Fish Tacos from Del Taco feature flaky, seasoned white fish topped with fresh shredded cabbage, zesty pico de gallo, and a drizzle of creamy tangy sauce, all nestled in a warm, soft corn tortilla for a refreshing and satisfying bite.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry basket
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
- Sauce squeeze bottle
- Tortilla warmer or skillet
- Serving plates
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) white fish fillets (such as cod or pollock)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup cold sparkling water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1/2 small white onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 medium jalapeño
- 1 lime
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- Salt (to taste)
- 8 small corn tortillas
When selecting your white fish fillets, cod or pollock works best due to their flaky texture and mild flavor that pairs well with the zesty seasonings. Use cold sparkling water in the batter to achieve a light and crispy coating when frying. Fresh shredded green cabbage and pico de gallo made from ripe tomatoes, white onion, cilantro, jalapeno, and lime add a vibrant crunch and brightness to the dish. The creamy tangy sauce, a blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and hot sauce, balances the spices and enhances the overall flavor. Your Fish Taco from Del Taco copycat menu will capture the refreshing and satisfying taste of the original, perfect for serving at home.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer with vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut white fish fillets into 2-ounce strips.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Gradually whisk cold sparkling water into dry mixture until a smooth batter forms.
- Dip fish strips into batter, ensuring full coating.
- Fry fish in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove fish using tongs; drain on paper towels.
- Shred green cabbage and set aside.
- Dice tomatoes, white onion, and jalapeño; chop cilantro.
- In a bowl, mix tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, juice of 1 lime, and salt to taste to make pico de gallo.
- In another bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, 1 tablespoon lime juice, hot sauce, and salt to taste to make creamy sauce.
- Warm corn tortillas in a tortilla warmer or on skillet.
- Place fried fish on tortillas.
- Top with shredded cabbage, spoonful of pico de gallo, and drizzle with creamy sauce.
- Serve immediately on plates.
Substitution
Fish Tacos from Del Taco copycat recipes typically call for flaky white fish coated in a seasoned cornmeal batter and fried to crispy perfection. You can substitute cod or pollock with tilapia or haddock if preferred, ensuring similar texture and flavor. If a deep fryer is unavailable, pan-frying in a skillet with a generous amount of oil works well to achieve a crispy coating. For the tangy sauce, swapping sour cream with Greek yogurt offers a lighter alternative without compromising creaminess. Warm your tortillas on a skillet or tortilla warmer to prevent tearing and enhance softness before assembling your tacos.
Tips
Ensure your oil temperature stays steady at 350degF (175degC) to cook the fish evenly without absorbing excess oil. When mixing the batter, use cold sparkling water to keep it light and crisp, improving your fish's texture. Avoid overcrowding the fryer basket; frying in small batches maintains oil temperature, resulting in perfectly golden fish. Once cooked, drain fish well on paper towels to prevent sogginess before assembling your tacos.
Nutritions
Fish tacos from Del Taco provide a balanced source of protein from flaky white fish like cod or pollock, essential for muscle repair and growth. The inclusion of fresh shredded cabbage and pico de gallo adds dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, plus antioxidants, which support immune function and digestion. Corn tortillas supply complex carbohydrates and are gluten-free, suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Your meal also contains healthy fats from mayonnaise and sour cream, enhancing flavor while contributing to satiety.
Storage
Store leftover fried fish in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture, then refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain its crispy texture. Keep pico de gallo and creamy sauce in separate sealed containers in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for 2-3 days. You can warm your corn tortillas wrapped in a damp cloth before serving to restore softness and prevent drying out.
Variation or Alternatives
For a lighter variation, consider baking the fish strips at 400degF (200degC) for 12-15 minutes instead of frying, brushing them lightly with oil to maintain crispiness. You can swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour or almond flour to cater to dietary preferences. To add a smoky depth, grill the jalapeno before chopping for pico de gallo. Your tacos will benefit from warming the tortillas wrapped in a damp cloth in the microwave for 30 seconds to keep them soft and pliable.
Allergies
Fish Tacos from Del Taco contain white fish such as cod or pollock, which can trigger fish allergies in sensitive individuals. The batter includes wheat-based all-purpose flour, posing a risk for those with gluten intolerance or wheat allergies. Your consumption should consider potential allergic reactions to ingredients like mayonnaise and sour cream, which may contain eggs and dairy.
Why this recipe?
The Fish Taco menu from Del Taco stands out for its fresh, flaky white fish, perfectly seasoned and lightly battered to deliver a crispy texture that appeals to seafood lovers. Its combination of tangy creamy sauce, shredded lettuce, and soft corn tortillas creates a balanced flavor profile that is both satisfying and refreshing. You'll appreciate the affordable price point and convenience that make the Fish Taco a popular choice for quick dining. Trying to make a copycat recipe allows you to recreate this delicious experience at home, customizing ingredients to your taste while enjoying the familiar flavors.