Crispy beer-battered white fish, crunchy slaw, and creamy sauce fill warm tortillas for a fresh, sunny dinner. These tacos bring coastal Baja vibes to your table.
Author:Hannah Rodger
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:4-6 servings (12-16 tacos)
Category:Main Course
Method:Frying
Cuisine:Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lbs white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or mahi-mahi)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cold beer (lager or pilsner recommended)
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
12-16 corn or flour tortillas
For the Slaw:
3 cups shredded cabbage (green or a mix of green and red)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Pinch of salt
Pinch of black pepper
Optional Toppings:
Lime wedges
Diced avocado
Pico de gallo
Hot sauce
Instructions
For the Fish: Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels. Cut into 1-inch wide strips.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the cold beer until a smooth batter forms.
Heat about 2-3 inches of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
Dip each fish strip into the batter, letting excess drip off. Carefully place battered fish into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove fish with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain. Sprinkle with a little extra salt while hot.
For the Slaw: In a medium bowl, combine shredded cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
For the Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth.
To Assemble: Warm tortillas in a dry skillet, microwave, or over an open flame until pliable.
Place a few pieces of fried fish in each warm tortilla. Top with a generous spoonful of slaw and a drizzle of creamy sauce. Add any desired optional toppings. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra crispy fish, ensure your oil is at the correct temperature.
Do not overcrowd the pot when frying; this lowers the oil temperature and can make the fish greasy.
The creamy sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For a healthier option, consider baking or air frying the fish instead of deep frying.