These delicious Fresh Baja Fish Tacos are a great celebration of Southern California and Mexico seafood. Crisp battered fish is layered with slaw, sauce, and all the toppings.
Cut your fish into pieces by slicing lengthwise down the filet, then cutting each half into two pieces (for larger pieces) or four pieces (for smaller pieces). I like to cut the fish to still be longer stick-like shapes to fit well in the tortilla, instead of nuggets.
2 pounds tilapia
Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add enough oil so that it is 1/2 inch deep. Your oil should be 350℉ (176℃) for cooking.
vegetable oil
Make the beer batter by combining the flour, chili powder, garlic powder, baking soda, salt, and beer together in a large bowl. Whisk to combine.
2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 ½ cups Mexican beer
When the oil is hot enough, dredge pieces of fish into the batter and gently place in the oil. When browned, flip over and cook the second side (3-4 minutes total). Do not add too many pieces to the skillet at a time as to not overcrowd and bring the temperature down (I cook about 1/2 pound of fish at a time).
When the fish is cooked through, remove and place on a cooling rack sitting above paper towels to drain. Immediately lightly sprinkle with salt while hot.
Repeat with all fish as needed.
Assembly
Warm your tortillas. I like to do this over a large skillet on medium heat until they are browning a little. It can also be done over an open flame (just keep an eye on them!)
16 corn tortillas
Spread a little sauce down the middle of the tortilla.
1 cup chipotle aioli
Add slaw on top of the sauce.
4 cups cilantro lime coleslaw
Add your fish pieces on top of the slaw.
Drizzle with more sauce and desired toppings. Serve immediately.
Notes
Make sure your slaw and any sauces you want are made and ready to go before starting this process.A great creamy slaw alternative would be our Creamy Avocado Cole Slaw!