Saturday, September 8, 2007

Deep Fried Goodness


Every once in a while I just crave a little deep fried goodness. This week the hunger hit...and these Baja fish tacos were just what I had in mind. When we lived in California, we could get these whenever we had a hankering, but since moving to Michigan we've had to resort to making our own. It is hard to find a Baja fish taco in Michigan - go figure.

Baja Fish Tacos

Here's what we did:

Fish:
2 tilapia fillets cut into generous chunks, about 1 1/2 inches
1 cup flour
1 cup beer
about 1/2 tsp salt
oil for frying - we used canola

Pour 1 1/2 inches of oil into a pan (not your brand new one). Heat to 360 degrees. It is important to get the oil the right temperature - it has to be hot, but not too hot. If it's too hot it will cook the outside too fast and the fish won't be done. Mix the flour, beer and salt in bowl. Coat fish and CAREFULLY drop several pieces (depends on the size of your pan) into the hot oil. Cook until the outside is golden brown. I like to do a "test drop" first just to make sure the inside is done too. I use an old newspaper covered with a paper towel to soak up the excess "goodness". I salted the fish at this point, just enough to bring out the flavors.

You will also need:
Corn Tortillas - warmed
Shredded Cabbage - I used a precut cabbage mix this time, usually I cut my own (red or green).
Onion - Chopped, if you like
Sauce:

1/2 c mayonnaise
1/2 c sour cream
1/4 cup
fresh lime juice
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Mix all together.
Lime Wedges
Hot Sauce, if you like (I don't, but Sam does)

Assembly:
Put a couple pieces of fish in a corn tortilla, top with cabbage the drizzle sauce over the top. Add onions and hot sauce if you like, squeeze fresh lime over top.

There you have it - a little deep fried goodness. By the way, the beer batter used on the fish is great for making other kinds of sinful deep fried goodies.

12 comments:

Janet said...

OMG, I love fish tacos and California. Alas it is 96 here in MA and too hot to run out for the ingredients or to heat the oil. Cooler tomorrow and hopefully some much needed rain. Enjoy your tacos.
Janet

Greenie Gardens said...

Dear Heather, You made my mouth water. You've made them for me before and I know how delicious they are. Love, Mom

Becka said...

Oh how I love fish tacos. I had my first one at a taste of the city party a couple of years ago (IL) and thought it was such an exotic food. We have a couple of restaraunts here that serve them and I always order them. They are just delish...

I am going to add your recipe to my menu...only I will just use broiled fish as I am avoiding fried food.

Trudi said...

sounds and looks really good

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

Yum! I'll take mine with a little of that hot sauce if you don't mind.
=D

Elle Jay Bee said...

They sound delicious, and I'm not even that big of a fish fan! Your pictures are always so eye-catching!!

Linda

Julie said...

I have never had fish tacos ..but I know for a fact I would love them. Don't think there is a way you can prepare fish that would not please me!...even raw.

Love the bunk beds too!

Kari (GrannySkywalker) said...

Heather, I'm glad you got your fish tacos and all, but you've got to put another post up SOON! I don't eat fish, I can't abide by it, I don't like the smell of it, the look of it (although yours looks great, as far as fish goes) and I have always wondered how in the heck fish and taco became part of the same meal in the first place! But...it IS your blog. I realize that. So I'll keep coming back around and seeing your fried fish taco pictures until you finally have mercy and replace it with something new. But again, just to be clear- if I was ever going to EAT fish or even come to a point in life where I thought it even LOOKED good, your fish taco picture would be at the top of my list of things to gaze upon. Okay. I'm done.

Mr Furious said...

I LOVE fish tacos!

The only place I've ever seen them is in San Diego. I've tried making them for Rachel and Ruby, but they weren't as good as I had hyped them up to be.

Did I mention I love fish tacos? I'm going to have to try again with this recipe.

(Or trick Rachel into it.)

Heather said...

Mr Furious,
These are so easy to make Kid Furious could make them if it weren't for the HOT oil. Hope you like them.
Heather

Thimbleanna said...

These look Fabulous! Thanks for posting!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh My Gosh! We make these all the time! My hubby and 3yr old boybarian love them. Tilapia rules!