Delicious Buffalo Ranch Fish Tacos Recipe
The kitchen is a magical place. It’s where all the deliciousness happens, and where good vibes are cooked every day. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, there’s always something new to discover in the world of cooking. And when it comes to making tacos, there’s no limit to the ways you can do it! Today, I have a recipe that will change the way you make fish tacos- forever! I present to you- Buffalo Ranch Fish Tacos!
These tacos are nothing like the ordinary ones you’ve had before. They are bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of buffalo and ranch sauce, along with perfectly seasoned fish. Don’t worry if you’re not a fan of spicy food – this recipe has just the right amount of kick to it. So, put on your apron, grab your ingredients and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of fish tacos, then I guarantee that this Buffalo Ranch Fish Tacos recipe will win your heart over. The combination of crispy panko breadcrumbs, tangy buffalo ranch, and tender flaky fish all wrapped up in a warm flour tortilla creates an explosion of flavor in every bite.
But what sets these fish tacos apart is the addition of blue cheese and ranch dressing. This not only adds a layer of cool creaminess to the tacos but also elevates the flavors to an entirely new level. The spice from the buffalo sauce mixed with the salt and pepper perfectly complements the blue cheese’s sharp tang.
One significant benefit of this recipe is its versatility. It’s easy to swap out any seafood option for the fish or even try it with shredded chicken instead. You can also adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce to the mixture.
And if you’re someone who hates spending hours in the kitchen, you’ll appreciate that this recipe requires minimal prep time and can be completed in under thirty minutes. Plus, most of these ingredients are likely already stocked up your pantry or fridge.
So, whether you’re hosting a game night or just looking for a quick and delicious dinner option, these Buffalo Ranch Fish Tacos are sure to impress your friends and family while satisfying your taste buds.
Ingredient List
- 1 lb. fish
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp. lime juice
- 2-3 tbsp. buffalo ranch or buffalo sauce
- Flour tortillas (about 8)
- Coleslaw mix (about 2 cups)
- Taco sauce or hot sauce of your choice (optional)
- Blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Note: You can also use shrimp, ahi tuna, shredded chicken or fried fish, in place of the fish for a different variation of the tacos.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have discussed the ingredients needed for these amazing Buffalo Ranch Fish Tacos, let’s get into how to perfectly execute them. This recipe is so easy to follow, and it only takes 20 minutes to make. Here’s how:
Step 1: Prep the Fish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Mix together the panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder in a shallow dish.
- Dip both sides of each fish fillet first in the mayonnaise-lime juice mixture, then in the panko mixture until fully coated.
Step 2: Cook the Fish
- Place the fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until they are crispy and golden brown.
Step 3: Make Buffalo Ranch Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, mix together DeansCo’s Buffalo Ranch dip with red hot sauce.
- You can adjust the hotness level by adding more or less red hot sauce.
Step 4: Assemble Tacos
- Warm the flour tortillas on a skillet or microwave.
- Top each tortilla with some coleslaw mix, then add a fillet of cooked fish.
- Drizzle some buffalo ranch sauce on top of it.
Bon Appétit!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to switch up the flavors in this recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try.
First, let’s talk about the type of fish. While I recommend using a firm white fish, such as cod or halibut, you can also use shrimp or even ahi tuna for a unique twist on traditional fish tacos. You could also try using shredded buffalo chicken or fried fish for a different texture and flavor profile.
Instead of the buffalo ranch sauce, you could try a chipotle ranch sauce or blue cheese ranch dressing for an added kick. For those who prefer less spice, a regular ranch dressing will work just fine.
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs on hand, regular breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes can be used as a substitute. And if you don’t like the idea of frying your fish, you can bake it in the oven instead for a healthier alternative.
Finally, let’s talk about toppings. While I love serving these tacos with coleslaw mix and taco sauce, you can add any toppings you like! Some popular choices include diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Get creative and make these tacos your own!
Remember that cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. So feel free to make any substitutions or variations to this recipe that you think will enhance your taco experience!
Serving and Pairing
Ready to taste my buffalo ranch fish tacos? Great! Let me suggest some serving and pairing options that will make your taste buds sing.
One great way to serve these delicious tacos is on a bed of fresh lettuce. Not only does it add a cooling contrast to the spicy buffalo ranch flavor, but it also provides a healthier base than traditional flour tortillas.
If you prefer to stick with tortillas, I recommend warming them up in the oven or on the stovetop so that they are ready and crispy when you assemble your tacos. You can also add some shredded buffalo or blue cheese as a topping for an extra kick of flavor.
When it comes to pairing these amazing fish tacos, there are plenty of possibilities. I suggest serving them with a side of coleslaw or other fresh veggies, such as sliced tomatoes or avocado. You could also pair them with rice or quinoa if you’re looking for something more filling.
For drinks, consider a crisp and refreshing beer or perhaps a margarita on the rocks with some salt on the rim. The tangy citrus flavors in the margarita will complement the spicy buffalo ranch seasoning perfectly.
However you choose to serve and pair these delectable fish tacos, they’re sure to be a hit at any party or family gathering. So don’t be afraid to try different combinations until you find the perfect match!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to entertaining, it’s important to have some make-ahead and storing solutions to save yourself some time and trouble. The good news is that you can make the fish fillets ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To reheat the cooked fish, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until they are heated through. If you prefer to use a microwave, place the fish fillets on a microwave-safe dish and heat them on high for about 1 minute until they are heated through.
The flour tortillas can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply wrap them in foil and place in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
If you have any leftover buffalo ranch fish fillets, don’t throw them away! You can use them as a topping on salads, sandwiches, or even in tacos with some fresh toppings such as salsa or guacamole.
For those who are hosting a party or gathering, it’s always great to have some variety of dips and sauces available. You can make these ahead of time too! For the buffalo ranch sauce, mix together the ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, Deans Dip Buffalo Ranch, hot sauce, salt & pepper. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Similarly, for the chipotle ranch sauce and blue cheese ranch dressing, whisk together ingredients like ranch dressing, chili sauce (or adobo seasoning if you like it smoky), garlic powder, onion powder etc. Store these sauces separately in air tight jars in your refrigerator up to a week.
Remember that making ahead of time doesn’t only ease off some stress on yourself but also allows flavors to meld further creating an intense flavor profile which everyone will adore!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a seasoned chef, I’ve learned the tricks of the trade to achieve perfect results when cooking. Here are some tips to make your buffalo ranch fish tacos the star of your party.
1. Season Your Fish
Before breading your fish with panko breadcrumbs, season it generously with salt and pepper. This will give the fish a depth of flavor that complements the tangy and spicy buffalo ranch sauce.
2. Use High-Quality Ingredients
The quality of your ingredients can make or break any recipe. Use fresh fish, high-quality mayonnaise, and homemade taco sauce to elevate the flavors in the dish.
3. Let Your Breadcrumbs Rest
After coating your fish with panko breadcrumbs, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before frying. This allows the breadcrumbs to adhere better to the fish and ensures that it cooks evenly.
4. Choose the Right Tortilla
The tortilla is an essential part of any taco recipe. For these buffalo ranch fish tacos, I recommend using flour tortillas as they hold up well and do not overpower the flavors of the fillings.
5. Keep Your Fillings Simple
Don’t overcomplicate your fillings by including too many different ingredients. In this recipe, the star is the buffalo ranch fish, so keep your additional toppings simple such as shredded lettuce or coleslaw mix.
6. Serve Immediately
Fish tacos are best served immediately after assembling them, as they become soggy when left to sit for too long. Have all of your ingredients prepared in advance so you can assemble them quickly and serve them fresh.
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to impress your guests with amazing buffalo ranch fish tacos that they won’t forget anytime soon.
Bottom Line
With all these factors in mind, I highly recommend that you try making this Buffalo Ranch Fish Tacos recipe for your next party or gathering. The tantalizing blend of spices, tangy buffalo sauce, and zesty lime juice will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Plus, the recipe is versatile enough for you to make substitutions or variations according to your preferences.
Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or someone who wants to impress their guests with a fabulous fish tacos recipe, this is the one to try. With my tips and instructions, you’ll be able to prepare and assemble the tacos perfectly each time. So try it out and see for yourself the amazing flavors that this recipe has to offer.
In closing, I hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through the process of making perfect Buffalo Ranch Fish Tacos. Remember to have fun and let your creativity run wild with any substitutions or variations you want to make. And don’t forget to share this recipe with others who love fish tacos as much as we do!
Buffalo Ranch Fish Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon pickled jalapeno juice
- 6 white fish fillets
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- salt
- pepper
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon buffalo wing sauce
- flour tortilla
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 450.
- 3. Mix mayo with hot sauce (preferably sriracha) and jalapeno juice until well combined.
- 3. Cut fish fillets into about four pieces each. Sprinkle each piece with salt and pepper then brush each piece with mayo mixture. Roll each piece in panko crumbs until well coated.
- 4. Spray broiling rack with cooking spray and place on a baking sheet. Place fish on rack and bake approximately 10-15 minutes.
- 5. While fish is baking, mix Ranch and buffalo sauce.
- 6. Spread buffalo Ranch on tortilla then add fish. Top with cheese and/or other toppings of your choice.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!