Monday, June 23, 2008

Baja Style Fish Tacos

Just got back from a trip to sunny Carpinteria and had a great time cooking, eating, drinking and visiting with family. It was unusually warm and not foggy, which made the beach mandatory. Every day. The kids LOVED it this time... splashing, jumping, digging, screaming, chasing birds and doing all things a kid should do on the beach. It was great to see that maybe they will turn out to be beach rats just like mom was.

While we had much yummy food, this meal here is worth mentioning. My (much) older and adventurous brother is quite the fisherman. Turns out our dinner was a small portion of a 30 pound white bass caught off the coast of Santa Barbara. By my brother. With a spear. Seriously.

Anyways, many thanks to the whole family for making such a wonderful dinner. Everything was delish and the fish was so fresh and light, and had a beautiful crunchy coating that made a great base for all the yummy toppings. Other highlights include a lesson on Guitar Hero by my niece and nephew, a mean margarita from my Sis-in-Law and lick on the face from Otter dog.

Baja style tacos are basically battered and fried fish wrapped in a grilled corn tortilla and topped with a creamy tangy white sauce and other condiments. Cabbage seems to be the most unique of these toppings. I suggest not skipping it. I could look up the origin and some other interesting story about this style of taco, but I don't have the energy or time! You'll have to do your own research. Or better yet....just try it!!

The Basics:

Corn tortillas, grilled over flames
White fish, cut into 2 inch pieces
Oil, enough to fry fish

Fish Batter

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. double acting baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup water

Mayonesa Secret Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp. white vinegar
1 1/2 T. milk

Condiments (any or all)

pico de gallo
sour cream
cilantro
cheese
guacamole
onions
shredded cabbage

Directions: Mix up the batter and fry fish in batches until you have a nice little pile. Lay out all the condiments, mix up the secret sauce and grill those tortillas. Put a couple pieces of fish into a tortilla, top with secret sauce and condiments. Don't skip the cabbage!!

3 comments:

Unknown said...

I want macho brother spear caught white bass tacos too! These look yummy. Glad you had a good time but also glad you are back! :-)

Cathy Reaves said...

Yum yum....I like your comment "don't skip the cabbage!" Yes mom.

Deanna S. said...

Louanne - You're in luck, I think he is currently taking applications for new sisters.

Cathy - Yeah, I did mention not skipping the cabbage....twice even! And you'd better mind me or else.