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Tacos de Pescado (Fish Tacos)

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Tacos de Pescado (Fish Tacos)

by Dawn T in Rouxbe Videos

Strips of golden-fried halibut are wrapped in warm corn tortillas and smothered with fresh salsa.

Serves
4
Active Time
45 mins
Total Time
45 mins

Step 1: Preparing the Batter

Preparing the Batter
  • 5 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup beer
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

To make the batter, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt and pepper in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg. Then add the beer, water, and lemon juice.

Whisk the wet ingredients into the dry and let sit for about 10 minutes in the refrigerator, while you prepare the rest of your mise en place.

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Step 2: Preparing the Mise en Place

Preparing the Mise en Place
  • vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 1/2 cups cabbage
  • 1 1/2 cups iceberg lettuce
  • 2 medium tomatoes
  • 2 limes
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound halibut (or other firm, white fish)
  • 12 corn tortillas

To prepare your mise en place, heat about an inch and a half of oil in a pot, over medium-low heat.

Thinly slice the cabbage and lettuce. Cut the tomatoes vertically into thin slices and cut the lime into wedges. Set everything aside.

Next, cut the fish into 1-inch strips, working with the grain, so the pieces don’t fall apart. When you’re ready to cook, season the fish with the salt, pepper and a squeeze of lime juice. Let this marinate while you gather the tortillas and set up a plate with flour for dredging the fish.

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Step 3: Frying the Fish and Assembling

Frying the Fish and Assembling
  • all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • 1/2 bunch cilantro (for garnish)
  • 1 1/2 cups Salsa Verde de Lupita (Rouxbe recipe)
  • Kosher salt (to taste)

To cook the fish, make sure the oil is at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then heat a fry pan over medium-heat to warm the tortillas.

It’s best to work in batches, cooking a few tacos at a time. Dredge a couple of pieces of fish in the flour, shaking off any excess. Using a fork, coat the fish with the batter and carefully place each piece into the oil.

Fry until golden, about 2 minutes or so, depending on the thickness of the fish.

Meanwhile, warm both sides of the tortillas in the fry pan. Keep an eye on the fish - you may need to rotate it to ensure it’s golden on both sides.

Once the fish is cooked, remove it with a spider and place onto a plate lined with paper towels. Season each piece of fish with a bit of salt and start to assemble your tacos.

Place a bit of lettuce and cabbage on the bottom. Top with a couple of slices of tomato, along with a piece of fish. Add a squeeze of lime, a spoonful of salsa verde and a sprig of fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

*For the full video recipe link for Salsa Verde de Lupita, see Notes below.

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Notes

Full Video Recipe for Salsa Verde de Lupita: nac.rouxbe.com/recipes/231

If you plan to fry a big batch of fish all at once, warm the tortillas in a low oven.

Cooking Tip: Once the oil is ready, time how long it takes to fry a single piece of fish. Remove it from the oil and cut it open to test for doneness. You'll be able to gauge what the proper cooking will be to perfectly fry the rest.

Comments

Draining the fish after frying

I haven't tried this particular recipe yet (can't wait to, though, I love fish tacos!), but it calls for taking the fish out of the oil and placing onto paper towels.

I've heard that draining on paper towels actually isn't the best way, as it holds the oil against the surface of the food. I was told you're better off draining on a baker's cooling rack so any excess oil falls off and isn't held against the food.

by Chris W | Apr 24, 2008 4:20pm | Permalink
Draining the Fish

As we usually can't wait more than a minute to eat these, the paper towels seems to work.

But, you are correct, it is a good idea to drain on a cooling rack, placed over a plate. This also works well if you want to keep the fish warm in the oven as you fry it (if doing it in batches). The cooling rack keeps the fish from going soggy.

Thanks for keeping us on our toes!!!

by Dawn T | Apr 24, 2008 5:09pm | Permalink
Substitute for beer

This looks delicious!!! Can't wait to try it.
What can you substitute for beer? Something non alcoholic preferably.
Thanks a bunch
jack

by Jack C | 22 days ago | Permalink
Yes You Can

Easy...just use all water instead, or you could use non-alcoholic beer instead...up to you :-)

by Dawn T | 22 days ago | Permalink

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