Beer battered cod fried until golden and crispy, served in warm corn tortillas with chipotle crema, purple cabbage slaw, and pickled jalapeños. The crunch is everything.

Crispy Fish Tacos

steph

Stephanie Sharpe

@steph

2 months ago

Beer battered cod fried until golden and crispy, served in warm corn tortillas with chipotle crema, purple cabbage slaw, and pickled jalapeños. The crunch is everything.

Recipe

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Fish

·1.5 lbs cod or halibut, cut into 1½-inch strips
·1 cup all-purpose flour
·½ cup cornstarch
·1 teaspoon kosher salt
·1 cup cold beer (lager or pilsner works best)
·Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

For the Chipotle Lime Crema

·¾ cup sour cream
·1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo (adjust for heat)
·1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the can)
·Juice of 1 lime
·¼ teaspoon salt

For the Slaw

·2 cups shredded purple cabbage
·¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
·2 tablespoons lime juice
·1 tablespoon olive oil
·½ teaspoon salt

For Serving

·10–12 small corn tortillas
·½ cup pickled jalapeños
·3–4 radishes, thinly sliced
·½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
·Lime wedges

Instructions

1.Make the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly pour in the cold beer, whisking until you have a smooth, slightly thick batter (think pancake batter consistency). Keep it cold—this is key for that crispy fry.

2.Heat the Oil

In a heavy pot or deep skillet, heat 2–3 inches of oil to 375°F.

3.Fry the Fish

Pat the fish dry, then dip each piece into the batter, letting the excess drip off. Carefully lower into the hot oil and fry for 3–4 minutes, until deeply golden and crisp. Work in batches to avoid crowding.

4.Drain & Season

Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate and lightly sprinkle with salt while hot.

5.Make the Crema

Blend or whisk together sour cream, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, and salt until smooth. Taste and adjust heat or acidity as needed.

6.Toss the Slaw

In a bowl, combine cabbage, red onion, lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Toss well and let it sit for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly.

7.Warm the Tortillas

Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a flame until soft and lightly charred.

8.Build Your Tacos

Layer crispy fish onto each tortilla, drizzle with chipotle crema, and top with slaw, pickled jalapeños, radishes, and fresh cilantro. Finish with a squeeze of lime.

Pro Tips

·Ice-cold beer = extra crispy batter (you can even chill the flour beforehand).
·No thermometer? Drop a bit of batter in the oil—if it sizzles and floats, you’re ready.
·Want it lighter? Swap half the sour cream for Greek yogurt in the crema.
Comments
?