Fish tacos have become a very popular menu item in recent years. Their popularity is well deserved, as the combination of lightly fried fish, cabbage, salsa, and other taco fillings makes for a delicious taco experience. When making fish tacos at home, one of the most important choices is what type of fish to use. The variety of fish that can be used is quite broad, so it can be difficult to choose the best option. Here we’ll explore some of the most popular choices for fish tacos and what makes each one a good option.
Tilapia
Tilapia is one of the most common fish used for fish tacos. Here are some of the benefits of using tilapia:
- Mild flavor – Tilapia has a relatively mild flavor that won’t overwhelm the other taco ingredients. This allows the flavors of the salsa, cabbage, and other fillings to shine.
- Affordable – Farm-raised tilapia is one of the more affordable fish options making it a budget-friendly choice.
- Widely available – Tilapia is farm-raised around the world so it is easy to find at most grocery stores.
- Firm texture – Tilapia holds up well to frying or grilling with a firm texture.
The mild taste and firm texture help the tilapia work well in tacos without being overpowering. It tends to take on the flavors of the other ingredients nicely. Tilapia is a great choice for everyday fish tacos.
Mahi Mahi
Mahi mahi is another popular fish taco option. Here’s why it makes a great taco filling:
- Flavorful – Mahi mahi has a mildly sweet, mild flavor with hints of nuttiness that add more depth of flavor compared to tilapia.
- Firm texture – It holds up well to frying or grilling without becoming flaky.
- Not fishy tasting – Mahi mahi does not have a strong fishy taste that could clash with taco flavors.
- Sustainable fishery – Mahi mahi is sourced from well-managed fisheries with responsible catch methods.
The combination of great flavor, firm flesh, and sustainable sourcing make mahi mahi a step up from tilapia when you want a more gourmet fish taco option.
Cod
Cod is another sustainable, mild white fish that makes for delicious tacos. Here’s an overview:
- Flaky texture – When cooked, cod has a tender, flaky texture similar to haddock or pollock.
- Mild, sweet flavor – Fresh cod has a subtle, sweet taste that won’t compete with taco seasonings.
- Sustainable fishery – Cod stocks are well-managed by regulated fisheries.
- Budget-friendly – Farmed cod is affordable, especially when bought frozen.
Cod is a great choice for fish tacos when you want a sustainable option with a slightly flaky texture and mildflavors. Try it with a light beer batter coating.
Shrimp
Shrimp add a unique twist to classic fish tacos. Here’s an overview of shrimp for tacos:
- Sweet, briny flavor – Shrimp have a distinctive sweet, briny taste completely different from white fish.
- Firm, succulent texture – Correctly cooked shrimp are firm yet succulent inside.
- Protein-rich – Shrimp offer more protein per serving than many types of fish.
- Small size – Their small size makes for neatly packed tacos.
The unique taste and texture of shrimp make a fun, flavorful filling for tacos. Try grilling them with Cajun seasoning for a flavorful twist. Just be sure not to overcook them or they can become rubbery.
Best Fish For Tacos
All of these options – tilapia, mahi mahi, cod, and shrimp – make excellent fillings for flavorful fish tacos. Which is the absolute best option? Here is a comparison:
| Fish | Flavor | Texture | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tilapia | Mild | Firm | High | Budget-Friendly |
| Mahi Mahi | Sweet, Nutty | Firm | Moderate | Moderate |
| Cod | Mild, Sweet | Flaky | High | Budget-Friendly |
| Shrimp | Sweet, Briny | Succulent | High | Premium |
As you can see, each fish has its own advantages. Tilapia and cod rate well for affordability and availability. Mahi mahi offers great flavor and a firmer texture. Shrimp provide unique flavor and texture. Ultimately, the “best” option comes down to your personal preferences and budget.
Conclusion
All of these fish make tasty, flavorful taco fillings. Mild white fish like tilapia, cod, and mahi mahi allow the flavors of taco toppings to shine while adding protein and substance. Shrimp offer a zesty, briny twist. Whatever option you choose, fish tacos make for a fun, flavorful meal any night of the week. Try out a few varieties of fish to see which type you like best!