Fish Tacos with Chipotle Crema and Salsa Fresca

Ingredients

• 20 corn tortillas
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 teaspoons Southwestern Essence, plus more for dusting, recipe follows
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 pounds firm white fish, cut into 4 by 1 by 1/4 inch strips
• 4 cups vegetable oil, for frying
• 4 cups shredded mixed green and red cabbage
• Lime wedges
• Chipotle Crema, recipe follows
• Salsa Fresca, recipe follows
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro, garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Wrap the tortillas in aluminum foil and place in the oven until soft and pliant, about 12 minutes. Remove and keep wrapped until ready to use.

In a large pot or deep fryer, heat the oil to 350 degrees F. over high heat.

In a large bowl, beat the egg with the milk and water. Add the flour, Essence, and baking powder, and whisk to make a thin batter. Dip the fish in the batter, turning to coat, and shake to remove any excess. Fry in batches in the oil until golden and crisp, about 2 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels, and season lightly with the Essence.

Stack 2 tortillas together on plates, and top with the fish. Squeeze with lime juice, and top the fish with cabbage, crema, and salsa to taste. Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately.

Emeril's Southwest Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Yield: 1/2 cup

Mexican Chipotle Crema:

• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• 4 teaspoons chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

In a bowl, mix the half-and-half, cream, and sour cream. Let crema sit at room temperature for 24 hours to develop culture.

In the bowl of a food processor or blender, combine the cream mixture with the peppers, adobo sauce, and salt. Process on high speed until smooth.

Serve with the fish tacos or other dishes, as desired.

Yield: about 2 cups

Salsa Fresca:

• 4 large tomatoes, about 2 1/2 pounds, seeded and roughly chopped
• 1 cup chopped white onions
• 5 teaspoons minced garlic
• 4 Serrano peppers, stems and seeds removed, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Combine all the ingredients and stir well to combine. Let salsa sit for 30 minutes for the flavors to blend.

Serve as an accompaniment to fish tacos, or other dishes, as desired.

Yield: about 3 cups