Final Four Beer Battered Fish Tacos
Final Four Celebrations with Beer-Battered Fish Tacos
With the basketball season drawing to a close, it’s the perfect time to host your final four game night. And what better way to celebrate than with a scrumptious dish? We’re talking about the all-time favorite – Beer Battered Fish Tacos. Yes, you heard it right. But this isn’t your regular fish taco; it’s a Sapporo beer-infused one. My husband, an avid beer lover, swears by the unique flavor and lightness this beer brings to the table. I may not be a beer connoisseur, but I know its magic in the kitchen. So, let’s dive into the recipe without further ado.
Beer-Battered Fish Tacos: Ingredients
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 ¼ cups Sapporo beer
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ to 2 lbs firm white fish in serving-size pieces
Beer-Battered Fish Tacos: Instructions
Follow these steps to whip up your beer-battered fish tacos:
- Sift 1 ¼ cups of the flour with a teaspoon of salt into a bowl.
- Create a well in the center and add the egg yolk, beer, and 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Whisk this mixture until you have a smooth batter.
- Let it rest for half an hour.
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F.
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer to 370 degrees F.
- Season the fish pieces with salt and pepper.
- Fold the egg whites into the batter with a spatula or wide metal spoon.
- Coat the fish in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the fish into the batter until evenly coated, letting the excess drip off.
- Fry the fish in the hot oil until the batter turns golden brown.
- Transfer the cooked fish to the oven to keep warm while you finish the rest.
Once done, set out your fish, corn tortillas, lime slices, cheese, and sriracha mayo. You can either let your guests create their own tacos or prep them beforehand.
Warm Up with Game Day Crockpot Chili
For those still battling the chilly north, a comforting Game Day Crockpot Chili can be a great addition to your menu. Here’s the recipe:
Crockpot Chili: Ingredients
- 12 oz. Sapporo beer
- 2 T. olive oil
- 2 lbs. ground beef
- Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper
- 1 1/2 c. frozen corn
- 1 white onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/4 c. chili powder
- 1 T. dried oregano
- 1 1/2 t. ground cumin
- 2 cans whole tomatoes, coarsely chopped with their juices
- 1/3 c. chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving
- 2 cans dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
Crockpot Chili: Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Brown ground beef (seasoned with salt and pepper), drain and add to Crock Pot set on low heat. Return pot to heat, add onions and garlic, saute for about 5 minutes and add to Crock Pot.
- Add the cilantro, corn, tomatoes, seasonings, and Sapporo beer. Cook on low for 6 – 8 hours. During the remaining 30 minutes, add the kidney beans, stirring well to combine. Season to taste with salt.
- Serve with sour cream, shredded cheddar, and more fresh cilantro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any other beer instead of Sapporo?
While Sapporo beer adds a unique flavor to these dishes, you can substitute it with any light beer. However, the taste may vary slightly.
What fish should I use for the Beer-Battered Fish Tacos?
You can use any firm white fish like cod, haddock, or pollock.
Final Thoughts
No matter the outcome of the final four games, these dishes will surely make you the winner among your guests. Just remember to drink responsibly!
| Recipe | Ingredients | Instructions |
|—|—|—|
| Beer Battered Fish Tacos | 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 egg yolk, 1 ¼ cups Sapporo beer, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ to 2 lbs firm white fish in serving-size pieces | Sift 1 ¼ cups of the flour with a teaspoon of salt into a bowl. Make a well in the center and add the egg yolk, beer and 1 tablespoon of oil. Beat this mixture using a whisk until you have a smooth batter. Let it rest for half an hour. Preheat oven to 200 degrees F. Heat the oil in a deep fryer to 370 degrees F. Season the fish with salt and pepper. Fold the egg whites into the batter with a spatula or wide metal spoon. Put a cup of flour in a big bowl and dip the fish in the flour. Make sure the fish pieces are well coated and then shake off any excess. Dip the fish into the batter until it is evenly coated, and let any excess drip off. Drop the fish into the hot oil in batches, frying until the batter is golden brown. Transfer the cooked ones to the oven while you finish the rest. |
| Game Day Crockpot Chili | 12 oz. Sapporo beer, 2 T. olive oil, 2 lbs. ground beef, coarse salt and fresh ground pepper, 1 1/2 c. frozen corn, 1 white onion, 3 garlic cloves, 1/4 c. chili powder, 1 T. dried oregano, 1 1/2 t. ground cumin, 2 cans whole tomatoes, coarsely chopped with their juices, 1/3 c. chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving, 2 cans dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained | Heat olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Brown ground beef (seasoned with salt and pepper), drain and add to Crock Pot set on low heat. Return pot to heat, add onions and garlic, saute for about 5 minutes and add to Crock Pot. Add the cilantro, corn, tomatoes, seasonings and Sapporo beer. Cook on low for 6 – 8 hours. During the remaining 30 minutes, add the kidney beans, stirring well to combine. Season to taste with salt. Serve with sour cream, shredded cheddar and more fresh cilantro. |
Delving Deeper into Beer-Battered Fish Tacos
When it comes to game day food, nothing quite hits the spot like beer-battered fish tacos. The combination of crispy, flaky fish encased in a golden beer batter, nestled inside a soft tortilla and topped with tangy slaw and spicy mayo is enough to make any sports fan cheer. Whether you’re hosting a final four watch party or simply looking for a new recipe to try, these tacos are sure to impress.
The Beer Factor in Beer-Battered Fish Tacos
One of the key ingredients in beer-battered fish tacos is, of course, the beer. The type of beer you use can greatly influence the flavor and texture of your batter. In this recipe, we recommend using Sapporo beer, a Japanese lager known for its crisp, refreshing taste. However, you’re not limited to Sapporo – any light beer will work. The carbonation in the beer makes the batter light and airy, while the alcohol aids in evaporation, leading to a crispier crust.
Choosing the Right Fish for Your Tacos
While the beer batter is crucial, the star of the show is still the fish. For this recipe, you’ll want to choose a firm white fish. Cod, haddock, or pollock are all excellent choices. These types of fish hold up well to frying and have a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the beer batter and taco toppings.
Spice it Up with Toppings
One of the best things about fish tacos is the endless possibilities for toppings. Traditional options include shredded lettuce or cabbage, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream. However, don’t be afraid to get creative. Consider adding a homemade pico de gallo, a zesty corn salsa, or even some pickled red onions for a tangy crunch. For the sauce, sriracha mayo is a crowd-pleaser, but you can also go for a chipotle crema or a simple lime crema.
Pairing Your Tacos
While your beer-battered fish tacos are sure to be a hit, you might want to consider adding a few sides to round out your menu. A batch of guacamole and some tortilla chips make for a great appetizer. For something heartier, consider serving your tacos alongside a bowl of chili, like the Game Day Crockpot Chili mentioned earlier.
FAQs
What type of oil is best for frying the fish?
When it comes to frying, you’ll want to choose an oil with a high smoke point. Canola oil, vegetable oil, and peanut oil are all good choices.
Can I make the beer batter ahead of time?
You can make the beer batter up to a few hours ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it.
Can I make these tacos gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these tacos gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in the batter and ensuring your tortillas are gluten-free as well.
Final Words
Beer-battered fish tacos are a game day staple and for good reason. They’re flavorful, satisfying, and fun to eat. Plus, they’re versatile – you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. So why not give them a try at your next final four party? Your guests will surely appreciate it!
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the Beer-Battered Fish Tacos in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and keep it refrigerated. However, it’s best to fry the fish just before serving to ensure it stays crispy.
What can I use as toppings for the Beer-Battered Fish Tacos?
You can use a variety of toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, cheese, and sriracha mayo for your fish tacos. Feel free to get creative!
Can I make the Crockpot Chili vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef with a meat substitute or add more beans and veggies to make it vegetarian.
How long can I store the leftovers of Crockpot Chili?
The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Final Four Beer-Battered Fish Tacos: Ingredients and Instructions
Optimize your final four celebrations with our delectable beer-battered fish tacos. This table summarizes the key ingredients and steps:
| Ingredients | Instructions |
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Pair your final four beer-battered fish tacos with a cheering crowd, and you’re set for a night of fun and deliciousness!
