These Catfish Tacos make a delicious and balanced meal that’s great any night of the week. The juicy catfish filets pair so well with the Asian flavors of the salad kit. It’s a unique and tasty rendition of a classic taco!
Tacos are one of my favorite foods. They are so incredibly versatile. You can make virtually anything into a delicious taco — there are no rules! I’ve had many types of fish in a taco so I wasn’t surprised that you can make a delicious fish taco with catfish. It’s tender and takes on all types of flavors well.
This particular recipe uses Asian-inspired flavors for a unique twist on a traditional taco. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water! The salad mix has wonton strips for just the right amount of crunch while the vinaigrette adds a sweet and tangy zing to tie it all together.
If you are interested in trying more recipes using catfish, you should try these Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets and my Best Catfish Sandwich.
Why You’ll Love This Catfish Taco Recipe
- Simple ingredients: All you need to execute this catfish taco recipe are 5 inexpensive ingredients.
- Easy to make: It only takes a few minutes to cook the catfish. Then, you assemble your tacos and they’re ready to eat.
- Read in less than 30 minutes: Looking for a quick weeknight meal? This should be added to your weekly dinner rotation to save you time.
Ingredients
With just 5 ingredients you can create delectable catfish fish tacos that the whole family will enjoy. Scroll below to find the recipe card with more detailed information as well as exact measurements.
- Catfish filets: I like fresh catfish filets for this recipe. Frozen is fine as long as they are fully defrosted and patted dry before seasoning and cooking. The mild flavor of catfish works for so many dishes because it takes on flavors perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Most of the flavors will come from the salad kit so I just sprinkle the catfish filets with a little salt and pepper. You can add more seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, or even red pepper flakes if you like.
- Flour tortillas: Corn tortillas can be used as well but I prefer flour for this recipe. They are sturdier and pair well with the flavors of the dish.
- Asian salad kit: You can find this in the produce department at your local grocery store. Any brand will work. They usually have wonton strips, almonds, and an Asian/sesame vinaigrette.
- Cherry tomatoes: I love the sweet flavor of cherry tomatoes on these tacos but any type of tomato will work great.
Variations
- Citrus Zing: Marinate the catfish in lemon or lime juice and garnish with more citrus and zest to balance the other flavors.
- Tropical: Diced pineapple and mango pair so well with fish. Consider plain lettuce mix and add tropical fruit for a refreshing twist.
- Cajun: Create blackened catfish tacos by using your favorite cajun seasoning blend and blackening the filets to create a bold, spicy flavor. Cajun tacos are the perfect match if you like to bring the heat.
- Mexican: Use traditional flavors and make Mexican catfish tacos. Season the catfish with cumin and chili powder, then use cotija cheese and a squeeze of lime juice on top!
How to Make Catfish Tacos
Here are the instructions on how to make catfish tacos.
Step 1. Season catfish. Sprinkle both sides of each filet with salt and pepper and place into the hot skillet.
Step 2. Cook catfish. Sear each side of the catfish for about 4 minutes or until the fish is cooked and flaky.
Step 3: Assemble tacos. Lay out the tortillas and add the lettuce mixture.
Step 4: Add the catfish. Place the catfish on top and add tomatoes and toppings from the salad kit. Finish by drizzling each taco with the provided sesame vinaigrette.
Step 6. Serve. Enjoy with your favorite side dish or additional toppings.
⭐️ Hint: Wrap the tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave for 10 seconds before assembling the tacos. This will make the tortillas easier to work with and will prevent them from ripping.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy Catfish Po’ Boy Sandwich, Crispy Cod Sandwich, Pancake Batter Fried Fish, or Best Catfish Sandwich.
Storage
- Storing: Place leftover catfish in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Only assemble the tacos once you are ready to eat. I do not recommend saving the tacos once they are put together.
- Reheating: Reheat the catfish in a skillet over low heat. To freeze, place the cooked catfish into a freezer-safe bag and store it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- The great thing about coleslaw is that it can used as a side OR topping for tacos. Try this Grandma’s Coleslaw the next time you make this recipe.
- I love pickled veggies! These Pickled Habanero Peppers add spice, texture, and a vinegar punch that is perfect for these catfish fish tacos. Try pickled red onions for the same result but with sweet instead of heat.
- Guacamole and salsa are given when it comes to tacos. Serve this recipe Smoked Guacamole and Salsa Pesto to make them extra special.
- Corn goes really well with tacos and I highly recommend that you try Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Casserole the next time you make them.
Tips
- Make a burrito. Use extra large tortillas and make a catfish burrito.
- Make it ahead. Cook the catfish the night before and store it in the refrigerator to enjoy the next day as a quick lunch or dinner.
- Use another fish. Swap the catfish for another mild white fish such as cod, haddock, or tilapia.
Recipe FAQs
I keep the filets whole for this recipe but you can cut them into bite-sized pieces before or after they are cooked if you like.
For this particular recipe, I enjoy coleslaw, beans, rice, or a simple side salad. You can add pickled peppers or onions, guacamole, and chopped cilantro as extra tasty toppings.
Put your spin on this recipe and make grilled catfish tacos, baked catfish tacos, deep fried catfish tacos — you can even make catfish tacos in the air fryer! As long as you know how long to cook the filets, any cooking method works.
More Taco Recipes
Do you like tacos? Here are some recipes you may also like to try!
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Easy Catfish Tacos
Ingredients
- 4 large catfish filets
- Salt and pepper
- 4 flour tortillas
- Asian Salad Kit
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes sliced
Instructions
- Place catfish filets in a medium skillet over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper according to your liking.
- Cook on each side for about 4 minutes or until filets flake with a fork. Remove from pan and place flights on a plate lined with paper towel.
- To assemble tacos, lay tortillas out on your work surface.
- Add lettuce mixture to each tortilla shell.
- Next, place one filet on each tortilla.
- Top with sliced tomatoes, wonton strips, and almond slivers.
- Finally, drizzle sesame vinaigrette on top and serve.
Notes
- Make a burrito. Use extra large tortillas and make a catfish burrito.
- Make it ahead. Cook the catfish the night before and store it in the refrigerator to enjoy the next day as a quick lunch or dinner.
- Use another fish. Swap the catfish for another mild white fish such as cod, haddock, or tilapia.
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