1 lb firm white fish (Cod, Halibut, or Tilapia), cut into 2-inch strips
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup cold light beer or sparkling water
8–10 small corn or flour tortillas
2 cups shredded green cabbage
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, cut into wedges
Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce: 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and a pinch of chili powder.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fish and Toppings Pat the fish strips thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for the batter to stick properly. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili powder to create your cream sauce. Set the sauce and shredded cabbage aside in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Step 2: Mix the Crispy Batter In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Slowly pour in the cold beer or sparkling water while whisking gently. Mix until the batter is mostly smooth; a few small lumps are okay. Do not overmix, as you want to keep the bubbles active for a lighter crust.
Step 3: Heat the Oil Fill a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven with about 2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you do not have a thermometer, drop a tiny bit of batter into the oil—if it sizzles and floats immediately, the oil is ready.
Step 4: Batter and Fry the Fish Work in small batches to avoid crowding the pan. Dip each piece of fish into the batter, coating it completely. Carefully lower the fish into the hot oil. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, turning once, until the coating is deep golden brown and the fish is cooked through. Transfer the fried fish to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
Step 5: Warm Tortillas and Assemble Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or over an open flame for a few seconds per side. Place one or two pieces of crispy fish in the center of each tortilla. Top with a handful of cabbage, a drizzle of the cream sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with a fresh lime wedge on the side.