Crispy Fish Tacos with Spicy Chipotle Tartar Sauce
Indulge in these Crispy Fish Tacos, where the star ingredient is succulent fish coated in a light, crispy batter. The magic lies in frying the fish to create a golden brown exterior that's irresistibly crunchy, ensuring it’s not greasy. Paired with a bold, spicy chipotle tartar sauce that brings together flavors of garlic and lime, these tacos are elevated with fresh cucumber, peppery arugula, and vibrant cilantro. Add a touch of citrus zest for an unexpected twist, and complete your feast with avocado slices for a creamy finish. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, these tacos promise a delightful culinary experience with every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 (finely chopped)
chipotle chile in adobo
1-2 (seeded and finely chopped)
mayonnaise
3/4 cup
scallion
1 (white and light green parts only, finely chopped)
lime juice
1 tablespoon
salt
to taste
skinless red snapper fillets
2 lbs
Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons
garlic cloves, finely minced
4 (finely minced)
salt
1 teaspoon
fresh ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon
all-purpose flour
1 cup
vegetable oil
3 cups (for frying (more if necessary))
flour tortillas (6 inch size)
8 (warmed)
cucumber
1 (peeled, seeded, and sliced into 1/2 inch thick long strips)
arugula leaves
6 ounces
cilantro leaf
1 cup
oranges
2 (zest of)
lime wedge
for serving
Instructions
1
To prepare the chipotle tartar sauce, mix mayonnaise, garlic, chopped chipotle, scallion, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
2
For the fish, rinse fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Cut the fish into 1-inch cubes and place in a large mixing bowl. Add Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Carefully toss to coat the fish, then cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or as long as 4 hours for deeper flavor.
3
On a plate, spread out the flour. Take each piece of marinated fish and coat it evenly with flour, shaking off any excess as you go.
4
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C). Fry the fish in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Cook for 4-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally to achieve even cooking. Transfer fried fish to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5
To prepare the tortillas, heat a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat. Warm each tortilla for about 10-15 seconds on one side, flip, and warm for an additional 10-20 seconds until pliable. Keep warmed tortillas covered with a towel on a plate.
6
To assemble, spread a generous dollop of chipotle tartar sauce onto a warmed tortilla. Add a few cucumber strips followed by 3-4 pieces of crispy fish. Top with arugula leaves, cilantro, and a sprinkle of orange zest. Serve with extra chipotle tartar sauce and lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in these Crispy Fish Tacos?
The recipe uses 2 lbs of skinless red snapper fillets.
How do you prepare the chipotle tartar sauce?
Mix 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 chopped garlic cloves, 1-2 seeded chipotle chiles, 1 chopped scallion, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and salt; cover and refrigerate until serving.
What makes the tartar sauce spicy?
The spice comes from 1-2 seeded and finely chopped chipotle chiles in adobo.
How should the fish be prepped before marinating?
Rinse the fillets under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and cut into 1-inch cubes.
What is in the fish marinade?
The fish is tossed with 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper.
How long should the fish marinate?
Refrigerate the marinated fish for at least 20 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
What is the fish coated in before frying?
The fish pieces are coated evenly with 1 cup of all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
What temperature should the frying oil reach?
The vegetable oil should reach 375°F (190°C).
How long does it take to fry the fish?
The fish should be cooked in batches for 4-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
How do you prevent the fish from being greasy?
After frying, transfer the fish to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
What type of tortillas are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 flour tortillas of 6-inch size.
How do you warm the tortillas?
Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat and warm each tortilla for 10-15 seconds on one side and 10-20 seconds on the other.
How should the cucumber be prepared for assembly?
Peel, seed, and slice the cucumber into 1/2 inch thick long strips.
What are the greens used in these tacos?
The tacos are topped with 6 ounces of arugula leaves and 1 cup of cilantro leaf.
Is there a secret citrus ingredient?
Yes, a sprinkle of orange zest from 2 oranges is added during assembly for an unexpected twist.
What is the assembly order for the tacos?
Spread tartar sauce, add cucumber strips, 3-4 pieces of fish, then top with arugula, cilantro, and orange zest.
How many pieces of fish go into each taco?
Approximately 3-4 pieces of crispy fried fish are recommended per tortilla.
What should be served on the side?
Serve the tacos with extra chipotle tartar sauce and lime wedges for a zesty kick.
How much vegetable oil is needed for frying?
The recipe specifies 3 cups of vegetable oil, or more if necessary.
Which part of the scallion is used for the sauce?
Use only the white and light green parts of the scallion, finely chopped.
How much mayonnaise is used in the chipotle tartar sauce?
The sauce requires 3/4 cup of mayonnaise.
How many garlic cloves are needed for the whole recipe?
A total of 6 garlic cloves are used: 2 for the sauce and 4 for the fish marinade.
How much Worcestershire sauce is used for the fish?
The fish requires 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.
What kind of fish fillets are best?
Skinless red snapper fillets are recommended for this recipe.
How do you ensure even cooking when frying?
Fry the fish in batches and turn them occasionally during the 4-6 minute cook time.
What is the recommended size for the fish pieces?
The fish should be cut into 1-inch cubes.
How much arugula is needed?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of arugula leaves.
How much cilantro is used as a topping?
One cup of cilantro leaf is used for assembly.
Should you seed the chipotle chile?
Yes, the recipe specifies the chipotle chile should be seeded and finely chopped.
Can I add avocado to these tacos?
Yes, the description suggests completing the feast with avocado slices for a creamy finish.