Baja Fish Tacos | La Paz Style
• Posted Oct 29 • 2024.
If you're a fan of fresh, flavorful food, Baja Fish Tacos, La Paz style, are the perfect choice to satisfy your cravings. Inspired by the coastal cuisine of beautiful Baja California Sur, these tacos combine crispy fish, fresh cabbage slaw, and a creamy chipotle sauce that will transport you with every bite to the pristine, serene beaches of La Paz – and trust me, that’s a very good thing!
Baja Fish Tacos
Servings:
4 people
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) white fish fillets (such as snapper, tilapia, or red snapper)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup cold beer (optional, for a lighter batter)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 12 corn tortillas, warm
- Lime or lemon wedges
Ingredients for the Cabbage Slaw:
- 2 cups purple or green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 grated carrot
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients for the Creamy Chipotle Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the fish: Cut the fish into finger-sized strips. Lightly season with salt and pepper.
- Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the cold beer and mix until smooth.
- Fry the fish: Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 180°C). Dip each fish strip into the batter, coating well, and fry in hot oil until golden and crispy. Place fried fish on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the cabbage slaw: In a bowl, mix the cabbage and grated carrot. Add mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, and pepper, and stir well.
- Make the creamy chipotle sauce: In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped chipotles, and lime juice. Mix well and adjust salt if needed.
- Assemble the tacos: Place a portion of fried fish in the center of each tortilla. Top with some cabbage slaw and a drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce.
- Serve: Serve tacos with fresh lime or lemon wedges. Enjoy the authentic taste of La Paz!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugars: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
Nutritional Benefits:
This dish is an excellent source of lean protein from the fish, supporting muscle growth and recovery. The cabbage and carrot in the slaw add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that aid digestion and strengthen the immune system. While the tacos are fried, the fresh ingredients and occasional consumption make them a balanced option within a healthy diet.
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Preparation Tips:
- Choose the right fish: Go for firm, white fish like snapper, tilapia, or red snapper. These types hold their texture well when fried and won’t fall apart.
- Use cold beer: Cold beer in the batter helps the fish become lighter and crispier. If you prefer an alcohol-free version, cold sparkling water is a great substitute.
- Make sure the oil is at the right temperature: The ideal temperature is 350°F (180°C). If the oil is too cold, the fish will absorb excess oil and get greasy; if it’s too hot, it’ll burn quickly.
- Drain the fish well after frying: Place the fried fish on paper towels to remove excess oil. This keeps the tacos light and less greasy.
- Warm the tortillas: To prevent them from breaking and to enhance flavor, warm the tortillas in a skillet or on a griddle before assembling the tacos.
- Taste the chipotle sauce first: Adjust the amount of chipotle based on your heat tolerance. For a milder flavor, use just one chili and remove the seeds.
- Make the cabbage slaw ahead: Preparing the slaw a few minutes before lets the flavors blend and the cabbage soften slightly, giving it the perfect taco texture.
- Add a touch of freshness: Just before serving, squeeze a bit of lime or lemon juice over each taco for an extra fresh, tangy flavor.
Recipe Variations:
- Shrimp Tacos: Instead of fish, use large fresh shrimp. Batter and fry them just like the fish for a slightly different yet equally delicious seafood twist.
- Grilled Option: For a lighter version, marinate the fish with a little olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and spices. Grill instead of frying for a lower-fat option.
- Baked Fish Tacos: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Coat the fish in a light layer of batter and bake instead of frying for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy and cooked through. This reduces oil while keeping some crunch.
- Vegetarian Tacos: For a meat-free version, use firm tofu or portobello mushrooms instead of fish. Batter or grill them, and serve with the same cabbage slaw and chipotle sauce.
- Mango-Habanero Style: Add fresh mango cubes and thin slices of habanero pepper to the cabbage slaw for a tropical, spicy kick that highlights the fish flavor.
- Creamy Green Salsa: Instead of chipotle sauce, try a blend of sour cream, roasted tomatillo, cilantro, and lime juice. This creamy green salsa pairs beautifully with the fish.
- Enchilado Fish Tacos: Marinate the fish in a mix of chili powder, garlic, and cumin before battering. This gives the tacos a spicier, seasoned kick.
- Cucumber-Cilantro Slaw: Substitute the cabbage with fresh cucumber and chopped cilantro for a lighter, refreshing twist on the classic slaw.
Serving Suggestions:
- Mexican Rice: A classic choice that never disappoints. Serve tacos with Mexican rice made with tomatoes, onions, and garlic for a flavorful side.
- Refried or Black Beans: Refried or slow-cooked black beans with a hint of epazote and onion add a creamy texture that complements the crispy fish perfectly.
- Guacamole: Fresh guacamole with avocado, cilantro, lime, and jalapeño is a great way to add a creamy, refreshing element to the meal.
- Esquites (Mexican Street Corn): Corn kernels cooked with lime, mayonnaise, cheese, and chili powder make a delicious side that enhances the taco flavors.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa made with tomato, onion, cilantro, and lime is an ideal side to add a fresh, tangy touch to every bite.
- Mango-Cucumber Salad: Prepare a light salad with mango, cucumber, cilantro, and lime juice. The tropical flavors are perfect with the fish tacos.
- French Fries: For a more casual touch, crispy fries make an excellent side and pair well with the chipotle sauce.
- Michelada or Craft Beer: A refreshing drink like a michelada or a cold craft beer pairs perfectly with the coastal flavors of the tacos.
- Aguas Frescas: Refreshing drinks like hibiscus, horchata, or tamarind agua fresca complement the meal and add a traditional Mexican touch.
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The Baja Fish Tacos, La Paz style, are more than just a recipe – they’re truly an experience that transports you right to the beaches of Baja California Sur. Believe me, having lived in this coastal paradise for over 10 years, I know what I’m talking about. The freshness and flavor of these ingredients are unmatched across the Pacific, so go ahead and enjoy every bite!
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Tastes of La Paz.