Cheese And Fish: The Perfect Taco Combination

Fish tacos are a delicious meal, but what kind of cheese should you use? Well, it depends on your taste preferences and the style of cooking. Some popular options include cotija, feta, sharp cheddar, habanero cheddar, and pepper jack. If you're feeling creative, you could even try a Greek-style taco with feta or a Buffalo-style one with blue cheese. So, go ahead and experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect fish taco combination!

Cheddar, Feta, or Cotija?

When it comes to fish tacos, there are a few key cheeses that come to mind: cheddar, feta, and Cotija. But which one is the best choice? Let's take a closer look at each option and see how they stack up.

Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar cheese is a popular choice for tacos, and for good reason. It has a strong, sharp flavour that can stand up to the other bold ingredients in a fish taco. If you're looking for a cheesy punch to your taco, cheddar is a great option. It melts well, adding a creamy texture to the taco and complementing the flaky fish. For an extra kick, you could even opt for a habanero cheddar or pepper jack cheese to give your tacos a spicy Mexican flair.

Feta Cheese

Feta is a Greek cheese that is known for its salty, tangy flavour. It has a creamy texture that can add a nice contrast to the crispy fish. Feta is a milder cheese than cheddar, so it won't overpower the other ingredients in the taco. It's a great option if you're looking for a slightly more subtle cheese presence.

Cotija Cheese

Cotija is a Mexican cheese that is similar to feta but with a milder flavour and less saltiness. It has a crumbly texture that works well as a topping for fish tacos. Cotija is often recommended as the cheese of choice for authentic Mexican fish tacos. It adds a salty, savoury note without overwhelming the other ingredients.

So, Which Cheese Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the best cheese for your fish tacos depends on your personal preference. If you like a strong, sharp flavour, cheddar is a great option. If you prefer something milder and tangier, feta or Cotija could be better choices. You could even offer a selection of cheeses and let your guests choose their favourite!

Don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect combination of flavours for your fish tacos. After all, tacos are all about customisation and enjoying your favourite ingredients. So, go ahead and get creative with your cheese choices!

To grill or not to grill?

There are many ways to cook the fish for your tacos, and grilling is just one of them. You can also cook your fish in an air fryer, in the oven, on the stovetop, or even in a cast iron skillet.

If you do decide to grill your fish, you'll want to preheat your grill to medium-high, lightly oil the grates (or use a grill basket), and cook the fish for 2-3 minutes per side. But there are plenty of other options if you don't have access to a grill or would prefer to cook your fish another way.

For example, if you're using an air fryer, preheat it to 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes, lightly grease the insert, add your fish in a single layer, and cook for 6-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can bake your fish in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, line a baking dish with aluminum foil, lightly grease it with cooking spray, add your fish in a single layer, and bake for 3-5 minutes per side.

If you're short on time, you can also cook your fish on the stovetop. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, add your fish in a single layer (cooking in batches if needed), and cook for 3-4 minutes per side.

Another option is to use a cast iron skillet, which can create a beautifully crusted piece of fish. Heat your skillet on high, warm your tortillas on both sides until lightly browned, then add 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable oil and cook your fish for about 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on its thickness.

So, whether you decide to grill your fish or not, there are plenty of cooking methods to choose from for your fish tacos. Now, let's talk about the cheese...

To Cheese or Not to Cheese?

When it comes to fish tacos, the question of whether or not to include cheese is a matter of personal preference. Some people enjoy the addition of cheese, while others believe that cheese has no place on fish tacos. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether or not to include cheese on your fish tacos.

If you do decide to add cheese, there are several options to consider. Cotija cheese, a Mexican cheese that crumbles when grated, is a popular choice for fish tacos. It is similar to feta but milder in flavor and not as salty. Other options include queso fresco, feta, ricotta salata, farmer's cheese, and sharp cheddar. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try a Greek fish taco with feta or a Buffalo-style one with blue cheese.

So, whether you decide to grill your fish or not, and whether you choose to include cheese or not, the most important thing is to enjoy your fish tacos and get creative with your ingredients!

What kind of fish?

When it comes to choosing the right fish for your tacos, a mild-flavoured white fish is often considered the best option. This includes fish such as cod, halibut, tilapia, rockfish, snapper, mahi-mahi, grouper, flounder, or even salmon. These types of fish are versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as grilled, baked, or fried.

For Baja-style tacos, wild and local saltwater fish like snapper, mahi-mahi, grouper, flounder, halibut, or cod are ideal. To showcase the delicate flavour of these pricier fillets, keep the toppings simple, such as raw shredded cabbage and guacamole.

If you're looking for a more sustainable option, farmed freshwater fish like tilapia or catfish are also commonly used in fish tacos. These fish tend to have a milder flavour, so they pair well with vibrant and bold toppings like a mango-tomato salsa.

When preparing fish tacos, it's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fish fillets. It's crucial to keep a close eye on the fish to prevent overcooking, as it should be cooked just until it flakes easily with a fork.

With the right choice of fish and a delicious array of toppings, you can create mouthwatering fish tacos that will impress your taste buds and satisfy your cravings.

Tortillas: corn or flour?

When it comes to tortillas, you have two main options: corn or flour. But which one is the best choice for fish tacos? Here are some things to consider:

Tradition

Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for tacos and have been a staple in Mesoamerican diets for thousands of years. According to food historian Melissa Guerra, when Spanish colonizers arrived in Mexico, they refused to eat corn, deeming it unfit for human consumption. As a result, corn tortillas have become closely associated with Mexican culture and cuisine.

Flavour

Corn tortillas have a distinct corn flavour that can complement the other ingredients in fish tacos. The flavour of the tortilla itself comes through stronger in fish tacos compared to other types of tacos, which may be overwhelmed by seasoning or salsa.

Texture

Corn tortillas are also heartier and less likely to collapse under pressure. The moisture from ingredients like salsa or sauces can make flour tortillas soggy, but corn tortillas hold up better against these toppings.

Versatility

While corn tortillas are the traditional choice, some people prefer the taste and texture of flour tortillas. Flour tortillas are also more versatile and can accommodate a wider range of fillings without becoming soggy.

Availability

Finally, consider the availability of the tortillas. Corn tortillas are typically the de facto choice in Mexico and other Latin American countries, but flour tortillas may be more readily available in other parts of the world.

In conclusion, while both types of tortillas have their pros and cons, corn tortillas are generally the preferred choice for fish tacos due to their traditional significance, flavour, and texture. However, ultimately, the choice is yours, and you can experiment with both types to see which you prefer.

Toppings: slaw, salsa, or both?

When it comes to toppings, the options are endless. You can go for a simple approach with just a little chopping of toppings or you can load your fish tacos with a variety of toppings and sauces.

For a simple approach, you can top your fish tacos with finely shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and Cotija or queso fresco cheese. You can also add some crunch and freshness with chopped romaine, green onions, and veggies.

If you want to load up your fish tacos, you can include toppings such as pickled carrots, avocado slices, cilantro leaves, jalapeño slices, and sliced tomatoes. You can also add a generous sprinkle of Cotija cheese and finish it off with a garlic lime crema or chipotle lime crema sauce.

For an extra kick of spice, you can add more sriracha to your sauce. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as habanero cheddar or pepper jack, to give your tacos an extra Mexican flair.

Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations of toppings and sauces to find your perfect fish taco!

Frequently asked questions