Crispy Fish Tacos with Jalapeño Crema

Coarsely crushed cornflakes help to give the fish a really crispy coating. Served simply with shredded lettuce and thinly sliced red onion, these street-sized tacos are perfect for smaller portions. The fish is marinated in buttermilk while the remaining ingredients are prepped.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 216kcal
Author: Lovoni

CRUNCHY FISH

  • 12 oz cod, cut into thick strips halibut or other firm white fish
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
  • 2 cups cornflakes
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Olive oil, for shallow frying
  • 8 street-size tortillas, warmed
  • 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce cos lettuce
  • 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • Lemon wedges to serve optional

JALAPENO TARTARE SAUCE

  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons pickled jalapenos, drained & diced
  • 2 tablespoons diced hot pickles
  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

To make the sauce:

  • Combine all the ingredients together in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. The sauce can be made a day or two ahead of serving.

To make the fish:

  • Combine the cod, buttermilk and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder together in a medium bowl. Cover and chill for 20 to 30 minutes, time permitting.
  • Place the cornflakes in a resealable plastic bag. Seal the bag and lightly crush the cornflakes using a meat mallet or a rolling pin until the cornflakes are broken up but not completely crushed.
  • Add the flour, the remaining garlic powder, salt and pepper and mix well. You can either pour the coating into a shallow dish or leave it in the bag for easy clean-up. Remove the pieces of halibut a few at a time from the buttermilk using tongs and drop into the coating. Press the halibut into the coating, making sure each piece is well covered. Transfer to a baking sheet or plate. Repeat with remaining halibut and coating. Discard buttermilk and any coating left (I never have coating left).
  • Preheat the oven to ‘keep warm’.
  • Cover the bottom of a large, non-stick frying pan with the oil. Heat the oil on medium. Cook the halibut in two or three batches, 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove to a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Keep warm in the oven while you cook the next batch.
  • To assemble the tacos, spread the inside of each tortilla with some of the tartare sauce. Add lettuce, the halibut and onion then dollop with a little more sauce. Serve immediately with lemon wedges. Makes 8.

Nutrition

Calories: 216kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 563mg | Potassium: 317mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 810IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 3mg