Crispy Baked Fish Tacos with Zesty Lime Crema
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Fancy some amazing Fish Tacos Crispy , but without the guilt? Ever craved that Friday night chippy vibe, but secretly wanted something a tad healthier? Well, you're in the right place! These Crispy Baked Fish Tacos are seriously banging and super easy to whip up.
Quick Hook
Are you looking for an easy and delicious dinner? These tacos use baked cod for a crispy texture. They're packed with flavour and have a fresh zesty Lime Crema Recipe to tie it all together.
Brief Overview
Originating from the beachside shacks of Baja California, fish tacos have become a global phenomenon. My version simplifies things by baking instead of frying.
This Fish Tacos Recipe is quick. It takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields about 8 tacos, perfect for a family of 4!
Main Benefits
Healthy Fish Tacos are what we're aiming for! Baking reduces fat. They're also packed with protein. These are ideal for a quick Weeknight Fish Tacos dinner that won't leave you feeling sluggish.
What makes this recipe special is the crispy texture achieved in the oven and the vibrant Lime Crema Recipe .
Honestly, these tacos are a lifesaver on busy weeknights. The Baked Fish Tacos always hit the spot. Plus, the cleanup is minimal. You know? Let's talk ingredients...
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Taco Party Started!
So, you wanna make Crispy Baked Fish Tacos ? Ace! This is gonna be way easier than you think. Honestly, no deep frying drama here! We're baking this bad boy.
Perfect for a quick easy dinner on a weeknight . I always get so stoked when I make these.
Main Ingredients: The Fishy Deets
- Fish Fillets: 1 ½ lbs ( 680g ) of cod, tilapia, or mahi mahi. Fresh is best. It should smell clean, not fishy! Cut them into 2 inch ( 5cm ) pieces. Baked Cod is a winner here.
- All-Purpose Flour: ½ cup ( 60g ). Standard stuff, no need to get fancy.
- Egg: 1 large egg, lightly beaten. Make sure it's not cod ! Sorry, had to.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup ( 100g ). Panko gives the Crispy Fish Taco Recipe Baked a killer crunch.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. For drizzling and making everything golden.
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Bomb!
We need some seriously banging flavours.
- Spice Mix: 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika. This is the magic.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste. Season generously!
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed for that all important Lime Crema Recipe . Bottled stuff just isn't the same.
- Fresh Cilantro: 1 tablespoon, chopped. Because cilantro makes everything better.
- Minced Garlic: 1 clove. Garlic is life.
If you are missing smoked paprika, use a dash of cayenne pepper.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need a fancy kitchen to whip up these Healthy Fish Tacos .
- 3 Shallow Bowls: For your breading station.
- Baking Sheet: The star of the show.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking. You can use a silicone mat too.
- Whisk: For the Lime Crema Recipe .
- Small Bowl: Also for the Lime Crema Recipe .
Don't have parchment paper? Lightly grease the baking sheet instead. Fish Taco Toppings are totally up to you! My favourite: shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, avo slices, and some hot sauce.
Now go get your taco on!
Cooking Method: Baking Your Way to Crispy Baked Fish Tacos
Honestly, who doesn't love Fish Tacos Crispy ? But sometimes, frying just feels like too much , you know? That’s why I’m totally obsessed with baking them instead.
It's way healthier and easier. This Baked Fish Tacos recipe is a total game changer. Plus, clean-up is a breeze.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Act Together
First, you gotta do your mise en place . Chop your cilantro, measure out your spices, and cut your fish into smaller chunks.
I find this makes everything way quicker. Time saving organization is key. Pat the fish dry with a paper towel. Really, really dry! Also, remember to preheat the oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
Don't forget!
step-by-step Process: From Fish to Fiesta
Alright, let’s get down to it. Here's how you make amazing Crispy Fish Taco Recipe Baked :
- Pat your 1 ½ lbs (680g) fish pieces dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Set up your breading station. Flour, egg, then panko mixed with 1 teaspoon chili powder , ½ teaspoon garlic powder , ½ teaspoon onion powder , and ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika .
- Dredge the fish: flour, then egg, then generously coat it with the panko mixture.
- Place the breaded fish on a parchment lined baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil .
- Bake for 12- 15 minutes . Internal temperature should hit 145° F ( 63° C) . Flaky is good!
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Taco Game
Want to make these Healthy Fish Tacos even better ?
- Pro Tip 1: Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Space those fish pieces out.
- Pro Tip 2: Make the Lime Crema Recipe ahead. It gets better as it sits!
- Avoid : Don’t skip drying the fish; otherwise, the breading won't stick!
These Weeknight Fish Tacos are such a hit in my house, and this Quick Easy Dinner is fun to customize with all your favourite Fish Taco Toppings . Enjoy!
Alright, so you've nailed the Crispy Baked Fish Tacos ! But before you dive in face first (I know, it's tempting!), let's talk about making them even more awesome.
These are my personal touches to turn this into a quick easy dinner to your family or friends.
Recipe Notes: My Two Cents
Serving Suggestions: Taco Time, Elevated
Honestly, presentation matters . Arrange your Crispy Baked Fish Tacos on a cool platter. Think about visual appeal . Sprinkle some extra cilantro.
Add a lime wedge for that pop of color. A little effort goes a long way, you know?
As for sides? Mexican rice is a classic. But I love a fresh black bean salsa, too. And to drink? Margaritas, duh! Or if you're feeling chill, a Corona with a lime.
Pure summer vibes, even in winter. If you want to bring the Lime Crema Recipe more to the fore, serve it aside as a dipping sauce.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries! Store the baked cod in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll last for 3-4 days .
Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10 minutes . Or you can reheat in the microwave if you're feeling impatient.
Crispy Fish Taco Recipe Baked will maintain its texture in the oven, however it is always best to eat them fresh!
I don't recommend freezing the fish tacos. The texture of the breadcrumbs suffers. But you can freeze the cooked fish separately if you need to. Just wrap it well!
Variations: Spice It Up (or Down!)
One of my pals is dairy-free. So, I swapped the sour cream in the lime crema for vegan yogurt. Worked a treat! For extra heat, chuck a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs.
Adds a wicked kick.
Feeling seasonal? In summer, add grilled corn to your Fish Taco Toppings. In winter, some sauteed shredded brussel sprouts, adds a lovely earthy tone.
Swapping seasonal ingredients is a perfect way to get some Healthy Fish Tacos on the table.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Let's keep it simple. These Weeknight Fish Tacos give you about 450 calories per serving. You also get 35g protein, 20g fat, and 30g carbs.
It's a balanced meal. Packed with goodness from the fish and veggies. Also quick easy dinner when you are short on time!
Now go on. Get cooking! You got this. The Crispy Baked Fish Tacos are calling your name! Enjoy every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fish for these Crispy Baked Fish Tacos?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the fish and pat it completely dry with paper towels before starting. Excess moisture is the enemy of a crispy crust, so don't skip this step! Think of it like trying to fry wet chips they'll never get that satisfying crunch.
What kind of fish works best for Crispy Baked Fish Tacos?
Mild white fish like cod, tilapia, or mahi mahi are all fantastic choices. They're readily available and have a flaky texture that works really well with the crispy breadcrumb coating. Avoid anything too oily like mackerel; you want something that will absorb the flavour of the crumb rather than compete with it.
How do I get the fish really crispy when baking?
A few tricks can help achieve maximum crispiness. Firstly, make sure the oven is properly preheated. Secondly, don't overcrowd the baking sheet give the fish room to breathe. Finally, a light drizzle of olive oil over the breaded fish before baking helps it brown beautifully.
Some people even add a little grated parmesan to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour and crispness!
Can I prepare the Crispy Baked Fish Tacos ahead of time?
You can prep some components in advance. The lime crema can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. The breaded fish can also be prepared and kept in the fridge for a few hours, but bake it just before serving for the best texture. Nobody wants soggy bottoms, like on The Great British Bake Off!
What are some good topping variations for these Crispy Baked Fish Tacos?
The possibilities are endless! Classic options include shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime. For a spicy kick, try adding some pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
You could also experiment with different salsas, like mango salsa or corn salsa, for a touch of sweetness. It's your taco, so load it up how you like!
Are Crispy Baked Fish Tacos a healthy option?
Yes, especially compared to fried fish tacos! Baking significantly reduces the amount of fat used. Using whole wheat tortillas and Greek yogurt in the lime crema are other ways to boost the nutritional value. Plus, fish is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, so tuck in and enjoy!
Crispy Baked Fish Tacos With Zesty Lime Crema
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |