SaveThis fish taco sauce recipe is the creamy, tangy white sauce that goes on crispy or grilled fish tacos. You stir together equal parts mayonnaise and sour cream with plenty of lime juice, garlic powder, cumin and a little chili powder, then chill it briefly so the flavors blend. It takes about five minutes to mix. Spoon it over fish or shrimp tacos, toss it with shredded cabbage for a quick slaw, or use it as a dip. Below you’ll find what each ingredient does, how to adjust the heat and tang, and how to keep seafood tacos safe.
What Is Fish Taco Sauce?
Fish taco sauce, often called white sauce or Baja-style sauce, is a cool, creamy sauce made from a mayonnaise and sour cream (or yogurt) base, brightened with lime and seasoned with warm spices. It balances crispy or spicy fish with something cold and tangy, and it’s thin enough to drizzle but thick enough to cling to cabbage and fish.
Fish taco sauce vs. chipotle sauce and tartar sauce
| Fish taco sauce | Chipotle sauce | Tartar sauce | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Mayo + sour cream | Sour cream + mayo + chipotles | Mayo + pickles |
| Flavor | Tangy lime, mild spice | Smoky, medium heat | Tangy, briny |
| Color | White | Orange-tan | Creamy white with flecks |
| Best with | Fish and shrimp tacos, slaw | Tacos, bowls, burgers | Fried fish, fish sandwiches |
For a smoky, spicier sauce, make our creamy chipotle sauce. For fried fish fillets and sandwiches, try our classic tartar sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): richness and body.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): tang and a lighter, cooling texture. Plain Greek yogurt works too.
- Fresh lime juice (2 tablespoons): the bright, citrusy flavor that defines the sauce.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): savory depth that blends in smoothly.
- Ground cumin (1/2 teaspoon): a warm, earthy note that suits tacos.
- Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon): gentle warmth and a little color.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): seasoning; taste before adding more.
- Hot sauce (1 teaspoon, optional): extra heat. Sriracha or any taco hot sauce works.
How to Make Fish Taco Sauce
- Stir. In a medium bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt and hot sauce (if using) until smooth.
- Taste. Add more lime for tang, more hot sauce for heat, or a pinch more salt.
- Chill. Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes so the spices blend in.
- Thin and serve. Stir before serving. For a drizzle, loosen it with a little extra lime juice or water.
Adjusting the Flavor
| You want | Change |
|---|---|
| Tangier | Add 1 more tablespoon lime juice, or a little lime zest |
| Spicier | Add extra hot sauce or cayenne |
| Lighter | Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream |
| Smoky | Stir in 1 teaspoon adobo sauce from a can of chipotles |
| Herby | Add 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro |
Cooking the Fish and Keeping It Cold
Spoon the sauce over warm fish or shrimp tacos with shredded cabbage, cilantro and lime wedges, or stir a few spoonfuls into shredded cabbage for a creamy slaw. Cook fish to 145°F, or until the flesh is opaque and separates easily with a fork, as the CDC recommends. Because the sauce is made with mayonnaise and sour cream, return it to the fridge within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), and keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the white sauce on fish tacos made of?
Most versions are mayonnaise and sour cream or yogurt, thinned and brightened with lime juice and seasoned with garlic, cumin and chili powder.
Can I make fish taco sauce without mayo?
Yes. Use all sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter sauce. Expect a looser, lighter result.
Is fish taco sauce spicy?
This version is mild. Add hot sauce or cayenne to make it spicier, or stir in a little chipotle adobo sauce for smoky heat.
Can I use it for a fish taco slaw?
Yes. Toss a few spoonfuls with shredded cabbage just before serving so the cabbage stays crisp.
How should I store fish taco sauce?
Store it chilled and covered at 40°F or below, and return it to the fridge within 2 hours of serving. Stir before using.
