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Fix Bad Crispy Fish Tacos: 3 Secrets

Crispy Fish Tacos

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Make incredible Crispy Fish Tacos that deliver the fresh, bright flavors of the coast. This recipe guarantees a satisfying crunch and a light, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound firm white fish fillets (like cod or tilapia)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup cold sparkling water
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • For Topping: Shredded cabbage, Fresh cilantro, Lime wedges, Your favorite salsa or crema

Instructions

  1. Cut fish into strips about 1/2 inch thick. Pat them completely dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Slowly pour in the cold sparkling water while whisking gently. Mix just until combined; a few lumps are okay. Do not overmix.
  4. Pour about 1 to 1.5 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Heat the oil to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  5. Dip each fish strip into the batter, letting excess drip off.
  6. Carefully place the battered fish into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid crowding the pan.
  7. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the coating is golden brown and the fish is cooked through.
  8. Remove the fish with a slotted spoon and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle immediately with a pinch of salt.
  9. Warm the corn tortillas briefly in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
  10. Assemble your tacos: Place a piece of crispy fish in each tortilla. Top generously with shredded cabbage, cilantro, and your chosen salsa or crema.
  11. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

  • Patting the fish very dry before battering helps the coating stick and become crispier.
  • Using very cold sparkling water makes the batter lighter and crunchier.
  • Maintain the oil temperature; if it drops too low, the fish will soak up oil and become greasy instead of crispy.

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