Fast 5-Minute Fish Taco Slaw Recipe - Evolving Table (2024)

FAQs

What is baja fish? ›

The prototypical fish taco originated in Baja California, Mexico, and the preparation referred to in this country as “Baja-style” is similar to what you might find on the Mexican peninsula. It usually involves deep-fried white-fleshed fish, shredded cabbage, and a creamy white sauce.

What type of fish to use for fish tacos: Lean and flakey white fish fillets are traditionally used in fish tacos because they are mild in flavor, cook quickly and are relatively inexpensive. Popular kinds of white fish for fish tacos include halibut, tilapia, mahi mahi, snapper, cod, bass and cat fish.

When ready to enjoy, lightly heat up the tortillas in a skillet. Drizzle or spray a little bit of oil over the fish strips and place them in the air fryer basket, reheat at 325 degrees F for about 5-6 minutes (or until hot).

A light and zesty white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio pairs well with fish tacos, enhancing the lightness of the fish and the tanginess of the toppings. A wheat beer or a light pale ale can also be a refreshing choice.

Most people point to Baja California, Mexico and its 800-mile stretch of Pacific coastline as the fish taco's place of origin—though you'll find just as many versions served up along the Gulf Coast side of Mexico as well.

That tangy, slightly spicy white sauce that often accompanies Baja style fish tacos is usually made with sour cream, mayonnaise, and lime juice. Some variations have more ingredients, often including things like cumin, cilantro, or hot sauce.

Try cod, mahi mahi, grouper or sea bass for fish tacos and be sure to season the batter well—that's where most of the flavor will come from. Try your fried fish tacos topped with chipotle mayonnaise, shredded lettuce, or chopped fresh onion and cilantro.

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

Once cooked, store in a foil pan and keep on the corner of the grill or in a warm oven. A fish taco party is a great reason for a get-together and doesn't demand that the cook miss out on the fun. Everything except the fish can be prepared the night before - guacamole, pico de gallo, queso dip, chipolte crema.

Cover your fish in whichever dish or platter or pan you are using in the oven with loose foil if it is unbreaded fish. If your fish is breaded or battered, leaving it uncovered will help return crispiness to the outside, but you may lose moisture.

What is best tasting fish for fish tacos? ›

White-fleshed, mild, saltwater fish

Whether snapper, mahi-mahi, grouper, flounder, halibut, or cod, wild, local fish are the tastiest choice for Baja-style tacos.

Tilapia – tilapia is arguably the mildest tasting fish there is. It's not fishy at all and has a mild sweetness. Tilapia is easy to prepare and goes well with a variety of different flavor profiles. Cod – cod has a mild flavor that's slightly sweet like tilapia.

For a traditional-style fish taco, stick with cod or tilapia. Other choices include pollock, haddock, striped bass, snapper, and catfish, which is excellent fried.

Historically, Baja food has been defined by what came from Tijuana, birthplace of the Caesar salad and their famous fried fish tacos. Because of the geography of the long, narrow peninsula just south of California, much of the cuisine is based on what comes from the sea.

About Snapper in Baja, Mexico

There are 23 species of snapper in Mexican waters, 9 of which are on the Pacific coast. We primarily catch Pacific red, Colorado, and spotted rose snapper. Barred Pargo also will take a fly, and are a beautiful member of the snapper family.

A creamy, tangy white/orange sauce with a little kick of spice. This delicious, homemade condiment made from peppers, cheese, spices and light mayonnaise is great for adding amazing flavor to shrimp of fish tacos, nachos, enchiladas, and SO much more.