The Best Places To Buy Beer-Battered Fish Tacos

Beer-battered fish tacos are a popular dish, with many recipes available online. The tacos typically consist of a white fish such as cod, battered in a mixture of flour, spices, and beer, fried, and served in a tortilla with toppings such as cabbage slaw, crema, and lime. Recipes for beer-battered fish tacos can be found on food blogs such as Kevin Is Cooking, The Modern Proper, Olives & Lamb, The Endless Meal, Tori Avey, and Allrecipes.

Beer-battered fish taco recipes

Beer-battered fish tacos are a popular dish, especially for Taco Tuesday! The beer-battered fish is usually paired with a creamy, spicy slaw and other toppings such as salsa, lime, and cilantro. The fish is typically deep-fried, resulting in a crispy texture, and served in corn tortillas. Here are some recipes and tips to help you make delicious beer-battered fish tacos at home.

Ingredients

For the fish, you'll need firm white fish fillets such as cod, halibut, haddock, tilapia, or mahi-mahi. Cut the fish into strips or bite-sized pieces. Other ingredients for the fish batter typically include:

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Baking powder
• Spices (salt, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, etc.)
• Egg
• Beer (light beers like pale ales, pilsners, or IPAs are recommended)

For the toppings and tortillas, you'll need:

• Corn or flour tortillas
• Cabbage (green or purple) for slaw
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream or Mexican crema
• Lime juice
• Spices (cilantro, cumin, coriander, etc.)
• Optional: radishes, sesame seeds, queso fresco, pickled red onions, salsa, avocado, onions, cotija cheese, tomatoes

Instructions

First, make the slaw by mixing shredded cabbage with mayonnaise, lime juice, and any desired spices. You can also add in other ingredients like carrots, cilantro, sesame seeds, or honey. For the pickled red onions, combine water, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt, then add the sliced red onions and let them pickle for a few hours or overnight.

Next, make the batter by mixing the dry ingredients (flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and spices) in a large bowl. Gradually add the beer and whisk until you have a smooth, thick batter. You can season the fish with salt and pepper before coating it with flour and then dipping it in the batter.

Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to around 350°F (180°C). Carefully place the battered fish into the hot oil and fry for about 4-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the fish from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Warm the tortillas in a pan with a bit of oil. Assemble the tacos by placing a piece of fried fish in each tortilla and adding your desired toppings, such as slaw, crema, salsa, lime juice, cilantro, and any other toppings you prefer.

Serve and enjoy your delicious, crispy beer-battered fish tacos!

Best fish for beer-battered tacos

Beer-battered fish tacos are typically made with white fish, such as cod, halibut, haddock, tilapia, grouper, mahi-mahi, or snapper. These types of fish are ideal because they are firm and flaky, yet mild in flavour, and hold up well during the frying process.

For example, cod is often chosen because it is affordable, firm, and mild in flavour. It also maintains its shape and texture while cooking, resulting in large, flaky bites. Halibut is another good option if you're feeling fancy as it is meaty, firm, mild, and almost creamy.

Other types of fish that can be used include pollock, haddock, mahi-mahi, and grouper. These fish will provide a similar texture and taste experience to cod and halibut, ensuring your tacos are delicious and indulgent.

So, the next time you're craving beer-battered fish tacos, consider using one of these recommended white fish options for the perfect balance of flavour and texture!

Beer types for batter

The beer you use for your batter can make a big difference to the final result. Beer is used in batters to create a light, crispy texture, and the type of beer you use will influence the flavour of the dish.

IPA

IPAs are not generally recommended for batters as cooking tends to destroy the floral hop flavours, leaving just the bitter notes. However, some people do use IPAs for a bitter taste, and some recipes suggest a light IPA for fish tacos.

Lager

Lagers are a popular choice for batters as they are low on flavour and allow the taste of the food to shine through. A light lager will add carbonation to the batter, making it airy, but won't add any strong flavours.

Stout

A stout-based batter will result in a chocolatey, malty sweetness with some coffee notes. Guinness is a popular choice and works well with white fish, potatoes, and onion rings.

Belgian

Belgian beers are known for their sweetness and high alcohol content, which will shine through in the batter. Golden Monkey from Victory Brewing Company will add a boozy, caramel-sweet flavour and works well with onions, Oreos, and chicken wings.

Sour

Traditional sours lack the carbonation needed for a good beer batter, but Bell’s Brewery’s Oarsman Ale is both sour and carbonated, making it a good choice for chicken, white fish, and potatoes.

Brown Ale

Brown ales will add a touch of caramel sweetness to your batter without a bitter aftertaste. Newcastle Brown Ale is a popular choice and works well with vegetables, pickles, corn, and even Twinkies.

Taco toppings

Tacos are all about the toppings! While the classic combination of beer-battered fish, slaw, and crema is a popular choice, there are endless possibilities for customising your taco. Here are some ideas for toppings and fillings to elevate your beer-battered fish tacos:

• Pickled red onions: These add a sweet and tart acidic bite and a gorgeous pop of colour to your taco. To make them, simply slice some red onions and pickle them in a mixture of water, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, and salt.
• Crema: A zesty sauce made by mixing mayonnaise, sour cream, heavy cream, hot sauce, and salt.
• Cabbage slaw: A simple mixture of shredded cabbage, cilantro, mayo, lime juice, and various seasonings. You can also add carrots, sesame seeds, and sesame oil for an extra crunch and a unique flavour profile.
• Cheese: Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese adds a salty and savoury touch to the taco.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves not only add a bright pop of colour but also bring a refreshing herbal flavour to the dish.
• Lime: A squeeze of lime juice adds a tangy citrus note to the taco, brightening up all the other flavours.
• Hot sauce: For those who like it spicy, a few dashes of hot sauce can take your taco to the next level.
• Pico de gallo: This classic Mexican condiment is made with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeno peppers. It adds freshness and a spicy kick to your taco.
• Salsa verde: Another traditional Mexican sauce made with tomatillos, chilli peppers, and various seasonings. It has a tangy, savoury flavour that complements the fish perfectly.
• Guacamole: A creamy avocado-based dip that needs no introduction. It adds a rich, buttery texture and a mild flavour to the taco.
• Chipotle sauce: A smoky, spicy sauce made with chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, mayo, lime juice, and garlic. It's the perfect pairing for fish tacos.
• Other proteins: If you want to make your taco extra hearty, consider adding some grilled shrimp or chicken.

Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create your ideal beer-battered fish taco!

Sides to serve with beer-battered fish tacos

Beer-battered fish tacos are a delicious treat, but what do you serve on the side? Here are some ideas for sides to accompany your tasty tacos:

Guacamole and tortilla chips

A classic Mexican side, guacamole is a perfect dip for tortilla chips. It's creamy, spicy, and full of flavour. Plus, it's easy to make at home.

Spicy Buffalo Corn on the Cob

For something a little different, try this spicy corn on the cob. It's a fun and tasty side that will add a kick to your meal.

Loaded Mexican Nacho Fries

If you're looking for something hearty and indulgent, these loaded nacho fries are a great choice. They're crispy, cheesy, and loaded with tasty toppings.

Creamy Cucumber Salad

For a refreshing option, try a creamy cucumber salad. It's light and crunchy, and the perfect side to balance out the fried tacos.

Pico de Gallo

This fresh and flavourful salsa is a great addition to any Mexican meal. It's made with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.

Margarita

While not a food item, a fizzy lime margarita is the perfect drink to accompany your beer-battered fish tacos. It's a classic combination that will transport you to a seaside escape.

Frequently asked questions