Cod Almighty Crispy Fish Tacos with Lime Crema
Recipe Introduction
Craving a Fish Lunch ?
Ever get that hankering for something a bit fancy, but quick? Honestly, same! This Fish Lunch recipe for Crispy Fish Tacos with Lime Crema is banging.
Imagine crispy, flaky fish nestled in a warm tortilla. It's proper delicious.
Quick Overview
This recipe draws inspiration from the classic Baja Fish Tacos , with a little cheeky twist. Think seaside chippy meets Mexican fiesta.
It's medium difficulty, taking around 45 minutes total. This recipe yields 4 servings, making it perfect for a family Fish Lunch or a get-together.
Simply the Best
Healthy fish tacos are packed with protein and flavor. The lime crema adds zest. These Crispy fish tacos are an absolute winner.
They're the perfect dish for a casual weekend meal or for easy meals that look fancy when you’re trying to impress.
Ready to dive in? Let's talk about what you'll need.
Ingredients for Cod Almighty!
Let's get started with the bits and bobs you'll need.
- For the Crispy Cod: You'll need around 1 pound of cod fillets.
- The Lime Crema: You'll need sour cream, mayonnaise, and lime juice.
- And Finally For the Tacos: Tortillas, cabbage, red onion, and maybe some avocado.
Next, the step-by-step instructions (outlined).
Alright, let's talk about what you need to make some seriously good Crispy Fish Tacos . Forget boring lunches! We're making this something special.
Think sunshine and a salty breeze. These easy meals that look fancy will be the talk of the town.
Ingredients & Equipment for a Cracking Fish Lunch
Honestly, getting the right bits and bobs makes all the difference. I’ve tried shortcuts, and let me tell you, it's worth doing it right. No one wants soggy Fried cod tacos !
Main Ingredients Breakdown
Here's what you'll need, proper measurements and all:
- Cod Fillets: 1 pound (450g) skinless. Fresh is best, right? Look for firm, pearly white flesh. Avoid anything that smells too fishy.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (125g) . Plus extra for dusting.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon . Adds a lovely smokiness.
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, but adds a nice kick).
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Cold Beer: 3/4 cup (180ml) . Lager works a treat, but sparkling water works too.
- Vegetable Oil: Approx. 3 cups (700ml) for frying.
For the Lime Crema, which is just chef's kiss :
- Sour Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml)
- Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup (60ml)
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons , freshly squeezed. Bottled stuff just isn't the same.
- Fresh Cilantro: 1 tablespoon , chopped (coriander for my UK pals!).
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon
And for the actual tacos:
- Tortillas: 8 small corn or flour . Corn are more traditional, but flour are softer. It's up to you!
- Shredded Green Cabbage: 2 cups (approx. 150g)
- Red Onion: 1/2 cup (75g) , thinly sliced.
- Avocado: 1 , pitted and sliced. (Optional, but highly recommended).
- Lime Wedges: For serving.
Seasoning Notes Flavor Bombs!
We're aiming for that sweet spot of savory, spicy, and tangy.
- Paprika, cayenne, garlic, and onion powder create a super flavorful base for the Crispy fish tacos .
- The lime crema is all about that fresh, zesty kick! Don't skimp on the lime juice.
- No cilantro? Parsley can work in a pinch, but it won't be quite the same.
Thinking about Healthy fish tacos ? Don't skimp on that fresh coriander! It is a game changer for the best Baja fish tacos .
Equipment You'll Actually Need
No need for fancy gadgets here, just the basics:
- Deep Fryer or Pot: For frying the fish. A heavy bottomed pot is safer.
- Slotted Spoon: For scooping out the Crispy fish tacos .
- Thermometer: To keep the oil at a steady 350° F ( 175° C) . Vital for crispy fish!
- Mixing Bowls & Whisk: For the batter and crema.
- Cutting Board & Knife: For prepping the veggies and fish.
- Tongs: For handling the fish.
- Paper Towels: To drain the excess oil.
If you haven't got a deep fryer, don't sweat it. A large, heavy bottomed pot works just as well. Just keep a close eye on that oil temperature! Honestly, I did Halibut Parmesan Crusted once in a pan, and was a disaster
There you have it. Your Fish lunch ideas just got a whole lot more exciting! Quick fish lunch is waiting for you! Let’s get cracking!
Crispy Cod Tacos: Your Next Fish Lunch Sensation
Fancy something a bit special for lunch? Oh my gosh, these Crispy Fish Tacos are just the ticket! They're surprisingly easy to make and taste like something you'd get at a fancy restaurant.
Honestly, these are easy meals that look fancy ! Forget boring sarnies; it's taco time!
Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place Magic
- Get your cod ready. Cut into bite sized pieces.
- Mix the batter ingredients.
- Whisk the lime crema.
- Chop your cabbage and red onion.
- Heat your oil.
Time Saving Tip: Make the lime crema ahead. It actually tastes better after chilling for a bit. Honestly, it's worth it!
Let's Get Frying: The step-by-step Lowdown
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350° F ( 175° C) . Use a thermometer. Seriously, do!
- Dredge cod in flour, then dip in batter. Coat it well!
- Carefully lower battered cod into the hot oil. Don't overcrowd the pot, okay?
- Fry for 3- 4 minutes , until golden brown. Internal temp should reach 145° F ( 63° C) .
- Drain on paper towels. Get rid of excess oil.
- Warm your tortillas.
- Fill with cod, cabbage, onion, and lime crema.
Remember to use tongs. Oil is hot, so be careful! Safety first!
Pro Tips: Secrets to Taco Perfection
- Use cold beer in the batter for extra crispiness. It makes a huge difference, believe me!
- Don't overcook the fish. Overcooked cod is sad cod ! Keep on mind that we can do fried cod tacos instead.
- Lime crema can be made a day ahead. make-ahead options are the best!
These tacos are a game changer! You can also get a lot of new fish lunch ideas from here. Try this fish tacos recipe , and maybe you'll create your own baja fish tacos or a healthier option.
Also, you can elevate the experience and try our garlic parmesan crusted halibut and halibut parmesan crusted recipe as another option.
No matter how you tweak it, this Fish Lunch is a winner. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Cod Almighty! Crispy Fish Tacos
Right then, before you get cracking on with these crispy fish tacos , let’s have a proper natter about some key points.
Honestly, these little nuggets of wisdom will elevate your fish lunch game from "meh" to "bloody brilliant". So listen up, yeah?
Serving 'Em Up Right: Plating & Pairings
Presentation is key, innit? Don’t just chuck everything onto a plate like you're feeding the pigeons! Think about it. First, warm those tortillas properly.
Seriously, a cold tortilla is a tragedy. Stack the fish tacos nicely on a plate, maybe leaning them against each other.
A sprinkle of extra cilantro never hurts.
On the side? A vibrant salsa is a must. Some Mexican rice or even a simple black bean salad adds a lovely touch.
And to drink? An ice-cold cerveza for the grown ups, or a sparkling lime water for the little 'uns. Perfect! This could easily be one of those easy meals that look fancy , you know?
Keeping 'Em Fresh: Storage Tips
Right, so you've gone a bit overboard with the fish tacos recipe and made too many. Don't fret! The crispy fried fish is best eaten fresh, obviously.
But you can store the leftover cod in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure it's properly sealed!
Reheating? Oven is best for re-crisping about 350° F ( 175° C) for 5- 7 minutes. The lime crema will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
But honestly, it never lasts that long in our house. Freezing? Not recommended for the fried fish, it'll get a bit soggy.
Mix It Up: Variations for Everyone
Fancy a twist? Ditch the frying pan and try grilling some halibut . A Garlic Parmesan Crusted Halibut would be proper lush in these tacos! Seriously, Halibut Parmesan Crusted is something that you will thank me for later! For a lighter version, try baking the cod instead of frying.
Got someone who's veggie? Swap the cod for grilled halloumi or even some spicy black beans. If you want healthy fish tacos , use whole wheat tortillas.
Boom! Dietary needs sorted. These Fish Lunch Ideas never run short of great options!
Know Your Grub: Nutrition Basics
Alright, let's be honest, these crispy fish tacos aren’t exactly a salad, are they? But they're not terrible either! You get a good dose of protein from the cod.
Plus, there's some healthy fats from the avocado (if you're using it). The cabbage adds some fiber, which is always a good thing.
Just be mindful of the frying. Moderation is key, my friend. This isn’t an exact nutritional breakdown but consider the following approximate per-serving nutritional content:
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fiber: 3-5g (depending on tortilla type)
- Sodium: 500-700mg (estimate)
Well, there you have it, love! With these tips, you're well on your way to whipping up some seriously amazing fish tacos .
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Remember, cooking is all about having a laugh and making something delicious! Enjoy! If you are craving some Fried Cod Tacos or Baja Fish Tacos I can assure that these will satisfy! These also makes for quick fish lunch !
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the lime crema for this Fish Lunch ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the lime crema benefits from chilling in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, giving it that extra oomph. Just give it a good stir before serving. It's like letting a fine wine breathe, innit?
What's the best way to keep the fish crispy while I'm assembling the tacos for my Fish Lunch?
A soggy fish taco is a crime against good food! To keep your cod lovely and crisp, place the fried fish on a wire rack set over a baking sheet while you're assembling. This allows air to circulate around the fish, preventing it from steaming and becoming soggy.
You can even pop the baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F/95°C) to keep them warm and extra crispy, like a proper chippy would!
I'm not a fan of frying. Can I bake the fish instead for a healthier Fish Lunch option?
You bet your bottom dollar you can! Baking is a great way to lighten things up. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), lightly grease a baking sheet, and place the battered cod on it. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the batter is golden brown.
You might not get quite the same level of crispiness as frying, but it's a delicious and healthier alternative, perfect for a guilt free lunch.
Any suggestions for variations on this Fish Lunch recipe?
Oh, where do we begin? If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some mango salsa or a spicy slaw to the tacos. You could also experiment with different types of fish, like haddock or pollock. For a vegetarian option, halloumi cheese works a treat! And don't forget the toppings!
A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or a drizzle of sriracha mayo can elevate your tacos to another level. Get creative and make it your own!
How long will leftovers from this Fish Lunch keep?
Cooked fish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the fish, lime crema, and other components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The fish will be good for up to 2 days, but it will lose some of its crispness. The lime crema will last for up to 3 days.
Reheat the fish in a dry skillet or oven to help crisp it up before assembling your leftover tacos.
Cod Almighty Crispy Fish Tacos With Lime Crema
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
