How to Make the Perfect Crispy Baked Fish Tacos
Mexican · Medium · 33 min · 4 servings
These crispy baked fish tacos skip the fryer and use a simple seasoned breadcrumb coating that gets perfectly golden in the oven without any dairy or nuts involved. Kids love building their own tacos which makes this recipe a guaranteed interactive dinner win.
Why this recipe works
This Crispy Baked Fish Tacos recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 33 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 350 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 pound cod fillets cut into strips
- 0.75 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat the cod strips completely dry with paper towels as excess moisture prevents the coating from crisping up properly.
Step 2: Coat the Fish
Mix the breadcrumbs and smoked paprika together in a shallow bowl. Press each fish strip firmly into the breadcrumb mixture on all sides ensuring an even coat. Place the coated strips on the prepared baking sheet with space between each piece.
Step 3: Bake Until Crispy
Bake for 16 to 18 minutes flipping halfway through until the coating is golden and crispy and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Do not open the oven repeatedly as this lowers the temperature and prevents crisping.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side. Fill each tortilla with crispy fish strips shredded cabbage and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness and flavor.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- cod → tilapia or any mild white fish that is readily available and budget friendly
- breadcrumbs → crushed gluten free cornflakes for an extra crispy gluten free coating
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the step of drying the fish which is the most important factor in achieving a crispy coating
- Placing the fish too close together on the baking sheet causing them to steam instead of bake crispy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 350 calories, 28g protein, 38g carbs, 8g fat, 3g fiber.
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