Beer-Battered Fish Tacos Recipe | Crispy Fish Tacos on a Plancha BBQ

🐟 Crispy Beer-Battered Fish Tacos on a Plancha BBQ

Fish and chips are a British institution, and this recipe gives those familiar flavours a fresh twist. Instead of serving battered fish with chips, it's tucked into warm tortillas with crunchy slaw, homemade tartare sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a lighter meal that's perfect for outdoor dining.

The plancha BBQ provides a generous cooking surface for warming the tortillas, charring the lemon halves and preparing the slaw accompaniments, while the crispy fish can be cooked on a flat plate or cast iron pan placed directly on the plancha.

Ideal for relaxed summer lunches, family dinners or entertaining friends, these fish tacos are easy to prepare, full of flavour and guaranteed to become a barbecue favourite.

📝 Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Serves: 4

Difficulty: Easy

🛒 Ingredients

For the Fish

  • 600g cod or haddock fillets, cut into strips
  • 150g self-raising flour
  • 200ml chilled pale ale
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Tartare Sauce

  • 150ml mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp capers, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp gherkins, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley

To Serve

  • 8 soft flour tortillas
  • Shredded white cabbage
  • Grated carrot
  • Fresh coriander
  • Charred lemon halves
  • Pea shoots

🔥 Equipment Needed

  • Plancha BBQ
  • Cast iron pan or flat griddle
  • BBQ spatula
  • BBQ tongs
  • Mixing bowls

👨🍳 Method

Step 1 – Prepare the tartare sauce

Mix together all the tartare sauce ingredients and refrigerate until needed.

Step 2 – Make the batter

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, paprika and seasoning.

Gradually whisk in the chilled ale until smooth.

Step 3 – Cook the fish

Heat the oil in a cast iron pan placed on the plancha BBQ.

Dip each piece of fish into the batter and carefully fry for 4–5 minutes until golden, crisp and cooked through.

Drain on kitchen paper.

Step 4 – Warm the tortillas

Heat the tortillas directly on the plancha for around 30 seconds per side.

Char the lemon halves until lightly caramelised.

Step 5 – Assemble

Fill each tortilla with shredded cabbage, battered fish, carrot and pea shoots.

Spoon over the tartare sauce and finish with fresh coriander and a squeeze of charred lemon.

Serve immediately.

💡 Cooking Tips

  • Keep the batter cold for the crispiest coating.
  • Pat the fish dry before coating.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan.
  • Warm the tortillas just before serving.
  • Charred lemons add a subtle sweetness.

🌟 Delicious Variations

Spicy Fish Tacos

Add chipotle mayonnaise and sliced jalapeños.

Halloumi Tacos

Replace the fish with grilled halloumi.

Prawn Tacos

Swap the fish for king prawns.

Salt & Vinegar Tacos

Add crushed salt and vinegar crisps for extra crunch.

Beer-Battered Haddock Wraps

Serve everything in large wraps instead of tortillas.

🍽️ What to Serve with Fish Tacos

These tacos are delicious with:

  • Skin-on fries
  • Corn on the cob
  • Pickled onions
  • Tomato salsa
  • Avocado salad
  • Coleslaw
  • Potato wedges
  • Grilled sweetcorn

🥡 Storage & Leftovers

The fish is best enjoyed fresh, although leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 1 day and reheated in the oven until crisp.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another fish?

Yes. Cod, haddock, pollock or hake are all excellent choices.

Why use a plancha?

The plancha makes it easy to prepare the tortillas, toppings and garnishes together while using a cast iron pan for the fish.

Can I make the tartare sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. It can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Can I make these without beer?

Yes. Replace the ale with sparkling water for a light, crispy batter.

Can I grill the fish instead?

Certainly. Coat the fish with seasoned breadcrumbs or simply grill it for a lighter version.

🛍️ Shop the Equipment at Sal's Place

A plancha BBQ gives you the flexibility to prepare every part of the meal in one place, making outdoor cooking simple and enjoyable.

🔗 Explore Plancha BBQs at Sal's Place

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Bring a fresh twist to a British favourite with these crispy fish tacos—perfect for sharing on warm summer days.