Fried Fish Torta
Crispy, golden-fried fish fillets tucked into a soft bolillo roll with creamy avocado, tangy slaw, and a hint of spice. This is the ultimate Mexican-American sandwich, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Crema and Slaw (5 minutes)
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, 1 tbsp of lime juice, and minced garlic. Season with 1/4 tsp of salt. Set the chipotle crema aside.
- c.In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and sliced red onion. Toss with the remaining 1 tbsp of lime juice and a pinch of salt. Set the slaw aside to lightly pickle.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Set Up Breading Station (3 minutes)
- b.Arrange three shallow dishes. In the first, combine the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, remaining 1 tsp of salt, and black pepper.
- c.In the second dish, lightly beat the eggs with 1 tbsp of water.
- d.In the third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Coat the Fish (5 minutes)
- b.Pat the fish fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy coating.
- c.Working one fillet at a time, dredge it in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
- d.Next, dip the flour-coated fillet into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off.
- e.Finally, press the fillet firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring it is completely and evenly coated on all sides.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Fry the Fish (10 minutes)
- b.Pour vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to a depth of about 1/2 inch. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C) or shimmers.
- c.Carefully place two coated fillets into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. This maintains the oil temperature for maximum crispiness.
- d.Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and the fish is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- e.Remove the cooked fish with a slotted spatula and transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining fillets.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble the Tortas (5 minutes)
- b.Slice the bolillo rolls in half horizontally. For extra texture, toast the cut sides on a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- c.Generously spread the chipotle crema on both the top and bottom halves of each roll.
- d.On the bottom half, layer a generous amount of the cabbage slaw.
- e.Place a crispy fried fish fillet on top of the slaw.
- f.Arrange slices of avocado and pickled jalapeños over the fish.
- g.Cover with the top half of the roll, press down gently, and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the fish is patted completely dry. This helps the coating stick and makes the fish extra crispy.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan when frying. Cooking in batches ensures the oil temperature stays high, resulting in a crispier, less greasy crust.
- 3Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture.
- 4Toasting the bolillo rolls before assembling adds a nice texture and helps prevent the bread from getting soggy from the sauce and toppings.
- 5For authentic tortas, you can scoop out some of the soft bread from the top half of the roll to make more room for the fillings.
- 6The chipotle crema and slaw can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Option
For a lighter version, grill or bake the fish instead of frying. Season the fish with the same spice blend and cook until opaque and flaky.
Add CheeseAdd Cheese
Melt a slice of Oaxaca cheese or Monterey Jack on the fish fillet during the last minute of cooking, or add crumbled queso fresco during assembly.
Different ProteinDifferent Protein
This recipe works wonderfully with breaded chicken cutlets (milanesa) or crispy fried shrimp instead of fish.
Spicier SlawSpicier Slaw
Add one finely minced serrano or jalapeño pepper to the cabbage slaw for an extra kick of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
The white fish provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish like cod are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health and reduce inflammation.
Provides Healthy Monounsaturated Fats
Avocado is packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and are beneficial for heart health.
Contains Dietary Fiber
The cabbage slaw, bolillo roll, and avocado contribute dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps promote a feeling of fullness.
Frequently asked questions
A single Fried Fish Torta contains approximately 750-850 calories, depending on the size of the fish fillet and the amount of oil absorbed during frying. It's a hearty and satisfying meal.