the salsa. A quick and easy meal that’s perfect for Taco Tuesday or any night you’re craving something fresh and delicious. Ready to make these mouthwatering tacos? Let’s dive in!

 

Subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious, easy recipes delivered straight to your inbox!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Fried Fish:

  • 1 lb white fish fillets (like cod, tilapia, or halibut)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Red Onion-Tomato Salsa:

  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tacos:

 

  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salsa

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the diced red onion, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste and toss everything together. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Prepare the Fish

  • Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and cut them into 2-3 inch pieces for tacos.
  • In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk.
  • Dip each fish piece into the flour mixture, coating it evenly, then dip it into the egg mixture, and coat it again with the flour mixture for a crispy crust.

Step 3: Fry the Fish

  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
  • Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded fish pieces in the skillet, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  • Fry the fish for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

  • While the fish is frying, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or until soft and pliable. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds to warm them quickly.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

  • Place a few pieces of crispy fish onto each warm tortilla.
  • Top with a generous spoonful of the red onion-tomato salsa.
  • Add a dollop of sour cream (optional) and garnish with fresh cilantro.
  • Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos for an added burst of flavor.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

 

  • Serve your fried fish tacos immediately with extra lime wedges and enjoy!

Notes

Use a Neutral Oil for Frying – Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work best for frying the fish to avoid overpowering the flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry the fish in batches to keep the oil hot and ensure an even, crispy coating.
Customizable Salsa – Feel free to add more ingredients to the salsa, such as corn, diced cucumber, or even a little jalapeño for extra spice.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Cuisine: Mexican

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