Best 9 Baja Fish Taco Sauce Authentic Recipes

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In the vibrant culinary landscape of Mexican cuisine, Baja fish tacos stand as a testament to the harmonious fusion of flavors and textures. Originating from the sun-kissed beaches of Baja California, these tacos have captivated taste buds worldwide with their crispy fish, tangy cabbage slaw, and a symphony of salsas and sauces.

This article presents a delectable journey into the art of crafting authentic Baja fish tacos, offering a collection of recipes that capture the essence of this iconic dish. From the art of selecting the perfect fish to the secrets of achieving a golden-brown batter, every step is meticulously explained to ensure a successful taco-making experience.

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Baja with our authentic fish taco sauce recipe, a harmonious blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, chipotle peppers, and a touch of lime. Discover the art of creating a refreshing cabbage slaw, balancing the richness of the fish with its crisp and tangy textures.

For those seeking a smoky and spicy twist, the chipotle crema recipe offers a delightful combination of chipotle peppers, crema, and a hint of lime. And for those who prefer a classic touch, the creamy avocado salsa provides a smooth and velvety complement to the crispy fish.

Each recipe is presented with clear instructions, ensuring that even novice cooks can recreate the magic of Baja fish tacos in their own kitchens. Whether you're hosting a fiesta or simply craving a taste of Mexico, these recipes will transport you to the sun-drenched shores of Baja California.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

THE BEST BAJA FISH TACOS WITH BAJA CREAM SAUCE



THE BEST Baja Fish Tacos With Baja Cream Sauce image

These crispy, beer battered Baja fish tacos wrapped in soft corn tortillas are topped with crunchy cabbage and a tangy white Mexican cream sauce.

Provided by Heidi

Categories     Main Course

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound cod or halibut (, or other mild white fish)
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons yellow mustard
8-10 ounces Mexican beer (, such as Modelo or Pacifico)
1 quart canola oil
20 small corn tortillas (, 4 1/2 to 5 inches in diameter)
1/2 head green cabbage (, finely slivered)
1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
4 limes
kosher salt
pico de gallo

Steps:

  • Cut the fish into 3 inch X 1/2 inch pieces, about the size of a middle finger. Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch and baking powder with the yellow mustard and 8 ounces of beer. Add more beer 1 tablespoon at a time until the batter is the consistency of pancake batter. Press out any clumps with the back of a spoon.
  • Heat the oil to 350°-375°F, using a candy or frying thermometer to monitor the temperature. Line a plate with paper towels.
  • One at a time, dredge each piece of fish in the batter, fully coating each piece and shaking off the excess, then gently sliding each filet into the hot oil. Work in batches to not overcrowd the pot. Use a splatter guard or place a lid half way over the pot to avoid oil splashes. Turn the pieces of fish in the oil and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they are golden on all sides. Transfer to the paper towel lined plate and repeat with the remaining fish pieces.
  • While the fish is cooking, mix the Mexican crema, mayonnaise, the juice of 1 lime and 1-2 pinches of kosher salt in a small bowl. Transfer to a squeeze bottle if desired and set aside.
  • Heat a dry, non-stick skillet over medium high heat and warm the tortillas on both sides. In batches, dunk the drained fried fish back into the hot oil and cook for 30 seconds until warmed through and crisped on the outside.
  • Stack two tortillas together then add some cabbage and a few spoonfuls of pico de gallo and top with a pice of fish. Drizzle with the white cream sauce and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 350 kcal, Carbohydrate 46 g, Protein 14 g, Fat 12 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 30 mg, Sodium 178 mg, Fiber 6 g, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1 serving

BAJA SAUCE FOR FISH OR SHRIMP TACOS



Baja Sauce for Fish or Shrimp Tacos image

I really like this on grilled or blackened fish tacos.

Provided by flachaz

Categories     Main Dish Recipes

Time 1h10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

¼ cup sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon lime juice
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
¾ teaspoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay®)
¼ teaspoon ground ancho chile pepper

Steps:

  • Stir sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, cilantro, seafood seasoning, and ancho chile pepper together in a bowl.
  • Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 130.7 calories, Carbohydrate 1.3 g, Cholesterol 11.5 mg, Fat 14 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 0.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.5 g, Sodium 188 mg, Sugar 0.2 g

BAJA STYLE FISH TACOS



Baja Style Fish Tacos image

Provided by Marcela Valladolid

Categories     main-dish

Time 50m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup dark Mexican beer*
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2/3 cup Mexican crema** or sour cream
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons water
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Oil, for frying
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
2 pounds skinned halibut cut into 5 by 1/2-inch strips
Freshly ground black pepper
Corn tortillas
2 cups shredded cabbage
2 cups tomatillo salsa (store-bought or homemade) for garnish, optional
Pickled jalapenos, for garnish, optional

Steps:

  • For the Beer Batter:
  • Mix the flour, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Gradually add in the beer while whisking. Set aside and let the batter rest for 15 minutes before using.
  • For Cream Sauce:
  • Add the mayonnaise and crema to a medium bowl. Whisk in the lemon zest, lemon juice and water. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper (can be made 3 days ahead, covered and refrigerated).
  • For the Fish:
  • In a large skillet, over medium heat, add enough oil to reach a depth of 1-inch. Heat the oil until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees F or when the end of a wooden spoon sizzles when inserted into the oil.
  • On a large plate, combine the flour and salt. Season the fish pieces all over with salt and pepper and coat with the flour. Working in batches, dip the fillets in the beer batter and coat on both sides. Fry in the hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
  • Make tacos with the tortillas and fish and top each with cream, shredded cabbage, tomatillo salsa and pickled jalapenos, if desired.
  • *Cook's Note: Crack open a cold Mexican cerveza like a Negra Modelo or a 2 Equis (XX) Amber to make this tasty beer batter, which will change the way you think about fried fish! You can use it for vegetables, too.
  • **Cook's Note: Mexican Crema is Mexico's version of creme fraiche and is found at many supermarkets and can easily be substituted with sour cream.

BAJA FISH TACOS



Baja Fish Tacos image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

Vegetable oil, for frying
1/4 red cabbage, thinly sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
Juice of 1 lime, plus wedges for serving
2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
1/2 cup mayonnaise
Kosher salt
12 corn tortillas
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Freshly ground pepper
1 1/4 pounds skinless halibut fillet, cut into 2-by-1/2-inch pieces
1 Hass avocado
1/2 cup fresh salsa

Steps:

  • Heat about 3 inches vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium-low heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375 degrees F. Meanwhile, toss the cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, honey and mayonnaise in a bowl. Season the slaw with salt.
  • Warm the tortillas in a skillet over medium-low heat or wrap in a damp cloth and microwave 25 seconds. Wrap in a towel to keep warm.
  • Mix the flour, chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste in a shallow bowl. Dredge the fish in the flour mixture, then fry in batches until golden and just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Season with salt.
  • Halve, pit and slice the avocado. Fill the tortillas with the fish, avocado, slaw and salsa. Serve with lime wedges.

BAJA FISH TACOS



Baja Fish Tacos image

Crisp mahi mahi pans out beautifully when dressed up with fresh lime, cilantro and smoky adobo. One bite and you'll be hooked on these baja fish tacos! -Brooke Keller, Lexington, Kentucky

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 35m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup reduced-fat ranch salad dressing
3 tablespoons adobo sauce
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 pounds mahi mahi, cut into 1-inch strips
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs, beaten
2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 cup canola oil
16 corn tortillas (6 inches), warmed
3 cups shredded cabbage
Additional minced fresh cilantro and lime wedges

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the salad dressing, adobo sauce, cilantro and lime juice. Chill until serving., Sprinkle mahi mahi with salt and pepper. Place the flour, eggs and bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls. Coat mahi mahi with flour, then dip in eggs and coat with bread crumbs. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat; cook fish in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels., Place fish in tortillas; top with cabbage, sauce mixture and additional cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Nutrition Facts :

BAJA STYLE FISH TACOS



Baja Style Fish Tacos image

I came up with this recipe after having fish tacos from a street vendor in Ensenada, Mexico. It is the closest to authentic I have found. Salsa can be made a day in advance for flavors to blend.

Provided by Nancy Kopperud

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Latin American     Mexican

Time 1h

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 16

6 tomatoes, diced
1 small onion, diced
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons canned diced jalapeno peppers, or more to taste (juice reserved)
½ teaspoon garlic salt
½ lime, juiced
3 cups coleslaw mix
3 tablespoons ranch dressing
2 cups vegetable oil for frying
1 (9 ounce) box batter mix (such as Shore Lunch®)
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle Mexican beer
24 corn tortillas
1 pound cod fillets, cut into 2-inch chunks
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
2 limes, sliced into wedges
1 dash chile-garlic sauce (such as Sriracha®)

Steps:

  • Mix tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeno peppers, 1 tablespoon juice from jalapeno peppers, and garlic salt in a bowl; squeeze 1/2 lime over salsa fresca. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate while preparing fish.
  • Toss coleslaw mix with ranch dressing in a bowl; set aside for flavors to blend.
  • Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Stir batter mix and beer together in a bowl. Wrap corn tortillas in wet paper towels and set aside.
  • Dip cod in the batter mix; fry coated cod in batches in the hot oil until cod is cooked through and coating is brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove cod with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Microwave corn tortillas on high until warmed, about 1 minute.
  • Stack two tortillas on a plate; top with fish, a sprinkle of Mexican cheese, coleslaw mixture, salsa fresca, and a squeeze from lime wedge. Drizzle with chile-garlic sauce. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 422.6 calories, Carbohydrate 50.8 g, Cholesterol 38.7 mg, Fat 17.6 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 16 g, SaturatedFat 6.6 g, Sodium 442.9 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

BAJA FISH TACOS



Baja Fish Tacos image

These authentic crispy baja fish tacos are so delicious! They remind us of the ones served at Rubios restaurant. These tacos are leveled up with all of the garnishes and fixings; serve them with pico de gallo, white sauce, cabbage, and avocado for the perfect fish taco!

Provided by Whitney Wright

Categories     Main Course

Time 1h2m

Number Of Ingredients 25

1 1/2 lbs mahi mahi (halibut, cod, or other firm white fish)
12 small corn tortillas
vegetable oil (for frying)
20 Ritz crackers (crushed)
1 cup flour
1/2 cup plain panko breadcrumbs
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 egg
1 1/2 cups 7 UP (ginger ale, sprite (or even beer- which is more authentic))
1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt, I use light sour cream)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Pico de gallo
shredded cabbage
avocado (chopped)
cilantro (chopped)

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl whisk the ingredients for the fish taco white sauce. Cover and refrigerate.
  • Prep the garnishes, make pico de gallo, shred the cabbage, chop the cilantro. (Cut the avocado right before serving).
  • Slice the fish into ¾" wide by 4" inches long pieces. It's ok if your pieces are slightly thinner. Pat the fish dry with a paper towel (you want the fish quite dry so that the batter will stick!)
  • In a large bowl whisk the crushed ritz crackers, flour, breadcrumbs, baking powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Stir in the egg and 7 UP until the batter is combined.
  • Gently stir the sliced fish into the fish taco batter. Gently mix the fish so that all sides are coated in the batter.
  • Place a large skillet (I used my 12 inch pan) over medium heat. Add enough vegetable oil to fill the pan 1 inch deep. Heat the oil to 375°F.
  • When the oil is hot place the strips of battered fish in the oil, working in batches. Fry until golden, flipping halfway through until cooked on both sides (about 2 minutes per side). Transfer to a paper towel lined plate.
  • Warm the tortillas by microwaving a few at a time. Place them between damp paper towels and microwave for 30-45 seconds. Keep them warm by covering with a towel. You can also heat a few teaspoons of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry each tortilla until warm and golden. You don't want to cook too long because you don't want the tortilla to be crispy, just warmed through.
  • Add the cooked fish to a tortilla, top with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, chopped cilantro, squirt of lime juice, fresh avocdo, and drizzle of the fish taco white sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 420 kcal, Carbohydrate 43 g, Protein 22 g, Fat 18 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Cholesterol 96 mg, Sodium 1250 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 7 g, ServingSize 1 serving

BAJA CHIPOTLE FISH TACOS



Baja Chipotle Fish Tacos image

Marinated cod, cabbage, and zesty white sauce lend authentic Baja flavors to these easy to make tacos. This recipe was posted by a popular seasoning company and adapted from a cooking websites newsletter. Included in the 2006 Zaar World Tour - Mexico.

Provided by lauralie41

Categories     Mexican

Time 55m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 1/4 cups Lawry baja chipotle marinade, with lime juice (R)
1 1/2 lbs cod or 1 1/2 lbs other firm white fish fillets
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
12 soft taco-size corn tortillas, warmed
2 cups green cabbage, shredded

Steps:

  • Place fish in a large baking dish or resealable plastic bag, pour 3/4 cup Lawry's Baja (r) Chipotle Marinade with Lime Juice over the fish.
  • Marinate in refrigerator about 30 minutes in covered dish or sealed plastic bag.
  • Remove fish from dish or bag and discard marinade.
  • Grill or broil fish and baste with 1/4 cup Baja Chipotle Marinade. Turn fish once and cook until fish flakes easily with a fork.
  • While fish is cooking, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and remaining 2-4 tablespoons of marinade in a small bowl.
  • To serve place fish in tortillas, using two tortillas for each taco, top with shredded cabbage and drizzle with sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 221.9, Fat 4, SaturatedFat 1.5, Cholesterol 53.7, Sodium 94.7, Carbohydrate 23.1, Fiber 3.6, Sugar 1.5, Protein 23.4

CLASSIC BAJA-STYLE FISH TACOS



Classic Baja-Style Fish Tacos image

The original recipe is from The Gourmet Cookbook, and is adapted from the tacos served at Rubio's Baja Grill. I've made a couple changes, but mostly to the sauce -- trying to duplicate the wonderful sauce used at Barryhill Baja Grill in Houston. It may take a little more work but frying the fish twice is what gives it a crisper crust.

Provided by Galley Wench

Categories     Mexican

Time 1h15m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 25

1 cup beer, plus
2 tablespoons beer (NOT DARK)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon chopped chipotle chile, seeded
1 teaspoon adobo sauce (from chipotle can)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
8 cups vegetable oil, for deep-frying
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 lb cod fish fillet, cut into 3 by 1/2 inch wide strips. (tilapia, Alaskan pollack, catfish or mahimahi can be substituted)
24 corn tortillas
finely shredded red cabbage
lime wedge
cilantro
fresh salsa
pico de gallo (Pico De Gallo)

Steps:

  • Make the Batter:.
  • Combine beer, flour, salt, garlic powder, dry mustard, oregano and pepper in a blender and blend until smooth, about 20 seconds.
  • Transfer to a bowl and let stand, covered for 1 hour.
  • Make the Sauce:.
  • Stir together mayonnaise, yogurt, mustard, chipotle and salt in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate.
  • Fry the Fish:.
  • Put a rack in middle of oven and preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Heat 2 inches oil in a 4 quart deep heavy saucepan until it registers 350°F on thermometer.
  • Put flour in pie plate or shallow dish. Dredge 10 fish strips in flour, shake off excess, then coat in batter, letting excess drip off, and carefully drop in hot oil.
  • Fry, stirring, until PALE golden, 2 or 3 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel to drain.
  • Repeat with the remaining fish (returning oil to 350 °F between batches).
  • Set pan of oil aside.
  • Heat the Tortillas and Refry The Fish:.
  • Wrap tortillas in stacks of 6 in foil and heat in oven until hot, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove tortillas from foil and re-wrap in a kitchen towel to keep warm.
  • Meanwhile, reheat oil until it registers 375 degrees. Refry fish strips in batches of 10, stirring, until golden brown, 1 or 2 minutes.
  • With a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain again.
  • To Serve:.
  • Stack two corn tortillas together, top with fish, cabbage, sauce and cilantro.
  • Serve with lime and salsa on the side.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 4538.8, Fat 442.4, SaturatedFat 57.8, Cholesterol 51.5, Sodium 1317.5, Carbohydrate 116.8, Fiber 11.2, Sugar 2.6, Protein 36.4

Tips:

  • For a smoky flavor, roast the tomatoes and peppers before blending.
  • Adjust the amount of chili powder and chipotle powder to your desired level of spiciness.
  • If you don't have crema, you can substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt.
  • Serve the sauce immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Conclusion:

This baja fish taco sauce is the perfect condiment for your next taco night. It's creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy, with a smoky flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're using it as a dipping sauce or a marinade, this sauce is sure to be a hit. So next time you're making fish tacos, be sure to give this sauce a try!

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