Baja Style Fish Tacos Recipe with Chipotle Crema

​This authentic Baja style fish tacos with chipotle crema recipe will make you believe that you are at a taco stand in Baja California, they are that good! The combination of crispy, lightly battered fish with a creamy, spicy chipotle sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The fish offers a mild, savory taste, while the chipotle crema adds a zesty kick that will keep you coming back for more.

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Early in my marriage to Theron, he would always talk about his fond memories he had of his father and brother in Baja California when he was younger. At that time, they lived in Southern California and his dad would always plan a boys fishing trip to Ensenada, Mexico. Since their first encounter of the perfect fish taco at a particular street vendor, they were hooked, and always looked forward to seeking it out year after year.

Then he fell in love with me, the girl in the middle of the desert, who hated fish. I laugh when I say that now! And I can imagine that he is too while reading this post. Afterall, he is my “editor”. At the moment, I am the one who eats the most fish of anyone in this family. At the very least, I now enjoy it once a week. If you are someone who loves fish, then you can understand why my mindset was the way it was, when you learn that I am from the Desert Southwest; where most fish come with an appalling odor and a foul taste!

On that note, I loved him so much that I was willing to take one for the team, and surprise him with a dinner that would hopefully replicate those Ensenada fish tacos that he always spoke so fondly of. This recipe is an evolution of the original recipe that I first made, about 15 years ago, that blew his mind! I hope you enjoy as much as we do!

Tips for Fish Tacos

• If you are looking for authenticity, then I would bread the fish, otherwise, you do not have to bread the fish to enjoy this recipe. In this case, I would place the raw fish on a cookie sheet, sprinkle some salt and garlic powder on it, and then broil it for a few minutes until it is done.
• You can substitute the water in the batter with beer (or to be super authentic, mexican beer) to make it beer battered.
• You can always switch this recipe up by omitting the chipotle mayonnaise and making Easy Mango Salsa Recipe for the Perfect Fish Tacos.
• Placing the chipotle sauce on the soft corn tortilla will cause it to tear easily when you are eating it, so we prefer to layer the fish first on the tortilla then place the sauce
• Corn tortillas can be substituted with flour tortillas. Simply warm the flour tortilla on a pan before serving, as suggested with the corn tortilla in the recipe card.
• Making the chipotle crema with homemade mayonnaise is delicious! It’s quick, easy, and so much healthier than store bought! This Is The Best Keto Friendly Mayo Recipe

Equipment to Make Baja Fish Tacos

Large bowl

Medium bowl

Small bowl

Immersion blender or food processor

Paper towels

Pair of tongs

Slotted spoon

Whisk

Sheet pan

Heavy skillet (preferably cast iron)

Taco holder stands

Best Fish Tacos Ingredients

1 pound fresh fish (Preferably a white fish such as cod, halibut, or tilapia. We like orange roughy.)

Corn tortillas

1 cup of all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon mustard 

1 cup water (can substitute with beer or carbonated sparkling water)

Coconut oil (for deep frying the fish pieces)

Slaw

1/2 head of a green cabbage shredded

1 pound fresh fish (Preferably a white fish such as cod, halibut, or tilapia. We like orange roughy.)

Corn tortillas

1 cup of all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon mustard 

1 cup water (can substitute with beer or carbonated sparkling water)

Coconut oil (for deep frying the fish pieces)

1/2 head of a red cabbage shredded

1/2 of a red onion chopped

1 bunch of cilantro chopped (about 2 cups)

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (Easy Homemade Fermented (Raw) Apple Cider Vinegar)

Juice of a lemon

Salt to taste

Mexican Crema

1 cup mayonnaise (This Is The Best Keto Friendly Mayo Recipe)

2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

1 garlic clove

Salt to taste

Ensenada Style Fish Tacos Recipe

• Prepare the Fish:
  • Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Cut into bite-sized strips or pieces.
  • In a shallow dish, whisk together garlic powder, salt, pepper, and mustard.
  • Add the water or beer and whisk thoroughly.
  • Then add the flour and baking powder and mix until combined.

• Fry the Fish:
  • Heat about 1 inch of coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 375 degrees or simmering.
  • Dip each piece of fish into the mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
  • Fry the fish pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

• Make the Chipotle Crema:
  • In a small bowl, use an immersion blender to blend together the mayonnaise, chipotle peppers, garlic clove, and a pinch of salt. Adjust seasoning and chipotle peppers to taste.

• Make the Slaw:
  • Shred both red and green cabbage into a large bowl.
  • Add the chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar.
  • Mix with a spoon and salt to taste.

• Assemble the Tacos:
  • Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet.
  • Place tortillas in the taco holder stands.
  • Add a few pieces of crispy fish.
  • Spread a dollop of chipotle crema over the fish. (Placing the chipotle sauce on the soft corn tortilla will cause it to tear easily when you are eating it, so we prefer to layer the fish first on the tortilla then place the sauce.)
  • Top with shredded cabbage slaw.
  • Serve with lime wedges or lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.

Other Delicious Dinner Ideas

Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe (Keto + Low Carb)

The Best Easy Slow Smoked Beef Back Ribs Recipe

The Best Zucchini Lasagna with Meat Sauce Recipe 

Easy Pepperoni Cheese Pizza Sourdough Discard Recipe

The Best Award Winning Smoked Baby Back Ribs Recipe