If you are brave enough to break out the fry-daddy (or in my case the dutch oven) this summer, these crispy fish tacos are worth making. They stole the show from yesterday’s Skirt Steak tacos. And, while the color of the hoisin is less than appetizing, it really does make the dish.

Crispy Fish Tacos from Food & Wine Magazine May 2010

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
• 1 pound tilapia fillets, cut into 4-by-1-inch strips
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 3 cups panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
• 3 cups vegetable oil, for frying
• 12 corn tortillas, warmed
• Shredded green cabbage, lettuce leaves, cilantro and sliced scallions, for serving

Directions

1. In a bowl, whisk the mayonnaise with the hoisin sauce, pickle relish and lemon juice.
2. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and white pepper. Seal the bag and shake. Add the fish and shake to coat.
3. Put the eggs and panko in separate shallow bowls. Dip the fish in the egg and then in the panko. Transfer the fish to a wax paper–lined platter.
4. In a large, deep skillet, heat the oil to 350°. Add half of the fish and fry over moderate heat, turning once, until golden, about 3 minutes. Drain the fish on a paper towel–lined platter. Repeat with the remaining fish. Serve the fish in the tortillas, passing the hoisin mayonnaise, cabbage, lettuce, cilantro and scallions for serving.