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food

Beer-Battered Baja Fish Tacos

Some days call for perfectly fried fish topped with creamy Baja sauce and jicama slaw on a warm tortilla.

Beer-Battered Baja Fish Tacos

Ingredients

  • QUICK RED ONION PICKLE:
  • 1 1/2 cups rice wine vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • MANGO JICAMA SLAW:
  • 1/2 cup mango, small diced
  • 1/2 cup jicama, small diced
  • 1 cup napa cabbage, shredded
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • CREAMY BAJA SAUCE:
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
  • Juice of half a lime
  • BEER BATTER:
  • 1 pound firm white fish fillet (such as halibut, sea bass)
  • 1 cup cake flour
  • 6 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • 1 cup Mexican beer, cold
  • Canola oil, for frying
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, for sprinkling
  • Half a lime
  • TO SERVE:
  • Warm flour or corn tortillas
  • Cilantro leaves
  • Jalapeño, thinly sliced
  • Lime wedges

Steps

  1. QUICK PICKLE: In a saucepan, add all the ingredients and stir to incorporate. Bring mixture to a boil. Turn down to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until onions begin to soften.
  2. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before placing in a jar or airtight container. Store in refrigerator for about a week.
  3. MANGO JICAMA SLAW: Place all ingredients in a bowl and toss to combine. Cover and place in refrigerator until ready to eat.
  4. CREAMY BAJA SAUCE: In a small bowl, add all ingredients; mix well. Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
  5. FISH: Slice fish into 1/2-inch-thick strips; set aside while preparing beer batter.
  6. Fill a large bowl with ice water. Place a medium bowl over. In medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup cake flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder and ancho chili powder. Whisk in beer until a batter forms. Set aside to rest for about 10 minutes, keep cold.
  7. In a large skillet over medium heat, add about 2 inches of oil for frying. Heat to 350 degrees.
  8. Working in batches, dip each fish strip in prepared beer batter and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate, spritz with lime juice and season with salt.
  9. To prepare tacos, top tortillas with warm fish, then a spoonful of mango jicama slaw, pickled onions and drizzle of baja sauce. Serve with lime wedges, cilantro and jalapeño slices.