One pot cod tacos: a weeknight dinner savior born from simplicity and a craving for something satisfying, fresh, and bursting with flavor. These aren't your average tacos; we're talking flaky cod simmered in a vibrant tomato broth with all the fixings, all cooked together in, yep, you guessed it, one pot. The inspiration? A busy Tuesday evening when I was staring down a fridge full of possibilities but zero motivation. These one pot cod tacos emerged as the delicious solution.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This one pot cod tacos Recipe
Oh, let me count the ways! This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First, the ease. We all crave those meals that require minimal cleanup, and this one pot wonder delivers. The cod cooks directly in the flavorful tomato broth, absorbing all those wonderful herbs and spices.
Then there's the speed factor. From start to finish, you're looking at around 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. The flavor is incredible too. The cod remains incredibly tender, and the slightly tangy broth coats the fish perfectly.
It is a great one pot version. And who doesn’t like tacos? From there it is tacos bliss. This recipe brings me back to the simple dinners my grandmother used to whip up – hearty, flavorful, and always made with love. What's better than a warm and comforting shared meal? This recipe simplifies family dinners and offers a world of flavor, using cod. And, because everything happens in one pot, you can get great cod tacos done in minutes—with minimal washing up!
Ingredients Needed for This one pot cod tacos Recipe
Here's everything you'll need to create this flavor packed one pot meal. Measurements are key, but don't be afraid to adjust spices to your liking.
For the Cod & Broth:
- 1.5 pounds cod fillets, cut into 1 inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 12 corn or flour tortillas, warmed
- Optional toppings: shredded cabbage, avocado slices, cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, hot sauce
How to Make This one pot cod tacos Recipe
Follow these easy steps to create your own one pot cod taco masterpiece. Trust me, it's simpler than it sounds!
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Gently add the cod chunks to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the broth. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- While the cod simmers, warm your tortillas according to package instructions or on a dry skillet. Follow us on Pinterest for more recipe inspiration and creative serving ideas!
- Gently remove the pot from heat and give it a gentle stir to distribute the cod in the flavorful broth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more lime juice for extra zest, or hot sauce for a bit of kick if desired.
- Spoon the cod and broth mixture into warmed tortillas.

- Top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cabbage, avocado slices, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious one pot cod tacos! Why not also try this One Pot Turkey Tacos Recipe?
How to Serve This one pot cod tacos Recipe
Serving is where the magic really happens! Think fresh, vibrant, and fun. These one pot cod tacos are perfectly served as a light summer meal straight from the pot.
Pile high with crunchy shredded cabbage, creamy avocado slices, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. For some flavor, add a dollop of sour cream.
For a bit of heat, don't hesitate to drizzle on your favorite hot sauce. A side of Spanish rice or black beans would complement the tacos beautifully. Consider even offering a refreshing watermelon salad.
How to Store This one pot cod tacos Recipe
If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely!), proper storage is key.
Refrigerate any leftover cod mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The tortillas are best stored separately to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Freezing isn’t recommended, as the cod’s texture may change upon thawing.
Reheat the cod mixture gently on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave, until warmed through.
Tips to Make This one pot cod tacos Recipe
Want to make these one pot cod tacos extra amazing? Here are a few pointers.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the broth. If you don’t have cod, any flaky white fish like haddock or tilapia works well. You can use pre shredded cabbage or coleslaw for this one pot recipe to save time and prep.
To avoid overcooking the cod, make sure the broth is simmering gently.
Feel free to experiment with different toppings. Mango salsa, pickled onions, or a drizzle of chipotle mayo would all be fantastic additions. Sometimes a Grilled Cod Casserole makes an appearance for our weeknight dinners!
Helpful Notes for This one pot cod tacos Recipe
A few extra notes to ensure your one pot cod tacos turn out perfectly.
Fresh cod is always best, but frozen cod (thawed completely) works too. The key is to pat it dry before adding it to the pot. Using high quality canned diced tomatoes will really boost this one pot recipe.
If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water will work in a pinch. A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end really brightens up the flavor. Using a dutch oven distributes the one pot cooking evenly.
Variation of This one pot cod tacos Recipe
Want to mix things up? Here are a few creative variations on this one pot cod taco recipe.
For a smoky twist, try adding a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the broth.
In the summer, use fresh garden tomatoes instead of canned. If you're feeling adventurous, try using shrimp instead of cod. This could also double as One Pot Beef Casserole for a cold winter's night.
For a vegetarian version, use chickpeas or black beans instead of fish. Adjust the spices to your liking – add more chili powder for a more authentic taco taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of cod to use for one pot cod tacos?
Flaky white cod is ideal for one pot cod tacos because it cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the broth nicely. You can use fresh or frozen cod, just ensure it’s thawed before adding it to the pot.
How can I prevent the cod from overcooking in one pot cod tacos?
Add the cod towards the end of the cooking process and gently simmer until it’s just cooked through, around 5-7 minutes. Overcooking will make the cod dry and tough.
What toppings go well with one pot cod tacos?
Classic taco toppings like shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, avocado, lime wedges, cilantro, and a drizzle of creamy sauce (like sour cream or a chipotle aioli) complement the flavors of one pot cod tacos perfectly.
Can I use a different type of fish for these one pot tacos?
Yes, you can substitute cod with other flaky white fish like tilapia, haddock, or mahi-mahi. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different fish may cook at varying rates.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, the ultimate one pot cod tacos recipe! Quick, easy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. I hope you give these one pot cod tacos a try and discover just how delicious simplicity can be. Don't be shy about sharing your thoughts or questions in the comments below – I'd love to hear how they turn out.
One Pot Cod Tacos: Easiest Recipe Ever!

Flaky cod simmered in a vibrant tomato broth with all the fixings, all cooked together in one pot! Quick, easy, and flavorful.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition:
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 20g
Fat: 15g
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds cod fillets, cut into 1 inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 corn or flour tortillas, warmed
- Optional toppings: shredded cabbage, avocado slices, cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, hot sauce
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Gently add the cod chunks to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the broth. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- While the cod simmers, warm your tortillas according to package instructions or on a dry skillet.
- Spoon the cod and broth mixture into warmed tortillas.
- Top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cabbage, avocado slices, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Fresh or frozen (thawed) cod works well. Adjust spices to your liking. Experiment with different toppings! Side of rice or black beans compliment well too.
