Fried Fish Tacos with Red Onion-Tomato Salsa

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Fried Fish Tacos with Red Onion-Tomato Salsa

Dinner Ideas

Crispy, golden fried fish wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with a fresh, zesty red onion-tomato salsa—these Fried Fish Tacos with Red Onion-Tomato Salsa are a flavor-packed delight! Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just a craving for something delicious, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love These Fried Fish Tacos

Crispy & Flavorful – The fish is perfectly crunchy on the outside and tender inside.
Fresh & Zesty – The red onion-tomato salsa adds a burst of brightness.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes!
Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for weeknights, gatherings, or a fun family meal.

Ingredients for Fried Fish Tacos with Red Onion-Tomato Salsa

For the Fried Fish:

  • 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or halibut)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornmeal or panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • ½ cup milk
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Red Onion-Tomato Salsa:

  • ½ red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for heat)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Tacos:

  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • ½ cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
  • ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Tools You’ll Need

✔ Mixing bowls
✔ Frying pan or deep fryer
✔ Tongs
✔ Paper towels

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

Step 1: Prepare the Salsa

  1. In a bowl, combine diced red onion, cherry tomatoes, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors blend while you prepare the fish.

Step 2: Prepare the Fish

  1. Cut the fish fillets into taco-sized strips.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, cornmeal (or panko), salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
  4. Dip each piece of fish into the egg mixture, then coat it in the flour mixture.

Step 3: Fry the Fish

  1. Heat ½ inch of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Fry the fish in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

  1. Heat tortillas in a dry pan for 30 seconds per side until warm and slightly charred.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

  1. Place shredded cabbage or lettuce onto each tortilla.
  2. Add crispy fried fish, then top with red onion-tomato salsa.
  3. Drizzle with sour cream or Greek yogurt and add avocado slices if using.
  4. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Serving Suggestions

With Guacamole – Extra creamy goodness!
With a Spicy Sauce – A drizzle of hot sauce or sriracha takes it up a notch.
With Mexican Street Corn – A perfect side dish!

Tips for the Best Fried Fish Tacos

Use Fresh Fish – Fresh, firm fish holds up better when fried.
Double-Coat for Extra Crunch – Dip in flour, then egg, then flour again for a crispier texture.
Drain on a Wire Rack – Keeps the fish crispy instead of soggy.
Make-Ahead Salsa – Letting the salsa sit for at least 15 minutes enhances the flavor.

Storage Instructions

Store fried fish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to keep it crispy.
Avoid Microwaving – It will make the fish soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I bake or air-fry the fish instead of frying?
A: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q2: Can I use frozen fish?
A: Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before frying to prevent excess moisture.

Q3: What can I use instead of red onion?
A: Try finely chopped green onions or shallots for a milder flavor.

Conclusion: Taco Night Just Got Better!

These Fried Fish Tacos with Red Onion-Tomato Salsa bring together crispy fish, fresh salsa, and creamy toppings for a taco experience you’ll crave again and again. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor—this is a must-try recipe!

📸 Tried this recipe? Snap a pic and tag us—we love seeing your delicious creations!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 480 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 52g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 6g | Sodium: 580mg

Enjoy your crispy, zesty, flavor-packed tacos!

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Fried Fish Tacos with Red Onion-Tomato Salsa


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Description

Crispy, golden fried fish wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with a fresh, zesty red onion-tomato salsa—these Fried Fish Tacos with Red Onion-Tomato Salsa are a flavor-packed delight! Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just a craving for something delicious, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more mouthwatering recipes delivered straight to your inbox!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Fried Fish:

  • 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or halibut)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornmeal or panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • ½ cup milk
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Red Onion-Tomato Salsa:

  • ½ red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for heat)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Tacos:

  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • ½ cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
  • ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salsa

  1. In a bowl, combine diced red onion, cherry tomatoes, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors blend while you prepare the fish.

Step 2: Prepare the Fish

  1. Cut the fish fillets into taco-sized strips.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, cornmeal (or panko), salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
  4. Dip each piece of fish into the egg mixture, then coat it in the flour mixture.

Step 3: Fry the Fish

  1. Heat ½ inch of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Fry the fish in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

  1. Heat tortillas in a dry pan for 30 seconds per side until warm and slightly charred.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

  1. Place shredded cabbage or lettuce onto each tortilla.
  2. Add crispy fried fish, then top with red onion-tomato salsa.
  3. Drizzle with sour cream or Greek yogurt and add avocado slices if using.
  4. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Use Fresh Fish – Fresh, firm fish holds up better when fried.
Double-Coat for Extra Crunch – Dip in flour, then egg, then flour again for a crispier texture.
Drain on a Wire Rack – Keeps the fish crispy instead of soggy.
Make-Ahead Salsa – Letting the salsa sit for at least 15 minutes enhances the flavor.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

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