If you’re craving a delicious and satisfying meal, look no further than these Crispy Spicy Fried Fish Tacos! Bursting with flavor, these tacos are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The combination of crispy fried fish, spicy seasoning, and fresh toppings will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re a fish lover or just looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step process to create these mouthwatering tacos!
Ingredients
- 1 lb white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
Start by rinsing the fish fillets under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Cut the fillets into strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
In one bowl, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until smooth.
Step 3: Bread the Fish
Dip each piece of fish first into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with cornmeal. Ensure each piece is well-coated for maximum crunch.
Step 4: Fry the Fish
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded fish pieces in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the fish and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
While the fish is frying, warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until soft and pliable.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
To assemble, place a few pieces of crispy fried fish on each tortilla. Top with shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and add hot sauce if desired.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before breading and frying.
What type of fish works best for tacos?
White fish like cod, tilapia, or snapper are ideal for frying. They have a mild flavor and a flaky texture that works well in tacos.
Can I make these tacos gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cornmeal.
What toppings can I add to my fish tacos?
Feel free to customize your tacos with toppings like avocado slices, jalapeños, sour cream, or a zesty salsa.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.