Friday, February 26, 2010

Beer Battered Fish Tacos with Baja Sauce



Some years ago I finally took the plunge and tasted a fish taco. The thought of a piece of fish in a taco weirded me out, but have never been a big fan of a piece of fish, unless battered & fried. Well, I fell in love, and now it's the only thing I order from a Mexican taco shop. This is one food I could never get bored with! I did some searching for a recipe and found this one from Lori of Recipe Girl, which is also the same as the one here. I've only made these twice in the years, only because my family won't eat fish. My oldest ending liking these so yay, 1 for my team!
Anyways, I used frozen, thawed tilapia for mine, cutting each filet in half lengthwise. I served this up with some mexican rice and refried cheesy beans. I kept them warm in the oven as I fried each batch.

click to get a better view

Note: this recipe does need 2/3 hours marinating time!

BEER BATTERED FISH TACOS W/ BAJA SAUCE

BAJA SAUCE:
½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tsp Mexican seasoning (I used this one)
1 small jalapeƱo pepper, seeded and diced
¼ cup fresh lime juice
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

TACOS:
1 lb firm white fish fillet, cut into 1½” pieces
12 oz bottle Mexican beer
1 Tbs Mexican seasoning
vegetable oil
1 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp granulated sugar
½ tsp baking powder
1 cup Mexican beer
½ tsp hot sauce
12 fresh corn tortillas, warmed
1 medium lime, cut into wedges
¾ cup shredded queso blanco or Monterey Jack cheese
3 cups shredded green cabbage
½ red onion, cut into strips

1. Prepare Baja Sauce: Combine all ingredients; stir well. Refrigerate until ready for use.

2. Place fish in a heavy-duty large plastic ziploc bag. Combine bottle of beer and Mexican seasoning in a bowl. Pour into ziploc with fish; seal and chill 2-3 hours.

3. Pour oil to depth of 1½” in a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Heat oil to 360° F.

4. In a medium bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar and baking powder. Whisk in 1 cup beer and hot sauce. Drain fish, discarding marinade. Coat fish in batter.

5. Cook fish in batches about 4 minutes, or until done. Drain on paper towels.

6. Place 2-3 pieces of fish on each tortilla. Squeeze lime wedges over fish; top with remaining ingredients. Drizzle with baja sauce and serve immediately.

Servings: 6



enjoy,

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13 Lovely Comments:

Melanie said...

How did you read my mind? I have been searching and searching for a perfect fish taco recipe. I've never made them at home but honestly, that first picture of yours sold me. They look fantastic!

Mary Bergfeld said...

Rachael, these look wonderful and will be perfect for a Lenten Friday meal. Thanks so much. I hope you are having a day as lovely as your blog. I'll be back often to visit.

RecipeGirl said...

I love these. Well, I pretty much love all fish tacos lol! My Mother (not from SD) used to be grossed out at the thought of trying them. I finally got her to taste them & she loves them of course!

Anonymous said...

These look AMAZING, but I'm allergic to beer (hopps specifically) what substitute can I use to keep the batter light?

Rachelle S said...

Hi Anonymous,

I was thinking you could probably use 12 oz sparkling apple cider instead of beer? I think the sweetness of the apple cider would be nice with this too.

=)

Jane said...

Oh my goodness! These look so good! I would love it if you could add this recipe to my new seafood linky! :)

http://makeaheadmealsforbusymoms.blogspot.com/2010/07/link-up-theme-isseafood.html

Jane

Jenna said...

These look great! Going to try it using frozen breaded fish fillets.

Unknown said...

In place of beer, when I make "beer bread" or "beer batter" I always use either sparkling water or a clear soda (7-up or Sprite) the carbonation is much needed to keep the batter light!

Anonymous said...

Just made them last Night to my Family! A totally blast of Mexican flavors! Soooo delicious!!! Txs Rachelle!

Anonymous said...

Dough was too gummy. Will try with baking soda instead.

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