Panko Fish Tacos

Tonkatsu style bread crumb fish tacos.

6-8 servings
45 minutes
Ethan Chlebowski

Ingredients

Fish & batter components

  • White fish of choice
    454 g
  • Salt
    a sprinkle
  • Flour
    80 g
  • Cornstarch
    40 g
  • Eggs, beaten
    2
  • Panko bread crumbs
    100 g
  • Neutral oil
  • Lime zest
    1 lime

For serving

  • Corn tortillas
    6-8
  • Pickled onions
  • Hot Sauce
  • Kewpie mayo
  • Cilantro
  • Limes

Method

Step 1: Dry brine the fish

First, remove any bones that may be present in the fish. Then, slice the fish into large sticks, ensuring they match the size of the tortilla you're using. Sprinkle salt evenly over the pieces.

  • Optionally, you could dry these pieces in the fridge for an hour or even overnight.

Step 2: Bread the fish

Place a wok or dutch oven over medium heat and add enough oil for , about 2 inches high in the pan.

Meanwhile, prepare three separate trays. One with the cornstarch and flour mixture, one with the beaten egg, and one with the panko bread crumbs.

Bread the fish by first coating it in the flour mixture, then dipping it into the egg and finally rolling it in the panko bread crumbs. Press down on the bread crumbs to ensure they stick to the exterior.

Step 3: Fry the fish

Using a thermometer, verify the temp of the oil is around 350° F/176° C. Slowly drop the fish pieces into the oil to let them get nice and golden brown.

  • Don’t overcrowd the oil. in batches if necessary.

In total, fry the fish for about 4 to 6 minutes, slightly agitating them throughout.

Step 4: Season the fish & serve in tacos

Once all the pieces are fried, cooked through, and golden browned to your preference, transfer to a wire rack lined with paper towels. Dab off any excess oil, then move it to the wire rack to prevent it from becoming soggy. After frying, add a sprinkle of salt along with lime zest and juice to add acidic and citrus flavors.

Serve on warm corn tortillas with toppings such as hot sauce, cilantro, pickled onions, mayo, crema, slaw, or any other toppings you prefer.

“It might be an unpopular opinion, but I'm not a big fan of the batter-fried fish tacos. I actually like to make them in the tonkatsu style with Panko bread crumbs for a crispier exterior. Cod is my go to mild fish, but use your favorite kind of white filets for this recipe.”

Ethan Chlebowski
Creator

Watch & Cook

Nutritional Information

entire recipe
Calories2391
376g
52g
95g

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Recommended: 7 servings

FAQ

What type of white fish is best?

Any type of white fish is great - cod, tilapia, striped bass, halibut, etc.

How should I cut the fish?

It works best if you cut against the grain of the fish. It creates those flake apart pieces while taking a bite of the fried chunks.