Crispy Baked Fish Tacos
Try something healthy and delicious for Taco Tuesday! These tacos are easy to make and loaded with flavor and texture!
Try something healthy and delicious for Taco Tuesday! These tacos are easy to make and loaded with flavor and texture!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 cup cilantro
- 1/3 cup cornmeal
- 1 large clove garlic
- 1 lime (zested)
- 1/4 cup wondra flour
- 1 pound tilapia fillets (or other firm whitefish)
- spritz vegetable spray
- 8 ounces sour cream (i used fat free)
- 8-10 small tortillas ((flour or corn) heated through in the oven or in a dry pan.)
- 1 cup green cabbage (shredded)
- 1 cup red cabbage (shredded)
- 3/4 cup salsa verde (or other salsa)
- 1 cup queso fresco (crumbled (optional))
- lime (cut into wedges)
- Carbohydrate 26.9254534928386 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 2.68595271912536 g
- Fiber 1.94422180213532 g
- Protein 3.30275789434275 g
- Saturated Fat 0.383554098147749 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (208g)
- Sodium 9.57276444213363 mg
- Sugar 24.9812316907033 g
- Trans Fat 0.217976300009734 g
- Calories 144 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 375°.
- Place a metal rack over a baking sheet and spray the rack with vegetable spray. Set aside.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, Wondra flour, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Cut the fish fillets into fingers and brush with the olive oil. Toss the fish fingers a few at a time into the flour mixture until well coated. Transfer fish to the baking rack. Spray the top of the fish lightly with vegetable spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and done.
- In a blender, combine the cilantro, garlic and lime zest. Pulse until finely chopped. Add the sour cream and blend until garlic and herbs are well incorporated and crema is slightly green in tint. Transfer to a serving bowl and keep refrigerated until ready to eat.
- To build the tacos, fill the tortilla with 1-2 pieces of crispy fish and top with shredded cabbage, sprigs of cilantro, queso fresco, salsa verde and Tangy Garlic Herb Crema.
Crispy Baked Fish Tacos: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are often a blur of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present question: "What's for dinner?". That's why I've become a huge fan of recipes that are both quick and satisfying, and these Crispy Baked Fish Tacos definitely fit the bill. They're a delightful departure from the usual taco night routine, offering a lighter, healthier twist without sacrificing any of the flavour.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques or obscure ingredients are required – just a handful of pantry staples and some readily available fresh produce. The fish bakes to crispy perfection in the oven, eliminating the need for messy frying and significantly reducing cleanup time. This is a huge bonus on busy weeknights! The vibrant flavours of the cumin, chili powder, and fresh cilantro combine beautifully with the flaky fish, creating a taste sensation that's both comforting and exciting. The homemade Tangy Garlic Herb Crema adds a creamy, tangy element that elevates the tacos to a whole new level. It's a fantastic way to add a burst of flavour and freshness, and I've discovered it's also a perfect dip for so many things!
I love how versatile this recipe is. Feel free to experiment with different types of fish – cod, snapper, or even mahi-mahi would all work wonderfully. You can also adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili powder. And let's not forget the toppings! The shredded cabbage adds a satisfying crunch, while the queso fresco provides a salty, creamy counterpoint to the fish. A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens up the entire dish, adding a zesty finish. The wonderful thing is, you can also fully customize your taco toppings, this means your kids can freely choose what goes into their tacos, and they'll always look forward to having these crispy tacos.
These tacos are not only a delicious and convenient weeknight meal but also a great way to introduce healthy eating habits to your family. The fish is a lean protein source, packed with essential nutrients, while the vegetables provide valuable vitamins and fiber. It's a win-win situation – a tasty meal that's good for you and easy on your schedule. The best part is that the whole family can get involved. Kids can help with shredding the cabbage, or even assembling their own tacos, making it a fun and interactive cooking experience for everyone.
So, the next time you're staring into the fridge wondering what to make for dinner, remember these Crispy Baked Fish Tacos. They're a simple yet elegant solution that's sure to become a new family favourite. The crispy fish, the creamy crema, the fresh toppings – it’s a symphony of flavours and textures that will leave everyone wanting more. Give it a try, and prepare to be amazed by how easy and delicious healthy eating can be!
Beyond the practicality, these tacos offer a wonderful opportunity to connect with family. Gathering around the table to enjoy a home-cooked meal is a simple yet powerful way to build bonds and create lasting memories. These tacos are more than just food; they're a symbol of togetherness, a celebration of shared moments, and a testament to the power of simple pleasures. The aroma of baking fish, the vibrant colours of the fresh ingredients, the happy chatter around the table – it's the perfect recipe for a memorable weeknight.
Tips and Tricks for Taco Success:
- For extra crispy fish, ensure your fish fillets are patted completely dry before coating them in the flour mixture.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Allow space between the fish fingers to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- If you don't have Wondra flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of salsa and toppings. Pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, or avocado would all be delicious additions.
- Make the crema ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. This saves time and ensures that the crema is well chilled.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
Remember, cooking should be enjoyable! Don't be afraid to experiment and adapt this recipe to your own tastes and preferences. The most important ingredient is love – love for your family, love for good food, and love for the simple joys of cooking together.
