fried fish tacos recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best fried fish tacos recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – fried fish tacos! This dish has its roots in Mexican cuisine, but over time, it’s become a staple in many American households, including mine.

The combination of crispy fried fish, tangy slaw, and creamy salsa all wrapped up in a soft tortilla is a match made in heaven. My kids love helping me make the batter for the fish, and they always get excited when they get to eat the finished product.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends and family. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also relatively healthy compared to other fried foods.

By using sustainable fish options and making our own slaw and salsa from scratch, we can feel good about what we’re putting into our bodies. I’ve been making this recipe for years now, and it never fails to impress.

The key to getting the fish just right is all about the batter – you want it to be light and crispy on the outside, while staying tender on the inside. It’s not too difficult to achieve, but it does require some practice to get it just right.

Don’t be discouraged if your first batch doesn’t turn out perfectly – just keep trying until you get the hang of it.

Crispy Fried Fish Tacos

4.7 from 1111 votes

These fried fish tacos feature flaky white fish coated in a light, golden batter, served in warm corn tortillas with a tangy cabbage slaw and creamy chipotle sauce. The combination of crunchy fish, fresh vegetables, and spicy sauce creates a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Fish

1 lb cod or tilapia fillets, cut into 2-inch strips
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1 cup cold beer or sparkling water
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Cabbage Slaw

2 cups shredded green cabbage
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste

For the Chipotle Sauce

1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
1 tbsp adobo sauce
1 tbsp lime juice
Salt to taste

For Assembly

8 small corn tortillas, warmed
Lime wedges for serving
Fresh cilantro for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2Gradually add cold beer or sparkling water while whisking until a smooth batter forms.
3The batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still runny; adjust with more liquid if needed.
4In a separate bowl, combine shredded cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
5Toss well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
6For the chipotle sauce, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, minced chipotle, adobo sauce, lime juice, and salt in a small bowl until smooth.
7Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
8To test, drop a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.
9Pat fish strips dry with paper towels, then dip each piece into the batter, letting excess drip off.
10Carefully place battered fish strips into the hot oil in a single layer without overcrowding.
11Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, turning once with tongs.
12The internal temperature should reach 145°F and the coating should be crispy and deep golden.
13Transfer fried fish to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
14Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly charred.
15To assemble, place a few pieces of fish on each tortilla, top with slaw, drizzle with chipotle sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
16Serve immediately with lime wedges.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or deep fryer
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Tongs
Paper towels
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 55mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, you can bake the fish at 425°F for 12-15 minutes after spraying with oil. Use sparkling water instead of beer for a non-alcoholic option. Adjust chipotle amount to control spice level.

Watch Video Of How Crispy Fried Fish Tacos Works

This fried fish tacos recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends and family. The best part?

It works well for both casual gatherings and more formal events. You can serve it as a main course or as an appetizer.

My family loves helping me make this recipe because everyone gets involved – from marinating the fish to assembling the tacos themselves.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Fried Fish Tacos

Q: What type of fish should I use for fried fish tacos?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use a firm white fish that can hold up well to breading and frying. Some good options include cod, tilapia, or mahi-mahi.

Q: How do I make sure my fried fish is crispy on the outside?

Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the fish – you want it to sizzle immediately when you add it. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan – fry in batches if necessary.

Q: Can I use pre-made slaw mix instead of making my own slaw?

Sure thing! However, keep in mind that pre-made mixes often contain preservatives and added sugars that can detract from the flavor of your dish.

Q: How do I store leftover fried fish tacos?

You can store leftover fried fish tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute your gluten-free flour blend for regular flour in the batter mixture.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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