California Fish Tacos
Crispy beer-battered fish, zesty lime crema, and a fresh cabbage slaw tucked into warm corn tortillas. Bring the taste of a sunny California food truck right to your kitchen in under 40 minutes!
For 4 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Make the Lime Crema
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, garlic powder, and sriracha until smooth.
- c.Season with a pinch of salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Cabbage Slaw
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, thinly sliced red onion, and half of the chopped cilantro.
- c.Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of lime juice and a pinch of salt. Toss well to combine and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Fish and Batter
- b.Pat the cod strips completely dry with paper towels and season them lightly with salt and pepper.
- c.In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper.
- d.Slowly pour in the cold beer while whisking gently until you have a smooth batter, similar in consistency to thin pancake batter. Be careful not to overmix.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Fry the Fish
- b.In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 1-inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
- c.Working in batches, dip each piece of fish into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off.
- d.Carefully place the battered fish into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- e.Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- f.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked fish to a wire rack to drain. This keeps them crispy.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Warm the Tortillas
- b.Warm the corn tortillas one by one in a dry, hot skillet for about 20-30 seconds per side, or directly over a low gas flame until soft and pliable. Keep them wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to stay warm.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.To assemble each taco, place a piece of fried fish in the center of a warm tortilla.
- c.Top with a generous amount of the cabbage slaw and drizzle with the lime crema.
- d.Garnish with the remaining fresh cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure your beer is very cold. This reacts with the hot oil to create an extra light and crispy batter.
- 2Patting the fish completely dry is crucial. A dry surface helps the batter adhere properly and prevents splattering.
- 3Do not overcrowd the pan when frying. This lowers the oil temperature and can result in soggy, greasy fish. Fry in 2-3 batches.
- 4To keep the first batches of fish warm and crispy, place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you fry the rest.
- 5For the best flavor, make the slaw and crema at least 15 minutes ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Option
For a lighter version, skip the batter and frying. Season the fish strips with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, then grill or pan-sear them for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through.
Spicier CremaSpicier Crema
Add a finely minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the lime crema for an extra smoky kick.
Different ToppingsDifferent Toppings
Customize your tacos with additional toppings like diced avocado, pico de gallo, sliced jalapeños, or crumbled cotija cheese.
Fish VarietyFish Variety
This recipe works well with other firm white fish like halibut, mahi-mahi, or tilapia. You can also use shrimp.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Cod is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health and have been shown to reduce inflammation and support a healthy heart.
Rich in Vitamin C
The fresh cabbage and lime juice provide a significant amount of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system and promotes healthy skin.
Provides Dietary Fiber
The cabbage slaw is packed with dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
Frequently asked questions
One serving, which consists of two tacos, contains approximately 650-750 calories. The exact number can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying and the specific brands of ingredients used.