Cheese And Fish: Perfect Taco Pairing?

Fish tacos are a tasty, quick, and easy meal to make for the family. The best type of fish to use for fish tacos is a mild-flavoured white fish such as cod, tilapia, halibut, or snapper. For the toppings, you can use anything from shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and lime crema, to cotija or feta cheese.

If you're looking for a sauce to go with your fish tacos, a blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, jalapenos, and lime juice is a popular choice.

Queso Fresco

In addition to its use in fish tacos, queso fresco is also a common ingredient in other Mexican dishes such as chilaquiles, elote, and empanadas. It can also be used as a topping for soups, salads, and chilli.

When preparing fish tacos with queso fresco, it is important to cook the fish properly to avoid overcooking and drying out. The fish should be cooked until it flakes easily with a fork and is no longer translucent or raw in the centre.

Cotija Cheese

When it comes to fish tacos, Cotija cheese is often used as a "finishing" cheese. Its salty and crumbly texture adds a unique flavor and texture to the dish. It is also a good source of protein and calcium.

In terms of taste, "young" or fresher Cotija cheese has been described as similar to mild feta, while aged Cotija is more comparable to hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan in terms of flavor. Cotija softens when exposed to heat but does not melt, making it ideal for sprinkling on top of tacos.

Overall, Cotija cheese is a versatile and flavorful cheese that can enhance the taste of fish tacos. Its salty and tangy flavor, along with its crumbly texture, makes it a popular choice for those looking to add a Mexican twist to their tacos.

Feta

For a Greek-style fish taco, feta is an ideal choice. It can be paired with other Greek ingredients such as olives, tzatziki, and oregano to create a unique and delicious flavour profile.

When using feta in fish tacos, it is important to consider the other ingredients and flavours that will be present. Feta has a strong flavour that can easily overpower other ingredients, so it should be used in moderation. It also has a salty taste, so it may be a good idea to reduce the amount of additional salt added to the dish.

In terms of preparation, feta can be crumbled or blended to create a creamy texture. It is a soft cheese, so it is easy to work with and can be added to the taco in a variety of ways.

Overall, feta is an excellent choice for fish tacos due to its strong and salty flavour, versatility, and ability to complement the other ingredients commonly found in this dish. It adds a unique and delicious touch to any fish taco recipe.

Cheddar

Fish Tacos with Cheddar Cheese

Fish tacos are a delicious meal, but some people may be unsure about adding cheese. However, when made correctly, fish tacos with cheese can be a fantastic and creative culinary experience. In this article, we will focus on using cheddar cheese to make mouth-watering fish tacos.

The Fish

When making fish tacos, it is generally recommended to use a mild-flavoured white fish such as cod, halibut, tilapia, or rockfish. These types of fish provide a subtle flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients in the taco.

The Cheese

Now, for the star of the show: the cheddar cheese. When selecting the cheddar for your fish tacos, consider using a sharp cheddar variety, such as Cabot's Seriously Sharp. The sharpness of the cheese adds a delightful kick to the tacos. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even opt for a habanero cheddar or pepper jack cheese to give your tacos an extra spicy Mexican twist. These varieties will surely transport you to a beach in California with each bite!

Putting It All Together

To prepare the fish, brush it with a mixture of melted butter and chili powder, and season with salt and pepper. You can cook the fish on a preheated grill or in the oven. While the fish is cooking, prepare the toppings and tortillas. For toppings, you can make a veggie salsa by chopping onions and peppers and mixing them with jalapeno pepper, lemon juice, and cilantro. Season the salsa with salt and pepper to taste.

Warm the tortillas on the grill or in the oven, and then it's time to assemble! Fill the tortillas with lettuce, the cooked fish, the veggie salsa, and of course, the generous amount of cheddar cheese. You can also add a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy touch.

By following these simple steps and embracing the combination of fish and cheese, you can create delicious fish tacos with cheddar cheese. So, go ahead and give it a try! Experiment with different types of cheddar and fish, and don't be afraid to get creative with your toppings. Enjoy the tasty journey of discovering new flavour combinations!

No Cheese

Fish tacos are a delicious and healthy meal that can be made in a variety of ways. While some recipes call for cheese, there are also many ways to make tasty fish tacos without it.

The type of fish you use is important. White fish such as cod, halibut, tilapia, or rockfish are popular choices. The fish should be mild in flavour and firm, lean, and flaky in texture. It's also important to dry the fish with paper towels before cooking to ensure the batter gets crispy.

There are several ways to cook the fish for your tacos. You can grill, air fry, bake, or cook it on the stovetop. If you're baking the fish, preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking dish with aluminium foil. Lightly grease the foil with cooking spray and add the fish in a single layer. Bake for 3-5 minutes on each side. If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates. Cook the fish for 2-3 minutes on each side. To cook the fish on the stovetop, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the fish in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side.

In addition to the fish, you'll want to prepare toppings and sauces to add flavour and texture to your tacos. Here are some ideas:

• Corn or flour tortillas
• Shredded cabbage or lettuce
• Pico de gallo (chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice, and salt)
• Avocado or guacamole
• Cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Mayonnaise
• Spices (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper)

To assemble your tacos, start with the fish, then add your desired toppings and sauces. Squeeze a lime wedge over top for added flavour.

Fish tacos are a versatile dish that can be customised to your taste. By choosing toppings and sauces that complement the fish, you can create a delicious meal that's both satisfying and healthy.

Frequently asked questions