Fried Fish Tacos with Homemade Tartar Sauce: A Crispy Coastal Delight

Take a bite of the coast with these Fried Fish Tacos topped with Homemade Tartar Sauce. Crispy, golden fish fillets nestled in warm tortillas, complemented by a tangy, creamy tartar sauce, make for a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any occasion. These tacos are quick to prepare and packed with flavor, bringing a taste of the beach straight to your table. Let’s dive into this deliciously simple recipe!

Ingredients

For the Fried Fish:

• 1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or haddock)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas

For the Homemade Tartar Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped pickles
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon capers, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tacos:

• 1 cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Make the Tartar Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped pickles, lemon juice, capers, Dijon mustard, and dill. Stir until well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Prepare the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and cut them into taco-sized strips. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
3. Bread the Fish: Dredge each fish strip in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
4. Fry the Fish: In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the breaded fish strips in batches. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Place a few pieces of fried fish on each tortilla. Top with shredded cabbage or lettuce, avocado slices, and a generous drizzle of homemade tartar sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
6. Serve: Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful fish tacos!

How to Prepare

These Fried Fish Tacos are all about the perfect combination of crispy fish, fresh toppings, and tangy tartar sauce. The homemade tartar sauce adds a zesty kick that complements the crunchy fish perfectly. To ensure the fish is crispy and golden, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying and fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. For a lighter option, you can also bake the fish.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Servings

This recipe makes about 8 tacos, serving 4 people.

FAQs

• Can I bake the fish instead of frying? Yes, bake the breaded fish at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until crispy and cooked through.
• What other toppings go well with these tacos? Try adding pickled jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or a fresh mango salsa for extra flavor.
• Can I make the tartar sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! The tartar sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• What type of fish works best? Any firm, white fish like cod, tilapia, or haddock works well for these tacos.