Traditional Fish Tacos

πŸ•’ Prep: 15 min
πŸ”₯ Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Traditional Fish Tacos are a delightful combination of crispy fried fish, fresh toppings, and a tangy lime crema. These tacos are perfect for a casual dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Let's dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that brings a taste of the coast to your plate.

Ingredients for Traditional Fish Tacos

White fish fillets are the star of the show, offering a mild flavor and tender texture that crisps up beautifully when fried. Choose a firm fish like cod or tilapia for best results.

All-purpose flour and baking powder create a light, crispy batter that envelops the fish. The flour provides structure, while the baking powder ensures the batter puffs up just right.

Vegetable oil is used for frying, giving the fish a golden, crunchy exterior. Make sure it’s hot enough before frying to avoid greasy fish.

Corn tortillas serve as the perfect vessel for the tacos, offering a subtle corn flavor that complements the fish.

Shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, diced onions, and chopped cilantro add freshness and color, providing a balance to the rich, fried fish.

Lime and sour cream come together to create a zesty lime crema, adding a creamy finish with a citrusy kick.

Tips & Tricks

  • Pat the fish dry thoroughly before battering to ensure it crisps up nicely.
  • Keep the oil temperature steady; too low and the fish will absorb oil, too high and it will burn.
  • For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.

Serving Suggestions

These fish tacos pair beautifully with a side of black beans or a fresh corn salad. For a refreshing beverage, try serving with a cold cerveza or a tangy margarita.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, any firm white fish like halibut or mahi-mahi works well.
Can I bake the fish instead of frying?
While frying gives the best texture, you can bake the fish at 400Β°F for about 10-12 minutes until cooked through.

Traditional Fish Tacos Recipe Walkthrough

First, prepare your fish by patting it dry with paper towels. This step is key to a crispy fry. Then, slice the fish into 1-inch strips; this size is perfect for fitting into the tortillas.

In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually stir in the water until you achieve a smooth batter. You want it thick enough to cling to the fish but still pourable.

Heat your oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. To check if it's hot enough, drop a little batter in; it should sizzle immediately.

Dip each fish strip into the batter, letting the excess drip off before placing it carefully into the hot oil. Fry until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels to keep them crisp.

Next, make the lime crema by mixing sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, and a bit of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.

Warm your corn tortillas on a dry skillet until they’re pliable. This makes them easier to handle and enhances their flavor.

Time to assemble! Place a piece of fish in the center of each tortilla. Top with a bit of cabbage, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Drizzle with your freshly made lime crema and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra citrusy kick.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • Combination of flavors and textures β€” crispy, fresh, and creamy all in one bite.
  • Customizable toppings to suit your taste.
  • A fun way to enjoy seafood, even for those who aren't huge fish fans.

Ingredients

1 lb white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup water
2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
8 small corn tortillas
1/2 cup shredded cabbage
1/4 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup diced onions
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 lime, cut into wedges
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tbsp lime juice
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Prepare the fish by patting dry with paper towels and cutting into 1-inch strips.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add water, stirring until smooth to make the batter.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat until hot.
4. Dip fish strips into the batter, allowing excess to drip off.
5. Carefully place fish into hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
6. Remove fish and drain on paper towels.
7. In a small bowl, mix sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make lime crema.
8. Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat until pliable.
9. Assemble tacos by placing fish into tortillas and topping with cabbage, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
10. Drizzle lime crema over the top and serve with lime wedges.

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