
Whether it’s a backyard hang or taco Tuesday with a twist, these crispy fish tacos made with golden fried white fish, cool cucumber-serrano salsa, and warm corn tortillas bring serious crunch and heat. Balanced with fresh herbs and bright lime, each bite is refreshing, spicy, and totally satisfying.
Ingredients:
For the Fish:
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1 lb white fish fillets (cod, halibut, or tilapia), cut into taco-sized strips
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup cornstarch
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika
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1 cup cold sparkling water or light beer
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Neutral oil, for frying
For the Cucumber-Serrano Salsa:
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1 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely diced
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1 small shallot or red onion, finely chopped
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1–2 serrano peppers, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
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Juice of 1 lime
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1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
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Pinch of salt
For the Tacos:
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6 Rodriguez Bakery corn tortillas
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Extra lime wedges, for serving
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Extra chopped cilantro, for garnish
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Optional: green salsa or crema for drizzling
Instructions:
Make the Salsa:
In a small bowl, combine cucumber, shallot, serrano peppers, lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Toss well and refrigerate to let the flavors mingle.
Prepare the Batter:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and paprika. Slowly add sparkling water or beer, whisking until smooth and thick. Chill while heating the oil.
Fry the Fish:
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 1–2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Dip each fish piece into the batter, letting excess drip off, then fry in batches until golden and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle lightly with salt.
Warm the Tortillas:
Heat Rodriguez Bakery corn tortillas on a skillet or directly over a flame until soft, warm, and lightly charred.
Assemble the Tacos:
Layer a few crispy fish pieces into each tortilla. Top with a generous spoonful of cucumber-serrano salsa. Garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Add green salsa or crema if you like it saucy.
These fish tacos hit every note—crispy, fresh, tangy, and just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re hosting friends or keeping it low-key, they’re a vibrant, flavor-packed way to upgrade your taco game.