Description
Delicious and crispy Baja Fish Tacos featuring battered and fried white fish fillets served in warm corn tortillas with fresh cabbage slaw and a tangy lime cream sauce. This Mexican-inspired main course offers a perfect balance of crunchy textures and vibrant flavors, ideal for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Fish:
- 1 pound white fish fillets (like cod or halibut)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup cold sparkling water (plus more as needed)
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Tacos and Sauce:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and paprika. Gradually stir in the cold sparkling water until a smooth batter forms; add more water if needed to reach a thick but pourable consistency.
- Prepare the Fish: Cut the fish into 1-inch wide strips and pat them dry thoroughly to ensure batter sticks properly.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a deep skillet and heat over medium-high until it reaches 350°F, suitable for frying.
- Fry the Fish: Dip each fish piece into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully place into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix well to create a tangy and creamy sauce.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the corn tortillas briefly in a skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place several pieces of fried fish into each tortilla, top with shredded cabbage, drizzle with the prepared sauce, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing, enhancing the fresh flavors.
Notes
- To lighten the dish, consider grilling or baking the fish instead of frying for a healthier option.
- Enhance the flavor and texture by adding mango salsa, pickled onions, or avocado as toppings.
