Best Baja Fish Tacos with Bright, Crisp Dressing 🌮🌊

These Baja fish tacos are the epitome of fresh and flavorful! With crispy, spiced fish and a zesty dressing, you’ll feel like you’re dining by the beach, no matter where you are. Perfect for summer gatherings or a casual weeknight dinner, these tacos are easy to make and packed with vibrant flavors.

The dressing is a standout feature, adding zing that perfectly complements the fish. Pair these tacos with a side of tortilla chips and salsa for a complete fiesta experience! 🎉🌶️

Ingredients

For the fish

• 1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup beer (or sparkling water for non-alcoholic version)
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the dressing

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey (or agave for vegan)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For assembly

• Corn tortillas
• Shredded cabbage (green or purple for color)
• Diced tomatoes
• Avocado slices
• Lime wedges
• Extra cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the fish:
   • In a bowl, mix together flour, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper.
   • Dredge the fish fillets in the flour mixture, then dip them into the beer until fully coated.

🥁 For extra crunch, let the coated fish rest for 10 minutes before frying to allow the batter to adhere better.

2. Fry the fish:

   • Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Once hot, fry the fish for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
   • Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

3. Make the dressing:

   • In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, cilantro, garlic powder, and salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the tacos:

   • Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
   • Layer a generous amount of shredded cabbage, crispy fish, diced tomatoes, and avocado slices on each tortilla.
   • Drizzle with the bright dressing and sprinkle with extra cilantro.

5. Serve:

   • Enjoy the tacos while warm, with lime wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of freshness!

🌿 Feel free to experiment with toppings! Pickled jalapeños or pineapple salsa can add a delightful twist.

Variations

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the coating and corn tortillas.
• Baked fish: Instead of frying, bake seasoned fish fillets at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes for a lighter option.
• Vegetarian: Substitute fish with tempura-battered cauliflower or crispy fried avocado for a delicious veggie version.
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños to the dressing or layer them in the tacos for an extra kick!

Enjoy your Baja fish tacos and let the adventure begin! 🌮✨