Chopped Fried-Fish Tacos (Tacos de Salpicón de Pescado)

Crispy fried fish pieces seasoned with lime juice and mixed with fresh onions, cilantro, and chiles, served in warm corn tortillas. This Mexican-inspired dish combines tender fish with bright, zesty flavors and fresh garnishes.

4 servings
35 min

Ingredients

  • 1 pound skinless boneless cod, flounder, or tilapia fillets, cut into approximately 3-by-1/2-inch strips
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour, for frying
  • 3 cups Canola or vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1 cup finely diced white onions
  • 1 cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 whole fresh serrano or jalapeño chiles, finely chopped (including seeds), plus more to taste
  • 5 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive or vegetable oil
  • 8 pieces Warm corn tortillas
  • 2 whole lime wedges
  • 1 whole avocado slices
  • 1 cup and Fresh Green Salsa
  • for serving

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Put the fish in a large bowl, add 1 tablespoon of the lime juice and the salt, and toss well. Put the flour in another large bowl, add the fish, and toss very well to evenly coat the fish.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Pour 3 inches of canola oil into a Dutch oven or medium pot and heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F on a deep-fry thermometer. Working in batches to avoid crowding the oil, shake off a little flour from the fish, then add the fish to the oil and fry until the pieces are lightly golden brown and crispy, about 2 minutes per batch. Transfer the fried fish to a paper towel to drain.

    15 min

  3. 3.

    When the fish is just cool enough to handle, put it in a large bowl and add the onions, cilantro, chiles, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Toss and mix well with your hands or a spoon, breaking up the strips into small pieces as you do. Season to taste with more lime juice, chiles, and salt.

    10 min

  4. 4.

    Serve alongside tortillas and lime wedges, topped with avocado slices and Fresh Green Salsa.

    5 min