
Ensenada Fish Tacos
Yields:
12 serving(s)
Total Time:
50 mins
The beer-battered fish in these tacos is fried twice — the first can be done up to a day ahead; the second is done quickly right before serving. Mexican oregano is stronger than the Mediterranean variety and can be found at Latin markets or at penzeys.com; you can also substitute the Mediterranean version.
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Ingredients
Fish:
- 1 1/4 lb. white fish such as catfish, tilapia, or striped bass
- 1/2 lime
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp. baking powder
- 1/4 tsp. granulated garlic or garlic powder
- tsp. cayenne
- 1/4 tsp. dry mustard powder or prepared mustard
- 1/4 tsp. Mexican oregano
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
- 12 oz. beer
- vegetable oil
Lime Crema:
- 1 Tbsp. lime juice
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
To Serve:
- 12 corn tortillas
- finely shredded green cabbage
- Lime wedges
- Pico de Gallo
- Bottled Mexican hot sauce (optional)
- Diced red onion (optional)
- Cilantro sprigs (optional)
Directions
- Step 1Cut fish into 12 pieces. Squeeze lime half over fish and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover fish with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.
- Step 2To make batter: Whisk together flour, baking powder, garlic, cayenne, mustard, oregano, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper until well blended. Stir in about 10 ounces beer to make a batter with the consistency of pancake batter. Stir just until no large lumps remain.
- Step 3Place a heavy-bottomed pan, at least 4 deep, on a back burner (in case oil spatters). Pour oil into pan to a depth of 1 1/2 to 2. Heat over medium to medium-high heat until oil registers 350 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer or a drop of batter immediately cooks and floats to the surface.
- Step 4Pat fish dry with paper towels. If batter has thickened, add a little more beer. Mix fish in batter, coating evenly. With a slotted spoon, lift a piece out of batter and slip it into the hot oil. It will sink and form bubbles around the edges, then float to the surface; when batter on the bottom sets, carefully flip to cook the other side. (If fish sticks to pan, leave it alone—it should release itself.) Cook a few pieces of fish at a time until batter is set but still very light in color. Remove to a rack to drain; reserve oil. (If serving later, store in refrigerator.)
- Step 5To make lime crema: Mix mayonnaise and lime juice.
- Step 6Right before serving, reheat oil to 350 degrees F and fry fish again, a few pieces at a time, until batter is very crisp and golden brown.
- Step 7To serve: Top tortillas with fish, lime crema, cabbage, a squeeze of lime juice, and any other accompaniments desired.
Looking for more dinner options? Check out our pork chop recipes, chicken recipes, and potato recipes.
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