Enjoy fresh, zesty fish tacos reminiscent of coastal California with crispy or grilled fish, a vibrant slaw, and a tangy sauce.
Author:Caroline Hayes
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Frying
Cuisine:Mexican-American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lbs cod or mahi-mahi fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 cup beer (lager or pilsner)
1 large egg
Vegetable oil, for frying
8 corn tortillas
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 lime, juiced
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
1 tablespoon adobo sauce
1/4 head green cabbage, thinly sliced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 lime, juiced
Salt to taste
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne. In a separate bowl, whisk together beer and egg. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until just combined. Do not overmix.
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
Dip the fish pieces into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated. Carefully place the battered fish into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
While the fish is frying, prepare the slaw. In a medium bowl, combine sliced cabbage, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt to taste. Toss to combine.
Prepare the chipotle crema. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce. Stir until well combined.
Warm the tortillas by heating them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds.
Assemble the tacos: Place a piece of fried fish onto each warm tortilla. Top with the lime cilantro slaw and a drizzle of chipotle crema. Garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Notes
For grilled fish tacos, marinate the fish in lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and spices before grilling.
Add avocado slices or pico de gallo for extra flavor and texture.
Consider using a meal planning service to simplify your weekly cooking.