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Crispy Cod Fish Tacos Recipe

4.6 from 103 reviews

These Crispy Cod Fish Tacos are a delicious and quick meal perfect for any day of the week. Tender cod fillets are coated in a seasoned cornmeal and flour mixture, fried to golden perfection, and served on warm corn tortillas with fresh cabbage, creamy avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Coating

  • 1 lb cod fillets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk

For Serving

  • 810 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Fresh lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cod: Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and cut them into 1-inch strips to ensure even cooking and an ideal size for tacos.
  2. Make Coating: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. In a separate bowl, pour the buttermilk.
  3. Coat the Fish: Dip each cod strip first into the buttermilk to moisten, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour and cornmeal mixture. Set coated fillets aside ready for frying.
  4. Heat Oil: In a frying pan or skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot, ideal for frying the fish crispy.
  5. Fry Cod: Place the cod strips in the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  6. Warm Tortillas: Using a clean skillet, warm each corn tortilla for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly toasted.
  7. Assemble Tacos: Lay warm tortillas flat and fill with fried cod strips. Top with shredded cabbage, sliced avocado, and freshly squeezed lime juice for a bright finish. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the coating mixture.
  • Use fresh cod for the best flavor and texture, but frozen cod can be used if fully thawed and patted dry.
  • To make it lighter, bake the coated cod strips at 425°F for 15-20 minutes instead of frying.
  • Serve with a side of salsa or sour cream for additional flavor options.
  • Be sure to drain fried fish well on paper towels to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: cod fish tacos, crispy fish tacos, Mexican fish tacos, fried cod recipe, easy fish tacos