Vegetarian Fish Tacos Recipe

This detailed guide will walk you through making delicious vegetarian fish tacos that are satisfying, flavorful, and easy to prepare. You can choose between two main styles: using hearts of palm or beer-battered vegan fish. Both options are packed with taste and perfect for any taco night.

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Ingredients

For Hearts of Palm Tacos

• Vegan Fish:
• 1 can hearts of palm (14.1 ounces)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon adobo seasoning
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• Cabbage Slaw:
• 5 ounces chopped green or Napa cabbage
• ¼ cup pickled red onions or thinly sliced red onion
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste
• Other Ingredients:
• ½ cup frozen or fresh corn
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 jalapeño or green pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegan sour cream
• 5 corn tortillas

For Beer-Battered Vegan Fish Tacos

• Vegan Fish:
• Recipe for beer-battered vegan fish (homemade or store-bought)
• Toppings:
• Shredded purple cabbage
• Diced tomatoes
• Diced onion (white or red)
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced avocados
• Fish Taco Sauce:
• ½ cup vegan mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Sriracha hot sauce to taste
• Tortillas:
• Small corn or flour tortillas

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Instructions

Preparing Hearts of Palm Tacos

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (206°C).
2. Prepare the Hearts of Palm:

• Drain the hearts of palm and cut them in half lengthwise to create strips.
• In a large bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, adobo seasoning, and black pepper. Toss the hearts of palm in the seasoning until evenly coated.

Bake the Vegan Fish:

• Place the seasoned hearts of palm on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with oil.
• Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Cook the Corn:

• While the hearts of palm are baking, heat a pan over medium-low heat. Add the corn and cook until crispy and browned, about 5-10 minutes.

Make the Cabbage Slaw:

• In a bowl, mix chopped cabbage, pickled onions, lime juice, and salt. Set aside.

Assemble the Tacos:

• Warm tortillas in a microwave for about 30 seconds.
• Layer each tortilla with cabbage slaw, two pieces of baked hearts of palm, a few spoonfuls of corn, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of vegan sour cream.

Preparing Beer-Battered Vegan Fish Tacos

Make the Beer-Battered Vegan Fish:

• Prepare your beer batter according to your recipe or package instructions.
• Fry or bake until golden brown and crispy.

Prepare the Taco Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together vegan mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, and Sriracha until smooth.

Warm Tortillas:

• Heat tortillas in a skillet over medium-high heat or wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave for about 1 minute.

Assemble the Tacos:

• Place pieces of fried vegan fish in each tortilla.
• Top with shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, avocado slices, and a generous drizzle of taco sauce.

Serve Immediately: Enjoy your tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

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Tips for Success

• Texture Variations: If you prefer a different texture than hearts of palm, consider using firm tofu or tempeh as a base.
• Spice It Up: For extra heat in your sauce, add minced jalapeños or more Sriracha.
• Crispy Corn: To ensure your corn is crispy without burning it, cook over medium heat and stir occasionally.
• Alternative Flours for Beer Batter: Feel free to experiment with gluten-free flour or chickpea flour in your beer batter for different flavors and textures.

These vegetarian fish tacos are not only easy to make but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy them at gatherings or as a delightful weeknight meal!

Unique Toppings to Elevate Vegan Fish Tacos

To make your vegan fish tacos stand out, consider these unique toppings:

• Mango Salsa: Fresh mango, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice create a sweet and tangy contrast.
• Spicy Pineapple Salsa: Combine diced pineapple with jalapeños, red onion, and cilantro for a tropical twist.
• Avocado Crema: Blend avocado with lime juice and a bit of water or vegan sour cream for a creamy topping.
• Chipotle Mayo: Mix vegan mayo with chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky kick.
• Cucumber Ribbons: Thinly slice cucumbers into ribbons for a refreshing crunch.
• Roasted Corn Salsa: Toss roasted corn with lime juice, cilantro, and diced bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
• Pickled Red Onions: These add a tangy bite that complements the richness of the fish.

Making Vegan Fish Tacos More Substantial

To enhance the heartiness of your vegan fish tacos, consider these additions:

• Add Beans: Incorporate black beans or refried beans for protein and fiber.
• Quinoa or Rice: Serve the tacos with a side of quinoa or Mexican-style rice to make the meal more filling.
• Lentils: Use seasoned lentils as a base or mix them into your slaw for added texture and nutrition.
• Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts on top for crunch and healthy fats.

Tips for Making the Beer Batter Crispy

To achieve a perfectly crispy beer batter for your vegan fish tacos:

1. Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure your beer or sparkling water is very cold; this helps create a light batter that crisps up nicely when fried.
2. Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined; lumps are okay as they contribute to a crispy texture.
3. Fry at the Right Temperature: Maintain oil temperature between 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C) to ensure quick cooking without soaking up too much oil.
4. Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place the battered pieces on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Alternative Plant-Based Proteins for “Fish”

If you want to experiment beyond hearts of palm or traditional vegan fish, consider these plant-based proteins:

• Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu can be marinated and battered for a flaky texture.
• Tempeh: This fermented soy product offers a nutty flavor and can be sliced thinly or cubed.
• Cauliflower: Battered and fried cauliflower florets provide a satisfying bite with a mild flavor.
• Jackfruit: Young jackfruit can be shredded and seasoned to mimic fish’s texture when cooked.

Enhancing Cabbage Slaw Flavor

To make your cabbage slaw more flavorful, try these enhancements:

1. Add Citrus Zest: Incorporate lime or lemon zest along with the juice for an extra burst of flavor.
2. Spices and Herbs: Mix in cumin, coriander, or fresh herbs like cilantro or dill for aromatic depth.
3. Vinegar Kick: Add apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar to brighten the flavors and add tanginess.
4. Sweetness: A touch of agave syrup, honey (if not strictly vegan), or finely chopped apples can balance the acidity.
5. Creamy Element: Mix in some avocado or vegan mayo to create a creamy slaw that complements the crunch.

These tips will help you create delicious vegan fish tacos that are both satisfying and packed with flavor!