Fish Tacos with Homemade Salsa and Cilantro Cream

These Fish Tacos with Homemade Salsa and Cilantro Cream are a fresh, vibrant meal that feels like a treat but comes together with simple ingredients. Tender, flaky hake is seasoned and pan-fried until golden, then wrapped in warm tortillas with crisp lettuce, zesty salsa, and a cool herb cream that ties everything together beautifully.

This is the kind of dinner that works just as well for a relaxed weeknight as it does for a casual family gathering. The balance of warm fish, crunchy vegetables, and creamy sauce makes every bite satisfying without feeling heavy — a perfect option when you want something quick, colourful, and full of flavour.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 4 ready-made flour tortillas
• 1 large hake fillet
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• A pinch of black pepper, coarsely ground
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup lettuce, finely chopped

The fresh toppings and creamy sauce bring everything together and give these tacos their signature flavour.

• 1 cup salsa (recipe below)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• ½ cup cilantro leaves
• 1 sprig mint
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Combine the sour cream, buttermilk, cilantro leaves, mint, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a food processor and blend until smooth. Refrigerate until needed.
2. Season the hake with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Heat the olive oil in a pan and fry the fish until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove the fish from the pan, place on a plate, and let it cool slightly.

5. Warm the tortillas for a few seconds on each side in a non-stick pan.
6. Place the chopped lettuce and pieces of fish in the center of each tortilla.
7. Spoon some salsa over the fish and then drizzle with the cilantro cream.
8. Fold the sides together and roll up the tortillas. Serve immediately.

Tips

• If hake isn’t available, any firm white fish such as cod or tilapia will work just as well.
• Pat the fish dry before seasoning to help it brown nicely in the pan.
• For extra crunch, add thinly sliced cabbage or shredded carrots along with the lettuce.
• If you prefer a little heat, mix some chopped chilli into the salsa or add a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning.
• The cilantro cream can be made a few hours ahead and kept chilled until serving.

Serving Suggestion

Serve these tacos immediately while the tortillas are warm and the fish is still tender. Arrange them on a platter with extra salsa and cilantro cream on the side so everyone can add more to taste. They pair beautifully with a simple green salad, grilled corn, or a bowl of rice for a more filling meal. A squeeze of fresh lime over the top just before eating adds a bright finishing touch.

For a relaxed family-style dinner, place all the components on the table and let everyone assemble their own tacos. It turns the meal into a fun, interactive experience and makes it easy to adjust portions and toppings for different preferences.

Looking for another comforting family favourite? Try our Baked Chicken and Mushroom Risotto for a hearty, oven-baked meal that’s just as satisfying.