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These baked fish tacos for two feature seasoned white fish, a crisp broccoli slaw, and warm tortillas for a fresh, flavorful meal that’s easy to make at home. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for a simple and satisfying dinner.
Featured Comment
“Super easy and a great meal. Took about 30 minutes to prepare the food and less than an hour to have everything cleaned up and done!”
– Timothy
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in Under 30 Minutes: These baked fish tacos come together quickly, making them a great option when you want a fresh, homemade meal.
- Well-Seasoned Fish: A blend of chili powder, curry powder, and garlic powder gives the fish bold, balanced flavor without overpowering it.
- Baked, Not Fried: Baking the fish keeps the tacos lighter while still delivering tender, flaky results.
- Customizable: Swap the fish, adjust the spice level, or change the toppings to suit your taste.
These fish tacos are the kind of meal I turn to when I want something fresh, satisfying, and full of flavor without spending the evening in the kitchen.
I love how the seasoned fish pairs with the crisp slaw and warm tortillas, creating a combination that feels balanced and thoughtful. It’s a recipe I make often, whether I’m cooking a relaxed dinner at home or sharing a simple, well-made meal with someone I love.
Serve these fish tacos with fresh guacamole and a small batch of pico de gallo for a well-rounded meal. A classic margarita makes a great pairing if you’d like to round out the evening.
Ingredients And Substitutions
These are the best fish tacos and if you have any ingredients leftover, be sure to use our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Olive Oil: Used to cook the fish and help the seasonings adhere. Avocado oil can be used as a substitute.
- Chili Powder: Adds warmth and a mild level of heat. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- Curry Powder: Adds depth and a subtle warmth that pairs well with fish. If preferred, substitute with turmeric for a milder flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the seasoning blend and adds savory flavor to the fish.
- Fish Fillets: Choose a mild, lean white fish such as cod, snapper, or tilapia. These cook quickly and flake easily, making them ideal for fish tacos. If you have extra fish, try using it in our easy baked fish recipe.
- Broccoli Slaw: Adds crunch and freshness to the tacos. A traditional coleslaw mix works just as well if that’s what you have.
- Lime Juice: Brightens the slaw and balances the flavors.
- White Wine Vinegar: Adds tang and helps balance the sweetness in the slaw. Apple cider vinegar is a good substitute.
- Honey: Adds a light touch of sweetness to the slaw without overpowering it.
- Tortillas: Use corn or flour tortillas based on your preference. Warm them before assembling the tacos for the best texture.
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh cilantro adds freshness, and shredded cheese adds a creamy finish if desired.
Recipe Variations
These easy fish taco variations let you customize the recipe based on the ingredients you have or your dietary needs.
- Swap the Fish: Use any mild, flaky white fish such as cod, snapper, or haddock. Salmon also works well, but allow a few extra minutes of cooking time.
- Make Them Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños to the slaw, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the fish, or finish the tacos with hot sauce for extra heat.
- Low-Carb Tacos: Serve the fish and slaw in crisp lettuce cups instead of tortillas for a lighter, low-carb option.
- Gluten-Free Tacos: Use corn tortillas and check labels on seasonings and vinegar to ensure they are gluten-free.
How To Make Baked Fish Tacos
See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Season the Fish: In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, spices, and salt. Brush the mixture over both sides of the fish fillets.
- Bake the Fish: Heat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Place the seasoned fish on the sheet and bake for 12 to 18 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Note: Thicker fish fillets may need an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
- Make the Slaw Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, white wine vinegar, curry powder, honey, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss the Slaw: Add the broccoli slaw to a large bowl, pour the dressing over it, and toss until evenly coated.
- Warm the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds or heat them in a skillet over medium heat, flipping once, until warmed through.
- Assemble the Tacos: Break the fish into pieces and divide it between the warm tortillas. Top with slaw and add any optional garnishes before serving.
Expert Tips
- Use Fresh or Fully Thawed Fish: Fresh fish delivers the best flavor, but frozen fish works well when fully thawed before cooking to ensure even results.
- Season Generously: Coat the fish evenly with the seasoning mixture so every bite is well flavored.
- Watch the Cook Time: Fish cooks quickly. Remove it from the oven as soon as it turns opaque and flakes easily to prevent drying out.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a fork into the thickest part of the fish and gently twist. If it flakes easily, it’s ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mild, flaky white fish works best for fish tacos. Cod, tilapia, snapper, and haddock are popular choices because they cook quickly and hold their shape well.
Fish is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Insert a fork into the thickest part and gently twist. If it flakes easily, it’s ready.
Yes, frozen fish works well as long as it is completely thawed before cooking. Pat it dry before seasoning to help it cook evenly.
The fish and slaw are best made fresh, but the slaw dressing can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
More Taco Recipes For One Or Two
If you’re in the mood to switch things up, these easy taco recipes offer the same bold flavors and easy preparation.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
RELATED: Recipes For Empty Nesters
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Get a Quick Recipe Overview
Fish Tacos For Two
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Fish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon curry powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 tilapia fillets , cod, or a similar white fish (about 4 oz each)
For the Slaw
- 2 cups broccoli slaw
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
For the Tacos
- 4 flour tortillas
- Optional garnishes – cilantro and/or cheese
Instructions
Cook the Fish
- Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
- In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, spices, and salt. Brush the mixture over both sides of the fish fillets.
- Place the fish on the baking sheet and bake for 12 to 18 minutes, until opaque and flaky.Note: Thicker fillets may need up to 5 additional minutes.
Prepare the Slaw
- Add the broccoli slaw to a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, white wine vinegar, curry powder, honey, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss until evenly coated.
Assemble the Tacos
- Warm tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds or heat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping once.
- Break the fish into chunks and divide between the warm tortillas. Top with slaw and any desired toppings.
Notes
- Use Fresh or Fully Thawed Fish: Fresh fish delivers the best flavor, but frozen fish works well when fully thawed before cooking to ensure even results.
- Season Generously: Coat the fish evenly with the seasoning mixture so every bite is well flavored.
- Watch the Cook Time: Fish cooks quickly. Remove it from the oven as soon as it turns opaque and flakes easily to prevent drying out.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a fork into the thickest part of the fish and gently twist. If it flakes easily, it’s ready to serve.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Love this recipe- always trying to come up with creative ways to add broccoli into our everyday meals.
Same here, Amy. Broccoli slaw is a great way to do just that. Thanks for reading!
Quick, easy, and perfect for college kids! I love the idea of using a toaster oven for this recipe.
Thanks so much, Kacey!
Mmm! The perfect lunch for me! 🙂
Thank you, Gigi!
Yep…needed you when I was back in college. I love the slaw. Back then, I’d have flaked the fish into this and had dinner all week long!
I love keeping a big container of salad in the fridge for a week of lunches. Thanks, Marjory 🙂
I absolutely love fish tacos and never thought to cook the fish in the toaster oven. What a great idea! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much, Liz!
I absolutely adore fish tacos and am now craving them! Broccoli slaw isn’t something I’ve used a lot, but it looks like it has the perfect crunch for these tacos.
I’m fairly new to Broccoli Slaw too but now that I’ve discovered it, I love it. It’s a nice alternative to traditional Cole Slaw.
What a genius idea of adding broccoli slaw on tacos! Definitely have to get these a try soon!
Thanks so much 🙂
My husband LOVES fish tacos and orders them any time we’re at a restaurant that serves them. I may need to make these soon, they sound delicious! And how easy to make with a toaster oven as I’m thinking “I need to buy a toaster oven asap!!”
It’s so nice to not have to heat up the oven to cook something quickly, especially if you’re cooking smaller portions.
Loving that slaw with the curry! These sounds wonderful!
Thanks so much, Julia!
I never would have even thought to cook fish in a toaster oven! Where were you 20 years ago… 😉 These are gorgeous, I love fish tacos…and would multiply this in a second to feed my family of 5!