Step 1: Roasting the Peppers
- Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the poblano peppers directly on the heat and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning them every few minutes until all sides are charred. The skin should be blistered and blackened.
- Once fully charred, transfer the peppers to a plastic bag and seal it. Let them rest for about 15-20 minutes. This step helps loosen the skin, making it easier to peel.
Step 2: Preparing the Peppers
- Remove the peppers from the bag and gently peel off the charred skin. It should come off easily, but if needed, use a paper towel to rub off any stubborn bits. Avoid rinsing the peppers, as this can wash away their smoky flavor.
- Using a small knife, make a vertical slit down one side of each pepper, from the stem to the tip.
- Carefully remove the seeds with a spoon or your fingers. If handling seeds directly, consider using gloves to prevent irritation.
Step 3: Preparing the Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled queso fresco, shredded mozzarella, and diced onions.
- If using chicken or beef, mix it into the cheese filling for a heartier version.
- Gently stuff each pepper with about ¼ cup of filling. Do not overfill, as this may cause the peppers to break during frying.
- Press the slit edges together to close the peppers. If needed, secure them with toothpicks to prevent the filling from spilling out.
Step 4: Preparing the Breading and Batter
- In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the egg whites using a hand mixer or whisk until soft peaks form. This step is crucial for creating a light, fluffy batter.
- Add the egg yolks to the whipped whites and gently fold them in until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can deflate the batter.
Step 5: Coating and Frying the Peppers
- Heat about 1.5 inches of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should reach about 350°F before frying.
- Roll each stuffed pepper in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. This helps the egg batter adhere better.
- Dip the floured pepper into the egg batter, making sure it is fully coated. Hold the pepper closed while dipping to prevent the filling from escaping.
- Carefully place the battered pepper into the hot oil. Fry in batches of three to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Cook each side for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to gently turn the peppers.
- Transfer the fried peppers to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.