4 Levels of Fish Tacos: Amateur to Food Scientist | Epicurious

We challenged chefs of three different skill levels - amateur Onika, home cook Alejandro, and professional chef Saul Montiel from Rooftop Cantina - to make us a plate of fish tacos. Once each level of chef had presented and tasted their creations, we asked expert food scientist Rose to explain the choices each made along the way to add some scientific context to the results. Which fish tacos can you imagine tucking into at a beachside cabana?
Director: Debra Remstein
Director of Photography: Jeremy Harris
Editors: Manolo Moreno
Talent -
Level 1- Onika McLean
Level 2- Alejandro Alba
Level 3 - Saul Montiel
Food Scientist: Rosemary Trout
Producer:Tyre Nobles
Culinary Producer: Mallary Santucci
Associate Culinary Producer - Katrina
Culinary Assistant - Stevie Stewart
Director of Talent: Cynthia Simpson
Line Producer: Jennifer McGinity
Associate Producer: Sam Ghee
Production Manager: Janine Dispensa
Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Hymes
Cam Operator: Lucas Young
Audio: Rachel Suffian
Post Production Supervisor: Stephanie Cardone
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Supervising Editor: Eduardo Araujo
Assistant Editor: Billy Ward
Video Copy and Recipe Editor: Vivian Jao
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[@Sueiga]

You have to admit it, Saul throwing away the cap opener and just open the beer bottle with his knife was pretty badass, and his honest laugh always get me

[@cwg73160]

ok

[@FlagCutie]

He always reminds me of my tios!

PLEASE DONT TRY THIS AT HOME! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@nancymarin4603]

That's how my pa and tios open theirs.

[@tbtb1249]

Agreed! He could have done that blindfolded. He's done that hundreds of times! *CHEERS* 🍻

[@GeronaXxYT]

I am a simple man, I see Saul is on the video I hit like!

[@aayushipisal7547]

me too 😂💜

[@Meadowsandmangoes]

This is the only acceptable response to these videos lol

[@KamekazeKuban]

I’ve been in the mindset of this for a while lol

[@vineet_2003]

True words have never been said

[@StellaDaBest]

Same

[@oneshine8072]

Who can agree Saul is like every person’s favorite back yard barbecue uncle who all wants to be around him for his amazing food and flavors

[@JohnJones-je4mn]

Not uncle. Tio.

[@jalapenopapii]

Level 1s ain’t even level 1s anymore they all are skilled and Saul and Onika got a chemistry that’s hilarious 😂😂😂

[@tompcd1189]

How was the level 1 skilled???

[@subrina1016]

I don't agree she opened the tortilla bag from the bottom instead of the Ziploc top and it triggered me. Lol it's funny though but not in my house man not in my house.

[@harpy2602]

L1 doesnt necessarily mean "terribly inept in the kitchen" . it cn just be less skilled, less technical, beginner friendly etc. im glad they moved away from the L1 chef being a complete joke

[@bloompssqoosh2516]

fr level 1 should be using frozen fish sticks! i miss when the level 1s were funny

[@legn0800]

@@oneshine8072 you mean the 4 levels of enchiladas? the guy who shredded a rotisserie chicken and added like a cup of garlic powder and pepper and like 4 tablespoons of salt xd?

[@VerhoevenSimon]

it's always a treat when Saul is on the show.

😇😊🥹

[@AsterMaken]

this show really better call saul later on in the future

[@lolscotts8667]

@@AsterMaken fr he should be a lawyer or somethin

[@KamekazeKuban]

We got a bit of a history lesson from Saul!? Keep bringing him back! He’s great!! Always good seeing him on videos!!!!

[@DCLocal84]

If they could just keep the level 3s to Frank and Saul, I would be so happy.

[@lore5080]

And tempura came from Portugual to Japan when Japan traded with the Portuguese ;) ofc they adapted and changed it, but it's a small world isn't it?:0

[@lilliamuribe9438]

I know him personally and let me just answer everyone in the comments with... YES HE REALLY IS LIKE THIS EVERYDAY! Best Chef ever 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 So lucky to work with him! Great Video Chef!

[@trpxdhd]

If yall ever get invited to a carne asada hosted by him can I slide ??

[@victoriaanastasia420]

Yea he’s my uncle’s brother’s cousin. We’re super close

[@danschumacher5427]

You also a chef?

[@joshwhite5730]

@@victoriaanastasia420 you mean your mom or dads cousin

[@victoriaanastasia420]

@@joshwhite5730 lol it was just a joke cause people like to say they know someone and they really dont

[@robertnorris8367]

The king is back. We all know he’s winning this. #teamSaul

[@jordanclark7821]

Saul for President!!

[@venancioalvarezgarcia1798]

Yessssss

[@primeministerborisjohnson4979]

Frank For President, Saul For Vice President! #MakeItHappen2024!

Stop it ☺️😊😇🙃🤩

[@primeministerborisjohnson4979]

@ OMG CHEF! WE LOVE YOU!

[@phasamtasie]

I appreciate Saul saying there is nothing wrong with store bought. He doesn't judge and look down on it but simply, if you don't have the time or want to do all the work, you do you.

[@Kyssifrot]

"If it tastes delicious, that's all that matters" This should be on a painting in all restaurants. Thank you Chef Saul!

[@ethanhorn6093]

Onika is absolutely 100% without question my all-time favorite level "1" chef. Everything she's doing is right straight out of my childhood. From her seasonings to how she handles the food and talks about the food. I am from Texas but "Creole" on something was shorthand for "literally" everything you need seasoning wise to make stuff taste good. Tony Chachere brand is the best.

[@khyraphillip9458]

She doesn’t seem like level 1 chief. I hope she can get promoted to level 2 like Emily

[@139fulton]

Onika is a very entertaining I worked with her from 1989 to 2009 She is a comedy who is making people laugh

[@AAblade7]

Was for me till I got my first taste of ‘slap your mama’ red.

[@Yoojeenyah_]

Chef Saul needs his own show at this point! History lesson and jokes? What else can we ask for? #TEAMSAUL

[@MGD313]

PARAMEDIC: How did you injure yourself? ME: Trying to open a beer like Chef Saul. Totally worth it.

[@himemiya]

Saul talking to his fried fish, "Yes I'm ready!" was so adorable

[@herbalcamel]

Reminds me of Bob talking to his food in Bob's Burgers haha

[@hisbigal]

I may be a complicated woman, but I’m simply here for Saúl and Onika.

[@nardinadeleon]

I love them!

[@139fulton]

I am here for Onika also

[@cobblestone5642]

something I noticed is that saul is always the chef for mexican recipes which is such a nice thing, they should implement that for all cuisines Edit: I was hinting at the Biryani episode 😭 I'm desi and it was painful to see and I felt it was almost unfair to the chef since I'm sure she is a great chef but you cannot expect a non desi chef to understand the intricates of our food. On the other hand, with Saul you can tell he knows his stuff cuz it's his culture and food

[@Lightningrod75]

But just because a chef is of a nationality doesn't make them an expert on it.

[@dr.health1688]

@@Lightningrod75. However more times then not they are.

[@rebeccasunflower]

Especially biryani and curry 😬🤦🏼‍♀️

[@betts12220]

They should keeop it simple and choose the best person for the job regardless of nationality/sex or any other identity. That said, Saul IS the right person for the job haha. He's great.

[@RenoNV775]

Whoever makes the best food should make the food, racist.

[@rembertojimenez2637]

All three tacos look delicioius. Well done Onika, Alejandro, and Saul!!

[@sinclairbowman92]

I love that the subtitles just assumed "Speaking Spanish" when Saul said Onika's name in exasperation lol

[@catc8927]

Gotta love Saúl: “I like the sauces to be sweet and spicy - like me!” 😆

[@AidenSShin]

Ok, more Mexican food please. I’d really like to see more of Saul and Alejandro, they are my favorites.

[@savannah2179]

i think my favorite thing about these videos is that all the chef's are always proud of what they cook, regardless of complexity or skill level :)

[@ajay_karthi_l_r]

Well, the first lady was all about quick and easy, second guy was mostly about looks but the third chef was totally about the taste and authenticity.

[@DA_9219]

I like Onika but she didn't even cook the freaking tortilla 🤮

[@johnr797]

They all looked pretty tasty though

[@FoougieTV]

@@DA_9219 yeah that was hilarious. gotta let that tortilla hit the pan for sure. Lol

[@munkii2390]

Dude I just came looking for a basic fish taco recipe and got SCHOOLED, I am now going down a rabbit hole of this channels videos, my dream was to always become a chef, part of the passion is food science, and the culture and history, this video was MADE for ppl like me. Awesome job everyone, 11/10 ❤️

[@baronvonbeandip]

"I'm from Texas, near the border." "I'm not good a frying stuff." I sense a contradiction.

[@tabathaogost4982]

Dam they all look so good. I could eat them all but I think I can actually make the salmon tacos so will give them a try. Saul's just a cutie! Love his vibe.

[@rodrigul3]

I saw TACO, and was waiting…..then I saw SAUL! Immediately liked the video! ❤️🙏🏼 Saul is the best Level 3 chef.

Thank you 🙏🏻 hombre 👨🏻

[@LaizeeBunnee]

I love how in each one of these videos, there's like a explanation of what they used etc. Really helps you understand the food better

[@uspc.politics]

Frank was busy raising his fish in his aquarium. He was also harvesting his self-grown corn to make corn tortillas.

[@ai38317]

we fully support a man who uses a tortilla presser as a weapon

[@eldibs]

Saul always seems like he's having a blast, I love it.

[@rsbandbj1]

we remember watching Saul first appearance making a burrito. Once we saw him, we all knew the challenge was over.

[@justalittlebitmo]

Level 1, I missed her name. Loved the mood when she pulled her tortillas out and set them on the plate. 😅👌

[@soulonsoul8035]

Is it just me or is the Level 1 chef more like a Level 2? Anyway yea Baja fish tacos are my favorite 😍

[@ampersano1253]

"I am extra, and so is my fish." I love onika 😂

[@arturoperez3826]

at 7:05.... i mean i wouldnt want a fish taco with tortillas JUST out the package...

[@missalba.4937]

I'm mexican, Saul is my man, but I love Alejandro, he is a real mexican american... you can actually see the "mexicanity" in him... Onika made an american unwrapped burrito (I'm sorry, flour tortillas are not made for tacos, the only taco that can take a flour tortilla is "caramelo" taco, the rest are just unwrapped burritos), but I love her personality.. I actually love this trio. Goes american, mexican american, mexican.... and there is nothing wrong with neither.

[@prestonsays]

All 3 of these recipes look so yummy but the extra-ness of Saul’s really made his look amazing 🌮

[@carolinekaufman2210]

I wish saul taught cooking classes!

[@jordanclark7821]

I wish he taught literally anything. Even if he has zero idea on the subject. I'd be there! Saul teaching ballet?? Let's freaking go :)

[@snoopydog352]

You know he’s a Mexican when he can open a beer with anything

[@RunmanLP]

I think not being able to open beer with anything is an USA thing 😂 In most of Europe it's nearly an insult if someone offers you a bottle opener. Most ppl just gonna ask if anybody's carrying a lighter or grab another bottle. I even did it with a piece of regular paper and the heel kick so yeah :)

[@rodrigul3]

The way SAUL POPPED THAT BEER! 😍🎊🥳, he truly Mexican!

[@matthewb2637]

I feel like my main takeaway here is I need to go to Saul's restaurant.

[@hazzel1899]

give saul his own show, he's so funny

[@beanshady]

As a lover of fish tacos, I love all of these and they all look quite enjoyable. Well done chefs!

[@cemocan166]

Saul has outdone himself again here. I'd love to have those Tacos. They look super delicious...

[@fionamaria8815]

I have a soft spot for Alejandro 👏 He's cute and not a psychopath just because he flips tortilla with hands

[@salvadorarreolarodriguez6165]

it's the mexican way...

[@basiakost4516]

I love how passionate Saul is with cooking, he makes me want to cook everything!

[@0ceanicify]

Level 0: Fish fingers & ketchup in a wrap.

[@marcusyee2211]

7:49 Saul is so wholesome, as always but here specifically lol

[@djShuttlenyc]

I love Fish Tacos so this was a great episode for my first time watching. Onika brought me and I love her around the way girl vibe in the kitchen great job. Saul you can see is a master. History, working from scratch and the beer wit the knife is classic 👍🏾

[@ShirotoraGodsbane]

Any chance we can get the recipe for that salsa, Saul? That looks amazing.

[@HTMLguruLady2]

Does anyone know if Saul has his own you tube channel?

[@mousiebrown1747]

That’s Tony Chachere seasoning salt, if you’re interested. Cajun cook Justin Wilson always double dipped whatever he fried.

[@Rejoice1631]

All three of these folks are AWESOME... And funny..And, such GREAT looking Food..I am hungry now... Thanks.../sigh Hehehe

[@cfr1985]

Siempre se siente bonito ver a Saúl en este canal! ❤️gracias Epicurious !

[@maiwritesmovies0560]

Gracias por la lección, ¿qué dialecto estás hablando?

[@ThePandaWarrior]

"Chef Saul is doing the most" Onika dropping truth bombs

[@ColombianLNP]

All three of them did Amazing !!! I would love to try each of thier tacos. And Saul kills me hahahahaha funny and great chef! Cheers from your biggest fan in Colombia amigos!

Pues que viva Colombiaaaa papá! 🇨🇴🇨🇴🇨🇴🇨🇴 🇨🇴

[@ColombianLNP]

@ Que viva México Hermano !!!!!! Eres un Gran Chef amigo !

[@Bruno-rm4zq]

The second chef giving his all and Saul: "i gonna batter my fish"

[@liinap.9144]

I know all comments here are already about him but... WHY IS SAUL SO AWESOME??? :D Never had fish tacos... or any tacos (it's not really much of a thing here in north-eastern Europe) but I think I might have to make them now. It looks delicious!

[@matildabishops9196]

If the fish tacos are seasoned right…they are so good!

[@zara6673]

Saul will never not be my absolute favorite. Someone give this man his own show.

[@laprofessorapai]

Yes, I'd like to see him compete with Frank. Those would be some very interesting dishes

[@airreaper1]

I think this level 3 meal is probably the easiest I have seen, and one I will probably try!

[@joeymartinez4878]

Feeling very proud of my Texan self for beer battering my halibut whenever I fish in Alaska and mi abuela makes tortillas de maíz from scratch

[@koviyovas8325]

Her fish looks good, but the salsa from the guys looks amazing.

[@carlosvega1635]

Saul is the Latino bob Belcher I mean that as the biggest compliment possible I love him 🔥🔥🔥 I'm like there's my boy like button hit 🔥🔥🔥

[@AnthonyNogales]

Alejandro's presentation is just gorgeous! I want that in my mouth! The taco too.

[@ericktellez7632]

📸🤨

[@christianmunozpelaez4691]

Me too tbh 😳

[@Arcana_Gamez]

I Love Saul's personality so much he is such a freaking mood while cooking, and you can tell he hs genuine joy with what he does.

[@andreyapatinha6727]

Saul is my favorite person on earth

[@alexandersnider734]

Dammmmn Saul lost some weight, looking good homie

[@HappyHealthyWife]

Saul making fish tacos 👀!? Let’s go!

[@elizabethc9844]

Saul is the best chef. He should have his own cooking show on the food network.

[@chrise.321]

Just the words "fish tacos" would gross me out, until I tried some at Taqueria Rossy in San Jose del Cabo and now I go there for vacation JUST for the fish tacos. And Tacos Gardenias in Cabo San Lucas!!! So I've GOT to try Saul's recipe!!! Thanks!!

[@davethebarber62920]

Level 1 looked better than level 2 IMO. Those level 3 tacos looked incredible.

[@kagani6202]

Level 2 looking bussin not gonna lie.

[@charleyu5506]

@@kagani6202 level 2 definitely looked and sounded better than 1

[@That1Yoshi18]

Saul and Onika Two of my favorites in this series

[@haileyhowson8350]

i love saul sooo much, he’s just so funny and has such a good vibe, he’s probably fun to hang out with.

[@badjokecoke]

Epicurious: "We're gonna make a video about tacos. Better call Saul"

[@tepmurt76]

Onika: All we have to do is open that package! Also Onika: *opens them wrong*

[@vegasrunaway]

Just like my ex… always opened packaged items at the wrong end. 😝

[@t-momusic]

OMG IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS THANK YOUUUUUU EPICURIOS! Making my favorite dish :)!

[@AnotherDollyYouTube]

Saul is the comedy chef of the show. He's really funny and talented, Don't let him go!

[@joyfulinhope1210]

The level 3 chef makes a yummy taco. He’s funny too. 🌮 🥑

[@JackBauered770]

All three look delicious!

[@TragoudistrosMPH]

6:57 I broke one of those once -_- Massive pressure isn't required...

[@cyberpunkcentral8500]

I truly appreciate being offered a grilled fish option! Dont get me wrong, I do love munching down on the Baja-style, beer-battered, deep or shallow fried fish tacos, but you can't eat those all the time. Thanks for including the salmon recipe, Epicurious! 🏆

[@juliabishop1408]

For Saul, instead of a mic drop, it's a spoon drop 😂

[@dzelus00]

Saul is extraordinarily funny in this one!

[@liselottnelson5479]

No doubt about it I would love to have the taco Number 1 did. The black lady killed it ❤

[@mommaramirez780]

Maestro Chef Saul!! 💖💖💖💖 Clases porfavor! "100 Mexican Salsas"

[@SmokeyMcpots69]

Who else knew right off the bat that Onika wasn’t going to heat up her tortillas lol

[@yelljal2764]

I also noticed that she did the egg first in the dredge instead of the flour.

[@sereenytrye]

@@yelljal2764 what’s wrong with egg first?

[@tapp3r109]

@@sereenytrye I'm not sure, but I think you coat with flour first to make the egg stick better. Fish is somewhat moist and slippery, so the egg would slide right off. It will be harder to coat with breadcrumbs or w/e you're using since there's less egg on it. Dry stuff sticks better to wet stuff, and wet stuff sticks better to try stuff.

[@r.tuesday5811]

@@tapp3r109 that's exactly how you make Wiener Schnitzel (breadcrumbed and fried veal scallop): 1. flour 2. egg 3. bread crumbs

[@astralsight4719]

I'm gonna try Saul 's avocado cilantro sauce

[@ninamoler1880]

Wonderful video as always! All three chefs gave me ideas, but Saul has changed the way I will make my masa shells and pop a bottle cap! I have a tortilla press and never knew how to tell the dough was ready and to turn and press 3 times. So excited to try!

[@TragoudistrosMPH]

6:16 I see that extra effort. She could have used the easy open top, but she tore open the bottom. Onika works hard, too :)

[@Steveofthejungle8]

YES SAUL IS THE ONLY CHOICE FOR TACOS

[@candice_green]

I'm watching this before 7am, but I don't care, I think I'm about to make fish tacos for breakfast.

[@dennissanvicente1576]

Having gone to Pacific-side Ensenada and Gulf-side San Felipe, Baja California, thoroughly enjoyed the two tacos de pescado versions - Saul's Ensenada-style beer tempura version is on point! Pico de gallo and red pickled onions are refreshing, the crema or avocado makes it rich, the lighter crispy coating gives it that crunch and the slightly sweet fresh corn tortilla complements the whole fish taco experience!

[@deidregoodman6485]

Look very delicious 🤤 😋 I love different kind of tacos I love fish tacos grill bake or fried

[@gunznknives]

Saul is such a badass! I'd eat Saul's and Onika's Tacos de pescado any time and any day! Sorry, Alejandro, salmon is too oily for my Tacos de pescado.

[@Javooo131]

Saul speaking for the fish is giving me Bob Belcher's vibes

[@raeperonneau4941]

Mmmmm. Love fish coated in flour and cornmeal. That’s the way my Dad always made fried fish for me! ❤️ PS Saul is so awesome!!!

[@Lizarddqueen79]

I live really close to Baja California Mexico, and they literally tempura fry cod, have avocado creamy sauce, mayo or crema, and pico. And they are always the best on corn tortillas. Thankfully they are usually home made tortillas. But I’m gonna make my own with Halibut and attempt making my own corn tortillas. I don’t know about that nut topping. My mom used to make a peanut chipotle sauce but it was creamy and not oily.

[@asophiez5265]

All my Mexican people please help me, what other stuff do we use to open a beer? I’ll go first: keys, rings, the side of a table, a spoon…

[@guillermobarroso2990]

The amateur in the thumbnail look decent and pretty delicious 😋

[@aclonymous]

"I'm from texas, by the border" -the most violently californian man on planet earth