Affordable and Sustainable Delights: The Ultimate Crispy Fish Tacos
- gailannbrown701
- Jul 4
- 4 min read
Fish tacos have become a beloved staple in many households, praised for their unique flavor combinations and delightful textures. But what if we told you that you could enjoy the best fish tacos inexpensively with frozen Pacific cod? In this blog post, we explore how to create delicious, budget-friendly, and sustainable fish tacos that will satisfy your cravings and support responsible seafood practices.
The Importance of Sustainable Seafood
Sustainability is a pressing issue in the culinary world, particularly when it comes to seafood. Overfishing and poor fishing practices pose a significant threat to our oceans and the aquatic life they support. By choosing responsibly sourced fish, you can help protect marine ecosystems while enjoying nutritious meals.
When selecting your fish, look for eco-labels or certifications from reputable organizations, such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). These certifications ensure that the seafood you consume comes from sustainable sources.
The good news is that Certified Sustainable Fish is widely available and can be quite affordable. For Baha California-style Fish Tacos, there is no better fish choice than Pacific Cod. Walmart sells a pound of wild-caught, sustainable Pacific cod for around $10. Aldi sells two pounds for around $14. Sprouts also sells a very good option at a similar price point. If you live in Canada, you have even more options for good Pacific cod. If you are elsewhere in the world, look for sustainable cod, as this is an excellent choice in this recipe. You will need about a pound of fish to feed four people generous portions of fish tacos.
Ingredients for Budget-Friendly Fish Tacos
To make the ultimate fish tacos, we need both fresh and flavorful components. Below are the key ingredients you will require:
Chipotle Crema
The creamy, smoky chipotle crema elevates your fish tacos to another level. Here’s how to whip it up:
1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
½ lime, juiced
½ cup sour cream
½ cup real mayonnaise (or a mix of ½ cup each sour cream and mayonnaise or Greek yogurt)
½ teaspoon maple syrup or honey
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
Combine all the ingredients in a small blender or a bowl using a stick blender. Mix well. Keeps for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
Crispy Fish Nuggets
For the fish component, we will prepare crispy nuggets that will provide the crunch factor so beloved in tacos. Here’s the recipe:
1 lb. frozen cod, thawed and cut into 2-ounce portions
1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Dash of cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
12 oz. can of beer (pilsner or other pale beer), very cold
1 1/2 quarts cooking oil
Mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using) in a medium bowl. Transfer 3/4 cup of this mixture to a small bowl or container. Heat the oil to 350 degrees. Cut the fish into even portions that are appropriate to the size of the tortillas you are using. Dredge these pieces of fish in flour (in the small bowl). Place the fish on a rack and prepare the batter by adding beer to the flour mixture in a medium bowl. Adjust your mixture by adding more beer until you reach the consistency of pancake batter. Don't overmix the batter.
As soon as your oil reaches 350, cook the fish in batches of a few pieces at a time, letting the oil return to 350 before adding another batch. Cook the fish in batches of a few pieces at a time for 1-2 minutes per side. Flip and cook the other side. Let the cooked fish nuggets drain on a paper towel-lined plate or rack.
Additional Ingredients
12 4-inch street taco corn tortillas or 8 6-inch tortillas
¼ head of purple cabbage, shredded
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Pico de Gallo (or fresh chopped tomatoes for a simple alternative)
Salsa Verde (optional)
Guacamole (optional)
Pickled onions (sliced red onions soaked in a cup of white or rice vinegar)
Slice the cabbage very thinly and pour the juice of 1/2 a lime over it to add flavor, enhance color, and keep it fresh. See Post on 3 Salsas and a Guac or recipes for Pico de Gallo, Salsa Verde, and Guacamole.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Once you have gathered your ingredients, it's time to put it all together! Here's how to create your fish tacos from scratch.
Preparing the Chipotle Crema
In a blender, combine the chipotle peppers, lime juice, sour cream, honey (or maple syrup), garlic powder, and salt.
Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting the spice according to your preference.
Making the Crispy Fish Nuggets
In a cast-iron skillet, heat about a quart of neutral oil over medium-high heat.
Bread the fish pieces by dipping them into the flour mixture, then into the egg and beer batter before finally placing them in the hot oil.
Fry the fish nuggets until they are golden brown and crispy, typically 2 minutes per side.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Preparing the Tacos
Warm your corn tortillas in a very hot cast-iron skillet over high heat for about 30 seconds on each side. When the tortilla starts to puff, it is done. Keep on a plate covered by a clean towel until its time to assemble the tacos.
To assemble: Take one tortilla, put in a fish nugget, shredded purple cabbage, pickled onions, and cilantro within the tortilla.
Drizzle your homemade chipotle crema generously over the top for added flavor. Add the salsa of your choice--Salsa Verde, Pico de Gallo, or Guacamole.
The Final Touches: Serving Your Tacos
Presentation is key to enhancing the dining experience. Serve your tacos on a bright plate, maybe accompanied by lime wedges for an extra zesty kick. Let each guest add their own crema for custom flavor intensity. This not only makes for an impressive meal but also fosters a fun, interactive dining atmosphere.
Conclusion: Embrace the Deliciousness of Fish Tacos
Feel free to customize your tacos with additional toppings or sauces that excite your taste buds! The best part? You'll be doing your part to support sustainable seafood practices while enjoying a delicious meal for yourself and your loved ones. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the delightful experience of crafting your own fish tacos at home!
Commenti