Fish tacos have become a popular menu item across the United States in recent years. Their rise in popularity can be traced back to Southern California and Baja California in Mexico. The classic fish taco consists of a soft corn or flour tortilla filled with fried fish, crunchy cabbage, pico de gallo, avocado, and a tangy crema or sauce. While the classic preparation calls for white fish like cod or halibut, just about any type of fish can be used to make delicious tacos. When selecting fish for tacos, it’s important to consider flavor, texture, sustainability, and cost. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best fish options to determine what is the best tasting fish for fish tacos.
Mahi Mahi
Mahi mahi, also known as dolphinfish or dorado, is a popular choice for fish tacos thanks to its firm yet flaky texture and mild, sweet flavor. The meat holds up well when grilled, blackened, or fried without becoming overly dry. Mahi mahi is not too fishy tasting, which makes it appealing for many taco consumers. It takes to seasoning and marinades nicely. Mahi mahi is a sustainable seafood choice, as stocks are considered healthy and fishing practices have low impact on the environment. While not the cheapest option, mahi mahi is reasonably priced for restaurant fish tacos. For all these reasons, mahi mahi is an excellent choice for flavorful and sustainable fish tacos.
Tilapia
Farm-raised tilapia is another common fish taco filling. It has a mild, neutral flavor with a light flaky texture similar to cod or snapper. Tilapia holds up well to frying or grilling required for fish tacos. The price of tilapia is budget-friendly, making it an affordable fish choice for tacos. Tilapia has become popular on menus because it is an environmentally responsible choice. Most tilapia in the U.S. comes from recirculating aquaculture systems that have minimal environmental impact. The main downside is that some find tilapia to be too bland and lacking flavor for their taste.
Cod
Cod is the classic white fish used in traditional Baja fish tacos. Its claim to fish taco fame comes from having a sweet mild flavor, large moist flakes, and ability to stay juicy when fried. Cod can be more expensive than tilapia but is still reasonably priced. Pacific cod stocks are well-managed and fished from healthy populations, so they are a sustainable choice. Atlantic cod populations are slower to rebuild, so Pacific cod is preferable. The delicate flavor and texture of cod gives it an advantage over more dense, meaty fish in fish tacos.
Basa
Basa is a catfish variety imported from Vietnam that is gaining popularity in the U.S. Basa has a tender, flaky texture and very mild flavor like tilapia. It takes very well to frying, grilling, and other cooking methods required for fish tacos. Basa is an affordable option, often cheaper than popular U.S. fish like tilapia. It performs well in recipes calling for cod or other white fish. Basa is also a sustainable choice, as it is farmed in an environmentally friendly manner in Vietnam. The main drawback is some find basa to be too mild or even bland tasting when used in fish tacos.
Halibut
Halibut is cherished for its sweet, mild flavor and flaky texture. It is very versatile and holds up well to frying. Halibut is a little firmer than cod with large moist flakes that work nicely in tacos. Its sweet, mild taste allows other taco flavors to shine. Halibut is not an inexpensive fish, so it may be one of the more expensive choices for fish tacos. Overfishing of wild halibut has been a concern in the past, but U.S. Pacific halibut and Alaskan halibut fisheries are now well-managed for sustainability. For its superior flavor, halibut is a go-to fish for high-end restaurant tacos.
Breaded vs. Grilled vs. Fried
The preparation method impacts the flavor and texture of fish tacos. Breading and frying creates a crispy exterior that contrasts nicely with the taco toppings. Frying can make more delicate fish too flaky. Grilling is a healthier cooking method that adds nice char flavor. Grilled fish may dry out quicker. Blackening seasoned fish is also popular for tacos. In the end, the fish should have flavor and moisture, so go with what best suits the type of fish.
Best Fish for Tacos Summary
When choosing the best tasting fish for tacos, consider flavor, texture, sustainability, and cost. Here is a quick summary of popular fish taco options:
| Fish | Flavor | Texture | Sustainability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahi Mahi | Sweet, mild | Flaky | Sustainable | Moderate |
| Tilapia | Mild, neutral | Flaky | Sustainable | Budget |
| Cod | Sweet, mild | Large flakes | Sustainable (Pacific) | Moderate |
| Basa | Mild, neutral | Flaky | Sustainable | Budget |
| Halibut | Sweet, mild | Flaky | Sustainable | Moderate-High |
Conclusion
The best tasting fish for fish tacos is highly subjective. However, mahi mahi, cod, and halibut tend to have positive flavor profiles that work well in tacos. Tilapia and basa have a more neutral flavor but can also make good tacos. Consider your budget, preferences for flavor and texture, and sustainability when selecting fish. No matter what fish you choose, use fresh, high-quality seafood and pair it with delicious taco toppings for a winning fish taco combination.