If you're tired of boring, everyday tacos, try making these. The results will impress everyone with crispy fish, freshly made corn salsa and a delicious, zesty lime mayonnaise.
Fish:
2 lb. firm, fresh (like cod, halibut or haddock)
For Frying:
corn oil
Batter:
1 c. unbleached all-purpose flour
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. each: paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper
1 egg
1 c. cold beer
Corn Salsa:
2 ears of fresh corn, shucked
1 c. cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
juice from 1 lime
2 T. fresh cilantro, chopped
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Zesty Lime Mayonnaise:
1/2 c. plain Greek yogurt
1/4 c. mayonnaise
1 c. assorted herbs, (cilantro, dill, basil)
1 t. lime juice
2 t. white wine vinegar
1 t. sriracha or hot sauce
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Assembly:
8 corn or flour tortillas
curly lettuce, finely shredded
chopped cilantro
Avocado slices
jalapeño peppers, sliced, optional
lime wedges
Corn Salsa:
Preheat the grill to moderate-high temperature, about 500 degrees F. Shuck the corn.
Place the corn onto the hot grill, turning the ears every 2-3 minutes, until corn is lightly browned; remove from grill; sliced the corn kernels off of the cob.
Place corn kernels, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño and cilantro in a medium bowl; add the lime juice; toss; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Zesty Lime Mayonnaise:
Place all of the ingredients in a countertop blender or use an immersion blender, blending until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper and more hot sauce, if desired.
Batter:
Whisk flour, baking powder and seasonings together in a large bowl. Add the beer; whisk to combine. Whisk the egg in another bowl; add to batter, whisk to combine.
Cook the Fish:
Place a wire rack on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or paper towels.
Dab fish dry with paper towels. Cut fish into 1 inch strips.
Place a deep, thick-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven on the stovetop over moderate-high heat. Pour the corn oil into the skillet, about 1 1/2 to 2 inches deep. Heat oil to 350-375 degrees F. Use a kitchen thermometer, if needed.
When the oil is at the temperature, dip the fish in the batter, allowing excess to drop off. Slowly drop fish into the oil. Add a few more pieces of fish, careful to not overcrowd the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes; turn fish over, cooking for another 1-2 minutes. When the fish is a deep golden brown, remove and transfer to wire rack. Repeat until all of the fish is cooked.
Taco Assembly:
Warm the tortillas in a hot skillet.
For each taco, add some shredded lettuce, corn salsa, avocado, jalapeño slices, pieces of fried fish and a drizzle of lime mayonnaise.
Serve, garnished with a bit of chopped cilantro and lime wedges.
4-8 servings.