Dylan Weiss
Contributing Writer
Finals are around the corner and everyone is rushing for that summer relief, but when was the last time you cooked yourself a good meal? Don’t waste your time with Uber eats or DoorDash; get a pan into your hands, grab your drink mixer, and reward yourself for making it through a year of school during the pandemic.
On this week’s menu is a classic Southern California staple, which originated down the coast in Baja, Mexico. The area north of Baja, towards Ensenada and San Filipe, Mexico, is best known as the home of the fish taco. Seafood plates like this, ceviche, and aguachiles have been served since the 17th century up and down the 600-mile coastline.
Baja-style fish tacos paired with a spicy Cadillac Margarita will, without a doubt, wow your friends, family, or significant other. The meal is simple enough for anyone to give it a try. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying your hand in the culinary arts for the first time, if you’re looking to expand your recipe book, this dish is foolproof. Go ahead, show off those cooking skills and have yourself a mid-May fiesta.
Baja Style Beer Battered Fish Tacos
Beer Batter recipe
1 ½ lb. of cod or halibut
1 large egg lightly beaten
1 ¼- cup of beer
1 tsp. of salt
1 tsp. of pepper
½ tbsp. garlic powder
½ tbsp. paprika
½ tsp. of season salt
1 cup flour
Avocado oil for frying
1 cup of panko bread crumbs
1. Whisk all the dry ingredients together in a bowl; add the lightly beaten egg and slowly add the beer to form a batter.
2. Cut the cod into small chunks, then dunk the fish into the batter and place into the panko.
3. Drop them one by one into the very hot oil (380 degrees). Cook the fish for three to five minutes until golden.
4. Place the fish on a cooling rack. If you prefer, you can fry the fish ahead of time and reheat it in an air fryer.
Baja Style Slaw
1 cup shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded red cabbage
½ cup shredded carrots
¼ cup shredded onion
¼ cup chopped cilantro
½ lime juice
1tsp. salt
1tsp. pepper
1 cup mayonnaise
- Mix all the ingredients together and set aside.
Spicy Chipotle Baja Sauce
½ cup spicy chipotles
1 cup mayonnaise
½ tsp. garlic powder
½ tsp. chili powder
½ tsp. seasoned salt
- Finely chop the chipotle into a paste using either a food processor or a knife. Whisk the rest of the ingredients together, then add the chipotle to the sauce.
Spicy Cadillac Margarita — for those who can legally drink it!
1 thin jalapeño split in half
2 ½ ounces of Añejo tequila, preferably Cazadores Extra Añejo
¾ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
½ ounce agave nectar
½ ounce Grand Marnier or Cointreau
Note: Before mixing your drink, make sure to prepare your ingredients and salt the rim of your glass.
1. Place three slices of jalapeño, tequila, lime juice, agave, and Grand Marnier in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well, until chilled and frosty, for about 15 to 20 seconds.
3. Strain into a glass with a few ice cubes.
4. Lastly, garnish with half a jalapeño, lime, and serve.
