Crunchy Fish Tacos – A Perfect Mexican Appetizer
Fish tacos are a beloved dish that perfectly embodies the flavors of the sea combined with the fresh and vibrant notes of Mexican cuisine. This Crunchy Fish Taco recipe takes it up a notch with crispy fish fillets, topped with a tangy and crunchy coleslaw, all wrapped in soft tortillas. Whether you’re serving them for a party appetizer or as a delicious meal, these tacos are sure to impress everyone with their flavor and texture. Read on for a detailed guide to making this crowd-pleasing dish.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Course: Appetizer
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Serves: 6 tacos
Ingredients
This recipe for Crunchy Fish Tacos combines soft tortillas, fresh and crispy fish, and a flavorful homemade coleslaw. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tortillas | 6 mini Tortillas |
| For the Coleslaw | |
| Carrot (Gajjar) | 1, grated |
| Cabbage (Patta Gobi/Muttaikose) | 1/2 cup, shredded |
| Onions | 1, thinly sliced |
| Sour cream | 1/4 cup |
| Black pepper powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| For the Crunchy Fish | |
| Oil (for deep frying) | As needed |
| Basa fish | 200 grams, washed and cut into cubes |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole egg | 1, beaten |
| Rice flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Corn flour | 2 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour (Maida) | 1/3 cup |
| Dry mixed herbs | 1 tablespoon |
| Cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 380mg
Instructions
Let’s break down the preparation of these Crunchy Fish Tacos step by step:
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
To begin making the Crunchy Fish Tacos, the first step is to prepare the crispy fish fillets. Here’s how to do it:
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Season the Fish: In a mixing bowl, place the Basa fish cubes. Season the fish with salt and black pepper powder. Toss to coat evenly.
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Batter Preparation: In another bowl, whisk the whole egg. In a separate shallow dish, combine rice flour, corn flour, and all-purpose flour (maida). Add in the dry mixed herbs and a pinch of salt to season.
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Coat the Fish: Dip each piece of seasoned fish into the egg, then roll it in the flour mixture, ensuring it is well-coated. Repeat this for all the fish pieces.
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Fry the Fish: Heat oil in a frying pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the battered fish pieces into the oil. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Make sure to fry the fish in batches if necessary, so they cook evenly without overcrowding the pan.
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Drain the Fish: Once crispy and golden, remove the fish from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Coleslaw
The fresh and tangy coleslaw is a perfect contrast to the crispy fish. Follow these steps to make it:
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Grate the Carrot: Take the carrot and grate it finely using a box grater or a food processor. Place it in a mixing bowl.
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Shred the Cabbage: Shred the cabbage into thin strips and add it to the bowl with the grated carrot.
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Slice the Onion: Thinly slice the onion and add it to the coleslaw mixture.
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Season the Coleslaw: Add the sour cream, black pepper powder, and a pinch of salt to the vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until the vegetables are well coated in the creamy dressing.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
Now that both the fish and coleslaw are ready, it’s time to assemble the Crunchy Fish Tacos:
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Warm the Tortillas: Lightly toast the tortillas on a dry skillet for about 1-2 minutes on each side, just until they become warm and pliable.
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Assemble the Tacos: Place a warm tortilla on a plate. Spoon a generous amount of the coleslaw onto the center of the tortilla. Top it with a few pieces of the crispy fish fillets.
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Add the Cheese: Sprinkle grated cheese over the fish for an extra burst of flavor and creaminess.
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Optional Garnishes: For added color and flavor, garnish the tacos with fresh herbs like cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these Crunchy Fish Tacos immediately while the fish is hot and crispy. You can serve them with a side of salsa, guacamole, or mexican rice to enhance the experience.
- Pair these tacos with an ice-cold margarita or a refreshing lime soda for the perfect meal.
Tips for Perfect Tacos
- Use Fresh Fish: If possible, use fresh, firm fish like basa, tilapia, or cod for the best texture and flavor.
- Crunchy Fish: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the fish. This helps achieve a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the fish tender inside.
- Coleslaw Variations: Feel free to experiment with the coleslaw by adding ingredients like jalapeños, avocado, or even a splash of lime juice for an added zing.
Conclusion
These Crunchy Fish Tacos are an irresistible combination of crispy, flavorful fish, fresh coleslaw, and soft tortillas, making them the ideal choice for a Mexican appetizer or a light meal. The balance of textures—from the crunch of the fish to the creamy coleslaw—offers a delightful contrast that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Make this dish today and treat your family and friends to a delicious, fun, and festive taco experience!
