Easy Fish Tacos with Cod are a great weeknight dinner that will shake up your Taco Tuesdays. This fried fish taco recipe is delicious, easy and can be on the table in less than 30 minutes.
If your family loves tacos like mine does, you have to try my Steak Tacos or my Tacos with Pulled Pork. They are so delicious and easy to prepare.
SAVE THIS RECIPE!
Enter your email below and we’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox.
Why this Cod Fish Tacos Recipe is a Keeper
I love this fish recipe because it’s the perfect easy dinner. They are so delicious, easy to make and work as both a full meal or appetizer!
- Quick Dinner: The cod cooks in just minutes.
- Fresh Flavor: Crisp slaw and bright toppings balance the fish. As cod has a mild flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything is easy to find at the grocery store.
- Perfect Taco Night Meal: A lighter option that still feels satisfying. I also love to make my Fish Baja Tacos or my Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa.
- Serve the Tacos with Fish Taco Sauce With: Serve the best fish for fish tacos with Homemade Flour Tortillas, Lime Cilantro Rice or Mexican Black Beans.
Is Cod for Fish Tacos the Best Fish?
Yes, cod is excellent for fish tacos. Cod is a great fish for tacos because it hits that sweet spot of mild flavor, tender texture, and weeknight‑friendly cooking, all the things that make a taco filling shine instead of compete.
What Reader’s Are Saying…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“These were so easy and I loved the addition of spinach! We also added diced tomatoes and avocado ranch dressing. They were spectacular! Thank you for the easy recipe!”
~ Glenda
Ingredient Notes for Easy Fish Tacos with Cod
You only need a few simple ingredients to make fish tacos.
This is an overview of key ingredients. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Cod Fillets: Fresh cod fillets are best for texture and flavor.
- Chili Lime Sauce: Make your own Chili Lime Sauce to drizzle on this cod fish taco recipe.
- Store Bought Time Saver: You can usually find a chili lime sauce in the grocery store.
- Coleslaw: Pick up your favorite purple cabbage coleslaw next time you’re at the store.
- Make it From Scratch: You can also make the coleslaw at home.
- Make it From Scratch: You can also make the coleslaw at home.
Fish Taco Variations and Substitutions
Fried fish tacos recipes are super customizable. Take this one to the next level by using different ingredients to make different fish taco variations.
➡️ Use Flour Tortillas: Swap corn tortillas if preferred.
➡️ Use Another Flakey Fish: Tilapia or mahi-mahi, or other healthy fish like a salmon tacos work well.
➡️ Add Avocado: Sliced avocado adds creaminess.
➡️ Make Spicy Tacos: Add jalapeños or hot sauce.
➡️ Different Seasonings: Use different spices in your seasoning blends like cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder or onion powder.
Kitchen Tools To Make these Tacos Easier
A specific piece of equipment can sometimes make all the difference in a recipe. For cooking fish, just a couple of things are helpful.
- Nonstick Skillet: Helps cook delicate fish without sticking.
- Fish Spatula: Makes flipping fish easier.
How to Make Easy Cod Fish Tacos Recipe
The best fish taco recipe comes together in 2 easy to follow steps. The cod for fish tacos is so good, it’s one of my favorite ways to shake up taco night.
These are just highlights. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Cook the Fish: Season both sides of the fish with All Purpose Seasoning and Chili Lime Seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the fish on each side for a couple minutes, then set aside on a plate.
- Assemble Tacos: Lay 8 tortillas out and add coleslaw to the middle of each tortilla. Then, flake half of a fish fillet onto each taco and follow it with a Cilantro Lime Sauce. Squeeze lime juice over the tacos before enjoying.
Prep Ahead and Short Cuts for Skillet Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
I like to prepare ingredients ahead of time so that I don’t have to do all of the steps at once when I’m making dinner.
➡️ Cut the Veggies: Cut the cabbage and vegetables a few hours ahead.
➡️ Slice Toppings: Chop cilantro, lime wedges and other toppings early.
Alternate Methods for Making Fish for Fish Taco Recipes
Beyond being pan fried, there are a couple more ways to cook the cod for these tacos.
- Baked Cod: Season the fish, then bake the cod at 400°F for about 12 minutes. Make the slaw or homemade Pico de Gallo while the seasoned cod bakes.
- Grilled Fresh Fish Fillets: Grill cod for about 3–4 minutes per side. Frozen cod doesn’t work very well here.
What Toppings, Tortillas and Salsa are Best for Fish Tacos?
Some of the best toppings for Fish Tacos with Cod include shredded cheese, plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, fresh Pico de Gallo or Habanero Mango Salsa.
Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Fish for Fish Tacos
Store and reheat the fish for these tacos correctly to have them just as good as they were originally.
- Storing: Store leftover fish for fish tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm Fish Tacos with Cod gently in a skillet to keep the fish from drying out.
- Using Leftovers: Use leftover fish to make taco bowls with rice and fresh toppings.
Expert Tips for Making the White Fish Tacos
➡️ Pat the Fish Dry: Helps seasoning stick better to the fish tacos with cod.
➡️ Cook Quickly: Fish cooks fast, so avoid overcooking.
➡️ Warm the Tortillas: Warm tortillas improve texture and flavor. Plus, warm tortillas are easier to roll or fold without tearing.
We Recommend You Try These
SAVE THIS RECIPE!
Enter your email below and we’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox.
Easy Fish Tacos with Cod
Equipment
SAVE THIS RECIPE!
Enter your email and we’ll send this recipe to your inbox.
Ingredients
- 4 Cod Fillets
- 1 teaspoon All Purpose Seasoning Blend
- 1 teaspoon Chili Lime Seasoning, or Tajin
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 8 Flour tortillas
- 2 cups Coleslaw mix
- ¼ cup Cilantro Lime Sauce
- 2 Limes , cut into wedges
Instructions
- Season both sides of the fish with All Purpose Seasoning Blend and Chili Lime Seasoning.
- Add olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium high heat.
- Add filets to hot pan and cook on each side 3-4 minutes.
- Take off heat and place fish on plate.
- Add coleslaw mix to each tortilla
- Flake half of a cod filet onto each taco.
- Drizzle with Cilantro Lime Sauce.
- Squeeze lime wedge over taco before serving
Christina’s Notes
- Add Cheese: Really any kind you like but try Cotija or mexican blend.
- Dietary consideration tip: Use a sour cream alternative and/or omit the cheese or switch it up for a dairy free option.
- Slaw: Fish Tacos taste great with slaw, my favorite Sriracha Slaw
- Extra Seasoning: If your family likes it hot, try adding a few hotter spice blends
- Fresh Herbs: It is always nice to finish with something fresh, try Cilantro or Parsley
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided are estimates. It is recommended that you verify this information with your own trusted resource.
We love honest feedback, but to keep reviews helpful for everyone, we reserve the right to remove star ratings if it is clear the recipe has not been made, if the comment does not provide meaningful input, or if significant substitutions or alterations were made. Please note that ratings should reflect the original recipe as written to avoid confusing other readers.
This recipe is my personal adaption of an ethnic-inspired recipe. It is not intended to be an authentic recipe. I’ve recreated this recipe because I enjoy the flavors and I want to encourage my readers to expand their tastes and try new flavor combinations. The recipe, ingredients, and processes may have been adapted to make the recipe accessible to the average American. I have provided links to authentic versions of the recipe in the post above. I encourage you to visit these pages and learn more about the traditional version(s) of this recipe.
Best Cod Tacos ever! We use the house blend seasoning and top them off with homemade coleslaw! Served with black beans on the side!
That sounds amazing. Thanks for the ideas.
Fish tacos hit differently! My family opted to have them instead this week. Highly recommended!
These were so easy and I loved the addition of spinach! We also added diced tomatoes and avocado ranch dressing. They were spectacular! Thank you for the easy recipe!