Crispy Baja Fish Tacos with Secret Sauce
Experience the vibrant flavors of coastal Mexico with these Crispy Baja Fish Tacos! Tender fillets of fish are enveloped in a light and crunchy beer batter, creating the perfect contrast to the fresh toppings. Each bite is enhanced by our 'secret' garlic cilantro sauce, along with creamy guacamole and zesty pico de gallo. These tacos are double-fried to achieve an unbeatable crispness, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Perfect for gatherings, they often disappear even before the guests are full! Whether you're by the beach or at home, these tacos will transport you to Baja, one delicious bite at a time.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
23
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 cups (Sifted)
baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (N/A)
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
dried Mexican oregano
1/2 teaspoon (Rubbing to powder)
kosher salt
To taste (N/A)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
cold beer
1 (12 ounce) bottle (N/A)
firm white fish (like cod or snapper)
2 lbs (Cut into index finger-sized pieces)
fresh lime juice
To taste (Freshly squeezed)
vegetable oil
For deep frying (Heated)
mayonnaise
3/4 cup (N/A)
low-fat yogurt
1/4 cup (N/A)
minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
corn tortillas
As needed (Warmed)
guacamole
As needed (Mashed avocado with lime and salt)
lime wedges
As needed (For serving)
shredded green cabbage
As needed (For garnish)
pico de gallo or salsa
As needed (For topping)
cilantro leaves
Optional (For garnish)
chopped white onion
Optional (For garnish)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Crispy Baja Fish Tacos with Secret Sauce.
What kind of fish is recommended for Baja fish tacos?
A firm white fish such as cod or snapper is recommended.
How should the fish be cut for the tacos?
The fish should be cut into pieces about the size of an index finger.
What makes the fish coating crispy?
The crispness comes from a beer batter made with all-purpose flour and baking powder, combined with a double-frying technique.
What is in the 'secret' sauce?
The secret sauce is made from mayonnaise, low-fat yogurt, minced garlic, and chopped fresh cilantro.
How do I prepare the Mexican oregano for the batter?
The dried Mexican oregano should be rubbed into a powder before being added to the batter.
What spices are used in the flour mixture?
The flour mixture includes garlic powder, cayenne pepper, dry mustard, Mexican oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
What type of beer should I use?
The recipe calls for one 12-ounce bottle of cold beer.
Is the flour sifted?
Yes, the 2 cups of all-purpose flour should be sifted.
What type of oil is best for frying the fish?
Vegetable oil is used for deep frying the battered fish.
What kind of tortillas are used?
Corn tortillas are used and should be served warmed.
How do I make the guacamole for these tacos?
The guacamole is made by mashing avocado with lime juice and salt.
What garnishes are suggested for the tacos?
Suggested garnishes include shredded green cabbage, pico de gallo or salsa, cilantro leaves, and chopped white onion.
How should lime wedges be served?
Lime wedges should be served on the side for guests to squeeze fresh juice over their tacos.
Does this recipe include dairy?
Yes, the secret sauce contains low-fat yogurt.
Can I use a different type of yogurt?
While the recipe specifies low-fat yogurt, you can likely substitute full-fat or Greek yogurt for a creamier sauce.
What role does baking powder play in the recipe?
Baking powder helps the beer batter become light and airy during the frying process.
Is the fish seasoned before battering?
The recipe suggests adding fresh lime juice to the fish pieces to taste before they are prepared for frying.
How much fish is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 lbs of firm white fish.
Is this recipe considered authentic?
Yes, it is tagged as an authentic recipe inspired by the coastal flavors of Baja, Mexico.
Is the cilantro in the sauce fresh?
Yes, one tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro is used in the sauce.
Can I skip the double-frying step?
The double-frying is what achieves the unbeatable crispness described in the recipe, so it is highly recommended.
What is the texture of the batter?
The batter is described as light and crunchy.
What type of cabbage is used for garnish?
Shredded green cabbage is used for the traditional Baja-style garnish.
How much mayonnaise is used in the sauce?
The sauce uses 3/4 cup of mayonnaise.
Is the black pepper pre-ground?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, it is described as the ultimate crowd-pleaser and perfect for gatherings.
How much garlic is in the sauce?
The sauce contains 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic.
Can I use snapper instead of cod?
Yes, the recipe suggests either cod or snapper as suitable firm white fish options.
Is there a specific amount of salt to use?
The kosher salt is added to taste in the batter and the guacamole.