Baja Fish Tacos
This post may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure.
Baja fish tacos are perfectly golden, lightly fluffy, irresistibly crunchy. These beer-battered fish tacos are a must-serve for Taco Night! Learn how to make this authentic Mexican fish taco recipe! It’s how we make them in Mexico.
Included: DIY cactus-shaped tortilla chips, and party-planning tips with printables for making Taco Night festive!
PIN BAJA FISH TACOS TO MAKE THEM LATER!
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PaceTacoNight #CollectiveBias
ABOUT BAJA FISH TACOS
In coastal areas of Mexico, light-and-crunchy, beer-battered fish tacos have been enjoyed for generations. California surfers fell in love with them in Baja California, specifically Ensenada and San Felipe. They were introduced to San Diego in the 1970s. Today I’m sharing this authentic Baja fish tacos recipe!
CACTUS-SHAPED TORTILLA CHIPS
No party is complete without chips and salsa! Make Taco Night festive with cactus-shaped tortilla chips and Pace® from Walmart! America’s favorite salsa for tacos and chips is a pantry staple. Our family enjoys its bold kick of flavor! Here’s how to make fun cactus-shaped tortilla chips:
- Cactus-shaped cookie cutter
- Green flour tortilla wraps
- Corn tortillas
- Canola oil cooking spray
- Sea salt flakes
- Pace® Medium Picante Sauce, 24 oz.
HOW TO MAKE CACTUS TORTILLA CHIPS
Make your Baja fish tacos envious with scene-stealing cactus tortilla chips! Baked until light and crisp, they’re a party favorite. Here’s how to make them:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking trays with parchment paper.
- With a cactus-shaped cookie cutter, cut out shapes from the tortillas. Transfer the shapes to lined baking trays. Use one for each color.
- Spray both sides of the cactus shapes with canola oil. Lightly sprinkle them with salt.
- Bake the green flour tortilla chips for 5 1/2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them. They crisp up fast!
- Bake the yellow corn tortillas for 8-10 minutes. There’s no need to flip them halfway through!
RECIPE TIP FOR TACO NIGHT: Cut out all the cactus pieces the night before your party. Store them in zip-top bags. Make fresh batches of crunchy baked tortilla chips just before guests arrive!
BEER BATTERED FISH TACOS
The best beer-battered fish tacos have a light airy coating that’s beautifully crisp. The ingredients below will help you achieve authentic-tasting Baja fish tacos. They’ll stand neck to neck with the fish tacos served and enjoyed at seaside taco stands in Cabo San Lucas!
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Garlic powder
- Sea salt
- Freshly-ground black pepper
- Canned chipotle peppers in adobo
- Large eggs
- Mexican beer
- Skinless cod fillets
- Corn tortillas – to assemble fish tacos!
BEST TYPE OF FISH FOR FISH TACOS
What’s the best type of fish for making fish tacos? Cod is the number one pick because of its mild delicate taste, tender meat, and flaky texture. Once beer battered and fried, its subtle flavor complements the light and crispy battered exterior!
Here’s a list of delicious fish for making authentic Baja fish tacos:
- Cod
- Mahi-mahi
- Halibut
- Red snapper
- Sea bass
IMPORTANT RECIPE TIP: Whenever using frozen fish, properly defrost it and eliminate the moisture. Use paper towels to pat the fish completely dry.
MAKE ANY NIGHT TACO NIGHT >> MORE RECIPE INSPIRATION
HOW TO MAKE FISH TACOS
Coated with beer batter, they’re golden and delicious with the perfect crunch! Here’s how to make fish tacos enjoyed on coastal vacations in Mexico!
- STEP 1: Gather all your ingredients together. Place a cooling rack over a paper-towel-lined tray. Add 2 inches of oil to a medium-size heavy pot or pan. Heat the oil to 350°F.
- STEP 2: While the oil’s heating, slice the fish into small pieces: approximately 2 1/2 inches by 1/2 inch. Prepare the batter: whisk the dry ingredients until blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and chipotle, then add in the beer. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Whisk well to prevent lumps.
- STEP 3: With your fingers, dip the fish into the batter until fully coated. Working in batches, gently place beer-battered fish into the hot oil. Fry the fish for 4-5 minutes or until golden and done. Use tongs to gently turn the pieces as they fry. It’s very important that the oil maintains a temperature of 350°F. Use a cooking thermometer to check. Between batches, remove the little batter crumbs from the oil with a handled metal-mesh strainer.
- STEP 4: Transfer cooked beer-battered fish to the cooling rack.
KITCHEN TIP: Carbon dioxide bubbles in the beer is what makes this special batter for Baja fish tacos light and fluffy. It’s important to add in the beer just before frying the fish. You don’t want the batter to sit around and wait. We want to take full advantage of the fizzling and bubbles before they disappear!
EASY SLAW FOR FISH TACO RECIPE
- Prepackaged slaw (shredded white cabbage, red cabbage and carrots)
- Lime juice
- Sea salt
How to make slaw for fish tacos: Squeeze lime juice over the slaw. Sprinkle it with salt. Mix to combine.
CONDIMENTS FOR BAJA FISH TACOS
Tuesdays are for Tacos. Tacos are for Pace®. Its bold kick of flavor elevates Mexican recipes and Taco Night festivities! These are the essential condiments for Baja fish tacos.
- Pace® Chunky Salsa Medium, 24 oz
- Radishes
- Sea salt
- Limes
- Fresh cilantro
- Homemade chipotle mayo (see recipe below)
CHIPOTLE MAYO RECIPE
Homemade chipotle mayo for beer-battered fish tacos is quick and easy to make! Simply whisk these ingredients together:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely minced*
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
*RECIPE TIP: Use the chipotle peppers left over from the beer-batter recipe! One small can is all you’ll need for both the beer batter and chipotle mayo.
HOW TO ASSEMBLE BAJA FISH TACOS
- Warm flour tortillas on a Mexican comal or pancake griddle.
- Place 1 or 2 pieces of beer-battered fish across double-stacked corn tortillas.
- Squeeze chipotle mayo over the fish.
- Sprinkle the top with slaw.
- Serve with wedges of lime, cilantro, and Pace® Chunky Salsa Medium.
TACO NIGHT PARTY IDEAS
Setting up an exciting Taco Tuesday serving table is easy to do. Here’s how to make Taco Night special:
- STEP 1: Get festive with this printable DIY CACTUS BANNER. To assemble the banner you’ll need scissors, a small hole punch, and a thin white cord or string.
- STEP 2: Print and assemble your official TACO TIME BANNER. You’ll need 8 1/2 X 11 sparkly gold paper, scissors, a small hole punch, and a lightweight cord.
- STEP 3: Create easy centerpieces with cacti! Transfer them to old metal cans. Use these printable METAL CAN LABELS and tape.
- STEP 4: Use this PRINTABLE POST CARD for Taco Night invites!
TACO TUESDAY / TACO TIME!
Hang up your DIY Taco Night banners. Assemble your serving table. Be prepared for lots of compliments. Get ready to share this authentic recipe for beer-battered fish tacos!
Baja Fish Tacos
- Total Time: 25 Minutes
- Yield: 5 Servings 1x
Description
ABOUT BAJA FISH TACOS: This authentic Mexican recipe for beer-battered fish tacos delivers the exact taste and texture of fish tacos served in coastal Mexican towns. Now you too can enjoy the festive flavors of Mexico in your own kitchen!
Ingredients
BEER-BATTER INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 1/4 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced and crushed into a paste
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups Mexican beer (any pale beer will do!)
INGREDIENTS FOR BAJA FISH TACOS
- 2 pounds fresh cod (skinless fillets)
- 1 package corn tortillas (24 pack)
- Canola oil for frying
ESSENTIAL CONDIMENTS
- Pace® Chunky Salsa Medium, 24 oz.
- Pace® Medium Picante Sauce, 24 oz.
- Mexican-style tortilla chips
- Wedges of lime
- Sliced Radishes
- Sea salt
- Fresh cilantro
INGREDIENTS FOR SLAW
- Pre-packaged slaw (shredded white cabbage, red cabbage and carrots)
- 4 tablespoons lime juice (2–3 limes)
- Sea salt, to taste
CHIPOTLE MAYO INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced and crushed into a paste
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (1 –2 limes)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
FISH TACO RECIPE PREP: Prepare the chipotle mayo by mixing the 5 ingredients together. Season the slaw with lime juice and salt. Place a cooling rack over a paper-towel-lined tray.
- Add 2 inches of oil to a medium-size heavy pot or pan. Heat the oil to 350°F.
- While the oil’s heating, slice the fish into small pieces: approximately 2 1/2 inches by 1/2 inch. Prepare the batter: whisk the dry ingredients until blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and chipotle, then add in the beer. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Whisk well to prevent lumps.
- With your fingers, dip the fish into the batter until fully coated. Working in batches, gently place beer-battered fish into the hot oil. Fry the fish for 4-5 minutes or until golden and done. Use tongs to gently turn the pieces as they fry. It’s very important that the oil maintains a temperature of 350°F. Use a cooking thermometer to check. Between batches, remove the little batter crumbs from the oil with a handled metal-mesh strainer. Transfer cooked beer-battered fish to the cooling rack.
- Warm the corn tortillas on a griddle or comal.
- Assemble fish tacos: place 1-2 pieces of fish in the middle of double stacked corn tortillas. Drizzle chipotle mayo over the fish. Sprinkle slaw over the top. Serve with essential condiments.
Notes
BEER BATTER TIP: Carbon dioxide bubbles in the beer is what makes this special batter for Baja fish tacos light and fluffy. It’s important to add in the beer just before frying the fish. You don’t want the batter to sit around and wait. We want to take full advantage of the fizzling and bubbles before they disappear!
INGREDIENT TIP: One small 7-ounce can of chipotle peppers in adobe sauce is all you’ll need for both the beer batter and chipotle mayo.
FISH TACO FAQ: What’s the best type of fish for making fish tacos? Cod, mahi-mahi, halibut, red snapper, and sea bass. If using frozen fish, properly defrost it and eliminate the moisture. Use paper towels to pat the fish completely dry.
HOW TO MAKE CACTUS-SHAPED TORTILLA CHIPS: Preheat oven to 350°F. Use a cactus-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes from corn tortillas and/or green tortilla wraps. Use separate parchment-lined baking trays for each type. Spray with canola oil. Sprinkle with salt. Bake green cactus chips for 5.5 minutes (they burn easily, so watch them carefully). Bake corn tortilla chips for 8-10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Cook Time: 5 Minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
BAJA FISH TACOS > JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Have you ever experienced the joy of eating beer-battered fish tacos? Would you like to try this easy fish taco recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
This was SO GOOD!! I followed the recipe exact, and it was out of this world. Only thing I will change is probably halving the recipe, as it’s a lot of fish for a couple or small family.
Super impressed with this.
– Picky
Amber, thanks so much for sharing your food experience with this tasty recipe. It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed this seaside Mexican classic!
I’m about to make the beer batter @ .5 volume.
Looking forward to a recipe that I can recommend.
Erik
Erik, looking forward to hearing how it turns out for you! In Mexico we enjoy making this beer-battered fish recipe for groups of friends. Right there on the coast we’re surrounded by several little fishing towns. Baja fish tacos are a popular way to enjoy fish caught that same day along with fresh corn tortillas.
This BAJA FISH TACOS Recipe looks really scrumptious and I can’t wait to have this on my plate!
Thanks for the recipe.
I made this for last night’s dinner. Simply AMAZING. It tastes just as it did when I had it in Cabo. Since I’ve left Mexico I’ve been searching for a good fish taco every place came up short, but this seals the deal.
I love fish tacos and this recipe is one of the best I have made! The printables are so handy to make the dinner even more special!
These look so yummy! And I love the cactus shaped tortillas!
:)
Traci
I love me some fish tacos. I’ve never made them myself, guess I will be now. And loving the Cactus chips!!!
I’ve never had a fish taco in my life but I am definitely going to try it now. I love their Salsa.
These look amazing. I actually had fish tacos about a year ago for the first time. They sure are delicious. Now I’ll have to try this recipe too.
Oh my goodness! I am drooling over these tacos! They look amazingly delicious!
Love me some tacos especially since it’s Taco Tuesday. But honestly, I’ve never had fish tacos before. Your fish tacos look absolutely delish!
This came together so nicely. I don’t think I’ve ever tried fish tacos, but I am loving your setup and the chips are just the cutest ever!
I don’t think I’ve tried something like this before. I reckon fish goes really well with tacos. Those cactus design looks awesome!
Hmm I am loving this Baja fish tacos right now! Looks really appetizing. I must have this on our next meals.
We love fish tacos at our house. The fish has to be cooked perfectly though and we must have a lime wedge but the rest is up to our own creativity. Cannot wait to try these.
I love fish tacos, we’ll have to make this recipe. Your cactus tortilla chips are so cute!
My husband loves fish tacos, I prefer the old fashioned kind. We usually make both when we do tacos.
I love fish tacos! They’re the type of taco I make the least, but they are probably my favorite kind.
These are awesome- i love baja fish tacos and cant wait to make something like this for my family this week! YUM!
I love this salsa! I use it often for tacos. I’ll have to try these for my kids and husband. They love their seafood. Sometimes I’ll surprise them with fish!
These are incredible! We tried them and the flavor was amazing!
My son loves seafood and salsa with chips. I have to try and make those tacos for him with a side of chips with that salsa.
Definitely not waiting for Taco Tuesday, we are making these tonight! MY mouth is watering just looking at the pictures!
Wow! Such a creative idea to make cacti out of tortillas. My kids will definitely like it.
Love tacos. This looks so colorful and delicious. I’ll be trying your version soon!
My kids are going to LOVE those tortilla chips! Those are so fun! Fish tacos are my favorite and we can’t wait to dig in!
I love fresh fish tacos and these look delicious.
I’d be happy to eat these yummy fish tacos any time of the week! So good!
We love fish tacos at our house and taco Tuesday will be so much better when I use your recipe. I love the cactus-shaped tortillas! They are so cute and add a festive flair to your party.