Making Gluten free Fish Tacos can a fun, casual night with friends pitching in. The secret to the light, crispy batter is to not use a flour blend.
You might need to reinvent how you entertain when you switch to gluten free and I guarantee you can make it fun. Put some thought into the parts that sound fun to you. Whether you make your own tacos or not, sauté or deep-fry the fish, it's the combination and contrast of all the toppings that bring it all together in the end.
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Ingredients
My husband voted for deep-fried fish the day we took this photo, using my favourite gluten free batter recipe. If I don't have time I do this exact recipe with any simple marinated fish recipe. Although they're called Fish Tacos, it's the combination of toppings that transform tacos into something special.
- limes
- olive oil
- cilantro
- halibut or mahimahi
- soft corn tortillas (store bought or homemade)
- shredded cabbage or store bought coleslaw mix
- raw or pickled red onion
- radishes
- avocado or avocado crema (recipe included)
- your favourite hot sauce
- sour cream
See recipe card for exact amounts.
Instructions for Homemade Soft Tacos
The first gluten free tortillas I bought were so disappointing I just went straight to homemade. These are made with masa harina, water and salt. They're simple but it's still another step so make it a kitchen party and assign someone the job of making tortillas.
Taco shells can be soft or hard but kids will definitely think of them as hard shells you hold in your hand. These are a bit softer but can be shaped like a taco, especially if you have taco holders.
Variations: Taco Toppings
There are no rules so decide what you like. Offer small amounts of many toppings or stick to your three favourites and offer two sauces.
I like to prepare all the topping in advance arranged in a large tray or plastic container. It's a bit of work but for me it makes the party more fun.
Best Sauces for Fish Tacos
I like my tacos to be a little juicy so I need sauce. Anything available in a squeeze bottle in the fridge is fair game and in my house that is often chipotle mayo. Crema is a Mexican favourite and avocade crema is another step up. I'd squeeze it on just about anything including fish tacos. Don't forget the hot sauce.
Equipment
Over time I organized what I needed to make soft tacos into an easily accessible bucket. The recipe is taped to the side of the container and this is what’s in it.
- A bag of masa harina.
- My tortilla press.
- Two freezer strength plastic bags and cut pieces of parchment paper, all cut to use on the tortilla press to prevent the dough from sticking. I keep reusing it.
- A set of brightly coloured taco holders for serving.
Top Tip
There are two tips for making homemade tortillas easy. First is the set up. It takes time up front but I can grab that container, set it on the counter and be making tortillas in seconds.
Second, practise always makes things easier and we're talking about making a recipe. By the third time you make these you'll be a little more organized and familiar with the steps, that's most of what makes any recipe easy.
Gluten Free Fish Tacos
Ingredients
Fish & Marinade
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 oz halibut or mahimahi
Tacos
- 12 soft corn tortillas store bought or homemade (follow link in notes for homemade)
Toppings
- shredded cabbage or premade coleslaw
- raw or pickled red onion
- thinly sliced radishes
- sliced avocado or avocado crema
- chopped cilantro
- lime wedges
- hot sauce
Avocado Crema
- 1 avocado
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- 3 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Marinate & Cook Fish
- Combine lime juice, olive oil, cilantro and salt in a flat soup bowl. Add fish and let sit for 15 minutes, no more.
- Remove from marinade and sauté in oil on medium-high heat, 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Cut and serve in tacos.
Corn Tacos
- Warm tacos and wrap in towel until ready to serve. When pliable fold and set into taco holders if you have them.
Toppings
- Prepare desired toppings and arrange in a tray for serving. Can be done in advance.
Avo Crema
- Combine all ingredients and serve in small bowl or squeeze bottle.
Serving
- Add fish to warm tacos and let everyone add their favourite tacos toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
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