Upgrade Your Taco Night With Canned Fish And Never Look Back

The best tinned fish for your tacos

When it comes to making tacos, almost any type of fish can be used, but the most popular choices usually include white fish, which is lean and mild in flavor compared to richer "blue fish" varieties like tuna or oilier, pink fish such as salmon. Common fresh white fish for tacos include sea bass, mahi-mahi, halibut, tilapia, and cod. Cod, in particular, is great for canning and works well in this dish: it has a sweet flavor, is not overly "fishy," and flakes easily. Canned cod is also pre-sliced into long, flat pieces, making it simple to tuck into tortillas.

Feel free to experiment with blue or red fish instead, even if it strays from the traditional Baja style. You don’t have to fry canned fish (though you can certainly beer-batter them for extra crunch). Canned sardines make for excellent fish tacos as well. Their long, flat shape fits perfectly in tacos, and they complement Baja-style ingredients and cilantro beautifully. Sardines have a briny, salty flavor that is bold yet balanced, allowing the chipotle and cilantro to shine through, and they are meaty despite being flaky. Oily canned salmon can lend a buttery richness to your tacos. Mussel tacos are also tasty, but using fresh mussels can be labor-intensive due to the shelling. If you opt for canned mussels, the most challenging part will be dealing with the pull tab.

Use the canning liquid to your advantage

Depending on the type of canned fish you choose, you could be in for a delightful flavor experience. The seasonings used in the canning process will influence the taste of your tacos, allowing you to tailor your toppings and sauces accordingly.

While canned white fish may not be as common as tuna or sardines, all of these options are available packed in extra virgin olive oil, which adds a nice depth and richness. Some brands incorporate lemon, which you might typically squeeze onto your tacos; in this case, consider using lime for an added layer of citrusy brightness. Canned mackerel can be found in a smoked variety, which pairs wonderfully with a salsa featuring chipotles, the smoked version of jalapeños. Many brands also enhance their canned fish with chiles or infuse them with sweet, silky peppers. These variations essentially serve as pre-seasoning for the fish, enhancing the overall flavor of your tacos.

Canned tuna is usually quite plain, which can be beneficial if you're looking for a quick and simple fish taco. It's easy to add your own seasonings, such as chiles or garlic powder. Skipjack and white tuna (the latter being albacore, which isn't technically classified as "white fish") often come with just water and a bit of salt—Starkist offers options in both water and soybean-based vegetable oil. If you have a more basic canned tuna, don’t hesitate to be generous with your seasonings.