Fish Tacos

Tuesday, September 22, 2015


I've never met a fish taco that I didn't like, and I've never cooked a piece of fish that I have liked.  I am not including fish sticks, because those are delicious and hard to mess up.  But fish intimidates me big time.  The problem is that I never know when it is done, so I end up with overcooked inedible pieces or warm sashimi.  On the off chance that it is cooked to a decent texture, the flavor isn't there.  I have trouble making any fish have flavor, I have no idea what I was doing wrong.  Plus fish can be pricey, and I am not keen on ruining expensive food.  All of this had lead to a fish boycott.  If we want fish, we leave it to the professionals and get it at a restaurant. 

I was nervous about cooking fish, and nervous of how a fish taco with Indian spices would turn out.  I am used to fish tacos being very limey and cilantro laden with a definite Mexican style spice blend going on.  I'm here to learn though, correct?  Because this fish taco has lifted the ban from our household, and was given accolades for DAYS.  Even my best dishes are only complimented during dinner, but days afterward?  This recipe is legit.  I urge you to try it and transform your attitudes about cooking fish.  It really isn't too difficult at all!

proof!

You will need for the fish:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 TSP ground coriander
2 TSP ancho chili powder (I used what was labeled chili powder)
pinch of ground cinnamon
Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper
1 pound meaty but flaky white fish, skin and bones removed, cut into bite sized chunks (I used mahimahi, but you can use cod too, or check this page for ideas)

You will need for the mayo:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
Leaves from approx 8 springs of fresh mint
2 TSP ground cumin
zest and juice from 1 lime
Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

You will need for the tacos:
Corn tortillas
1/4 head of green cabbage, shredded (or bagged slaw will do)
1/2 cup finely chopped scallions
pickled banana pepper strips (if you like them)
lime wedges


So to start, get your fish all cut into pieces and ready to marinate.  In a bowl, combine the olive oil, coriander, chili powder, cinnamon, salt and pepper.  Add your fish and get them coated in the oil and spices mixture.  Set aside while making the mayo.

You are going to need a food processor or a mini-chopper for the mayo.  Now focus, because this is a challenge.  Add all mayo ingredients to the food processor and blend/chop until smooth.  Whoa!!  lol.  Taste for flavor and add a touch more salt, pepper, or lime if needed. 

Now it's show time.  Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat - allow it to get all the way up to temperature before adding the fish.  No need to oil the skillet because the oil based marinade.  Aarti suggests testing the skillet with a drop or two of water, and if it sizzles and evaporates, you are ready for the fish.  Add the fish to the skillet, they should sizzle when they hit the pan.  Have your fish pieces in an even layer, but not over crowded.  There should be a perimeter of space around all the pieces.  Three minutes per side should result in a perfectly cooked piece of fish that is about 1.5-2 inches thick.  Remove from heat after three minutes per side and let rest for a minute before assembly.

To assemble your tacos, start with a warm corn tortilla.  I usually microwave mine wrapped in a dish towel for about 30 seconds and they are warm and pliable.  Add a smear of your spiced mayo, then your fish.  Top with cabbage, peppers and a squeeze of lime and enjoy fish taco nirvana. 



39 comments:

  1. Time to try making some delicious fish tacos!

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  2. This recipe sounds awesome! I have the same problem when cooking fish. If you can break the curse, then I will give it a try too lol.

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  3. I may not eat fish but I do love tacos! Will have to try the addition of mint next time I make them.

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  4. I love fish tacos and these sound delicious. Thanks for sharing!

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  5. I adore fish tacos too - love your combo of cinnamon and coriander with the fish - and that garlic, mint, cumin mayo sounds like the perfect accompaniment!

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  7. This sounds like a quick dinner dream! Easy, fast, delicious :-)

    Monica.

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  8. These look really good and easy. I love seafood and tacos are a staple at our house.

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  9. Yum! We love fish tacos at our house. Have you ever tried cooking frozen tilapia or salmon? We get the frozen tilapia filets, which are pretty cheap! We just put them in a pan with lime juice, Rotel, and maybe some onions, and cook on low-medium with the lid on until the fish falls apart. Stir it all up and throw in a taco shell or lettuce wrap with some avocado, cheese, sour cream, or whatever...it is SO good! And it takes all of maybe 15 minutes to throw together.

    Jebbica
    http://jebbicasworld.com

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  10. Sounds delish! I have never actually cooked fish IN our house. Maybe it is time to try. :)

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  11. Yum! I love fish tacos and how easy they are to make! Thanks for sharing!

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  12. My husband is a huge tacos fan and he would love love love those! :)

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  13. I love tacos but not fish... this recipe sounds great, I love the spices... thinking I'll trade the fish for chicken!

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  14. That looks delicious! Now I'm hungry. :) Thanks for posting!

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  15. I love a good fish taco. I think I know what's for dinner this weekend. Yum.

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  16. This seems like a great meal to serve to guests - our friends love fish tacos.

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  17. Fish is definitely not always a simple meal to prepare. But, got to hand it to you, this recipes seems very simple yet amazing. The kids might actually not put up a fight to eat it. Thanks for the recipe.

    Thrifting Diva
    www.thriftingdiva.com

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  18. I would never have had Fish Taco's ...interesting :)

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  19. Yum, sounds delicious. I love your detailed instructions. I need all the help I can get in the kitchen.

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  20. Congrats on making a tasty fish meal. Fish is intimidating for a lot of people. I'm a vegetarian, so fish tacos are not for me. However, I am very into that cumin-mayo dressing. Sounds tasty!

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  21. Looks like a winner! Will have to try it!

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  22. Looks good. I love fish tacos too. As a matter of fact they are on the menu for dinner tomorrow with a little homemade guacamole.

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  23. My husband and I are both not fish eaters but our daughter loves it. Since I don't eat I don't really know how to make it so. She usually gets it with grandma or at restaurants.

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  24. Fish tacos are such a great addition to the dinner menu at our house. I love trying them different ways and your recipe looks like something that I will be trying in the next week or so.

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  25. I love fish tacos. I order them at any restaurant we go to so I can compare lol I don't know why, I am just drawn to them. I don't make them at home often but my daughter loves them also and we live in a huge fish area. I don't like mint, but you have talked this recipe up so much that I'm willing to give it a try. My family is fine with mint.

    I think the marinade sounds awesome and my hubby loves using the fresh cabbage and not coleslaw. He's the picky one lol

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  26. I have never tried fish tacos! Heard of them, saw recipes, but never actually got to make them. These sound and look so good! Now I just have to make them! Thank you :)

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  27. That looks so good. I love fish too and I can relate on learning how to cook it so that it's not overdone and it has flavor. There are a few cuts of fish that I knock out of the park - salmon, swordfish, and, black cod. Those are also my favorites.

    Now I want fish tonight.

    Thanks for the recipe.

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  28. I find fish intimidating, too! I usually stick to salmon because I love the flavor and it seems pretty easy to not mess up...plus there are lots of great ways to mix it up...lemon and shallot or lime and agave, etc. Anyway, I was looking for a good fish taco recipe recently so I'll definitely have to try this sometime! :)

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  29. This looks great!! I always over cook fish as well... I never know when its done and even if it is done I want to cook it a tad bit longer "just to make sure"!!! I do love fish tacos though!!
    http://www.thefirst23.com

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  30. My boys would love these! The love Tacos (Taco Tuesday), so I'm sure these would be a hit!

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  31. Thanks for sharing. For some reason, I've always been squeamish about cooking meat, but not fish. Fish tacos are one of my favorites! I also love spices, so this looks interesting.

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  32. I don't usually eat fish tacos but this looks really good. I will have to add it to my weekly menu to give it a try.

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  33. I have never made tacos so these would be my first, I am going to try out this recipe looks yummy and not difficult to make as well

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  34. Wow, this looks really good. Pinning it! Thank you!

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  35. This looks so good. I love fish tacos & you've just inspired me to make some this week!!

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  36. I love to cook but I am terrible at cooking fish. Your tacos look delicious.

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  37. I'm always intimidated by cooking fish as well. I really should give it another try. Maybe I can break the fish curse at my house as well!

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  38. I'm always passing off the cooking of fish to hubby. I haven't a fish taco so I may just have to try yours. :D I just never saw fish + taco = good. LOL There's a first time for everything, right?! ~Adrienne

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