Chicharrones Fish Tacos with Chipotle Tartar Sauce
Ingredients
Tartar Sauce:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 scallion, white and light green parts only, sliced
- 1 to 2 chipotles in adobo, seeds removed and finely chopped
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- Salt
Tacos:
- 2 pounds skinless Pacific cod (or other firm, flaky white fish), cut into 1-inch chunks
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt, plus additional for seasoning
- 2 tablespoons soya sauce
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Salt
- 8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
- 1 cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, halved crosswise and sliced into 1/2-inch thick strips, for serving
- 2 cups arugula, stems removed, for serving
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, for serving
- 1 ripe avocado, halved, pitted, peeled, and sliced, for serving
- 2 oranges, zested, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
Directions
Combine the mayonnaise, garlic, scallion,
chipotle, and lime juice in a small bowl and mix well. Add salt, to
taste. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use. Keep
covered in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
Put the fish in a large bowl. Place the garlic
cloves on a cutting board. Slice the cloves in half lengthwise and then
smash with the side of a chef's knife. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over
the garlic and chop and smear the garlic against the cutting board
until it makes a paste. Add the garlic paste to the bowl of fish. Add
the soya sauce and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; turning the fish to
coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or
up to 4 hours.
Place the flour in a shallow dish and toss the fish pieces in it a
few at a time, until they're all evenly coated. Shake off the excess
flour.
Heat 2-inches of oil to 375 degrees F in a heavy skillet or deep
pot over medium-high heat. Carefully add a few pieces of the fish at a
time and fry until golden brown all over, about 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer
to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Season with salt and pepper
while they are still hot. Allow the frying oil to return to temperature
and continue to fry the fish in batches until finished.
Wrap the tortillas in a damp kitchen towel and place in the
microwave. Microwave on full power for 30 seconds until they are soft
and pliable. Keep warm.
To serve: Spread a dollop of the chipotle tartar sauce onto a
warmed tortilla. Add a few strips of cucumber and top with 3 or 4 pieces
of fish. Cover with a few arugula leaves, cilantro leaves, avocado, and
a little orange zest. Serve with more tartar sauce on the side and lime
wedges.