These vegan fish tacos are a delightful and satisfying alternative to traditional fish tacos, featuring a crispy texture and robust flavors. Below are two variations of the recipe, one using hearts of palm and the other with beer-battered vegan fish.

Variation 1: Hearts of Palm Tacos

Ingredients:

• Vegan Fish:
• 1 can hearts of palm (14.1 ounces)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon adobo seasoning
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• Cabbage Slaw:
• 5 ounces chopped green or Napa cabbage
• ¼ cup pickled red onions or thinly sliced red onion
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste
• Other Ingredients:
• ½ cup frozen or fresh corn
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 jalapeño or green pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegan sour cream
• 5 corn tortillas

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (206°C).
2. Drain the hearts of palm and cut them in half lengthwise to create strips.
3. In a large dish, mix all the seasonings together and coat the hearts of palm evenly.
4. Place the seasoned hearts of palm on a baking dish, spray with oil, and bake for 20 minutes.
5. While they bake, cook the corn in a pan over medium-low heat until crispy (about 5-10 minutes).
6. In a large bowl, combine all slaw ingredients and mix well.
7. After baking, flip the hearts of palm and return to the oven for another 5 minutes.
8. Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
9. Assemble the tacos by layering cabbage slaw, hearts of palm, corn, green onions, and a drizzle of vegan sour cream. Enjoy![1]

Variation 2: Beer-Battered Vegan Fish Tacos

Ingredients:

• Vegan Fish:
• Recipe for beer-battered vegan fish (homemade or store-bought)
• Toppings:
• Shredded purple cabbage
• Diced tomatoes
• Diced onion (white or red)
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced avocados
• Crumbled vegan cheese (optional)
• Fish Taco Sauce:
• ½ cup vegan mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Sriracha hot sauce to taste
• Tortillas:
• Small corn or flour tortillas

Instructions:

1. Prepare the beer-battered vegan fish according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. While the fish is cooking, prepare all taco toppings and set aside.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth.
4. Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave until pliable.
5. Assemble each taco by placing pieces of the fried fish in a tortilla, adding toppings, and drizzling with sauce.
6. Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor!

Alternatives to Hearts of Palm

If you’re looking to replace hearts of palm in your vegan fish tacos, consider these options:

• Artichoke Hearts: They have a similar texture and can be seasoned well.
• Oyster Mushrooms: These can mimic the flaky texture of fish when cooked.
• Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu can be marinated and battered for a protein-rich alternative.
• Cauliflower: When battered and fried, cauliflower can provide a unique texture and flavor.

Making the Vegan Fish Taco Sauce Spicier

To add some heat to your vegan fish taco sauce, try these adjustments:

• Chipotle Peppers: Incorporate minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky flavor.
• Sriracha or Hot Sauce: Stir in Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to taste.
• Cayenne Pepper: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Smoked Paprika: This not only adds spice but also enhances the smoky flavor profile.

Side Dishes for Vegan Fish Tacos

Here are some great side dishes that pair well with vegan fish tacos:

• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob topped with vegan mayo, lime, and chili powder.
• Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and cilantro.
• Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crispy tortilla chips.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice mixed with fresh cilantro and lime juice for a zesty side.

Alternative Flours for Beer Batter

You can substitute different types of flour in your beer batter:

• Gluten-Free Flour: Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend for a gluten-free option.
• Rice Flour: This can create a lighter, crispier batter.
• Chickpea Flour (Besan): Adds protein and a unique flavor; mix it with water to create a batter.

Ensuring Crispy Corn Without Burning

To achieve crispy corn without burning it, follow these tips:

• Use Medium Heat: Cook the corn over medium heat to allow it to crisp up without burning.
• Stir Occasionally: Stir the corn regularly to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking or burning.
• Add Oil Sparingly: Use just enough oil to coat the pan lightly; too much can lead to sogginess rather than crispiness.
• Cook in Batches: If you have a lot of corn, cook it in smaller batches to maintain high heat in the pan.

These recipes provide a delicious way to enjoy vegan fish tacos that are sure to please both vegans and non-vegans alike!