Cod Fish Tacos

These Cod Fish Tacos are a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that's perfect for any day of the week. With tender, flaky cod, spices, and a tangy lime sauce, these tacos are sure to become a new family favorite.

You'll love how the buttery cod pairs with the spices and fresh, crunchy toppings. Best of all, you can have these delicious tacos on the table in just about 30 minutes, so they’re perfect for busy weeknights.

I love these Cod Fish Tacos because they're so simple, but packed with flavor. The cod is rubbed with a delicious blend of cumin, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning, which gives them an interesting flavor without much work at all.

The toppings are where the real party is at. The cabbage slaw is crisp and tangy, the tomatoes add a pop of freshness, and the creamy, spicy lime sauce ties it all together.

These tacos are also super customizable. Don't like cod? Swap in any other white fish, or even shrimp or chicken. Want to add some extra heat? Throw in a few jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce. The possibilities are endless!

I love serving these tacos for casual summer dinners on the patio. They are also great for a fun family taco night—just set out all the toppings and let everyone build their own perfect taco.

Ingredient Notes

See the printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.

• Cod: A mild, flaky white fish that's perfect for tacos.
• Corn Tortillas: Soft, delicious, and gluten-free. Warm them up for the best flavor and texture.
• Old Bay Seasoning: A classic blend of herbs and spices that adds a unique flavor to the fish.
• Cumin: Cumin is key for giving these cod fish tacos a Mexican flair. 
• Cinnamon: It might sound crazy, but a touch of cinnamon adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the spice rub.
• Lime: Fresh lime juice brightens up the cabbage and goes in the spicy lime sauce. 
• Mayo: The creamy base for the zesty lime sauce. Use your favorite brand.
• Chili Garlic Paste: Adds a spicy kick to the sauce. Find it in the Asian section of most grocery stores.

How To Make Cod Fish Tacos

First, preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and Old Bay. This is your flavorful spice rub for the fish.

Drizzle the cod fillets with olive oil, then sprinkle the spice mix evenly over both sides. Give the fillets a little rub to make sure they're well-coated.

Place the seasoned fish on the prepared baking sheet and pop it in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

While the fish cooks, get your toppings ready. Warm the tortillas in a skillet with a little olive oil until they're soft and pliable. Shred the cabbage and toss it with lime juice for a quick slaw. Dice up the tomatoes, slice the avocado, and chop some fresh cilantro.

For the sauce, just whisk together the mayo, lime juice, grated garlic, salt, pepper, and chili garlic paste until smooth. Pop it in the fridge until you're ready to serve.

When the fish is done, use a fork to flake it into bite-sized pieces. Pile the flaked fish onto the warm tortillas, then top with the cabbage slaw, tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and a drizzle of the zesty lime crema.

Serve your cod fish tacos with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing, and dig in!

How To Grill Fish

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, oil the grates, and cook the seasoned fish for about 3-4 minutes per side until done and it flakes easily.

How To Fry Fish

It's so easy! You can cook fish in a skillet at medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes.

How do I know when the cod fish is done?

The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when it's done. If you have an instant-read thermometer, it should register 145°F in the thickest part of the fillet.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Freezing

Make Ahead: To make ahead, you can prep the toppings and sauce up to a day in advance. The fish is best cooked just before serving, but you can season it and keep it in the fridge for a few hours if needed.

Store: Store any leftover fish, toppings, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The fish will keep for up to 3 days, while the toppings and sauce will stay fresh for about 5 days.

Freeze: You can also freeze the cooked fish for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water.

Substitutions and Variations

• Change the fish. Use any firm white fish like halibut, tilapia, or mahi mahi instead of cod.
• Change the tortillas. Try soft flour tortillas instead of corn for a different texture.
• Add extra veggies. Add some shredded carrots or radishes to the slaw for extra color and crunch.
• Give them some heat. Make your cod fish tacos spicy with sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers.
• Use a different topping. Skip the mayo sauce and use guacamole or salsa instead.

Recipe Tips

• Pat the fish dry with paper towels before seasoning to help the spices stick.
• Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, or the fish may steam instead of getting nice and flaky.
• Warm the tortillas in a damp paper towel in the microwave if you're short on time.
• Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more chili paste for extra heat, or a pinch of sugar for sweetness.

These tacos are great with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple green salad. Don't forget the chips and salsa or guacamole for snacking!

More Mexican Inspired Dinner Ideas

• Mexican Totchos
• Mexican Meatball Soup 
• Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls
• Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl 

These Cod Fish Tacos are proof that delicious meals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Next time you're craving a dish that is light and full of flavor, give these tasty tacos a try!