Taco Tuesday: Fish Tacos
The first time I went to San Diego and learned about fish tacos, I’ll be honest: I thought they sounded kind of yucky. Oh, what a silly girl I was. But I tried them because like the cat, my curiosity often gets the best of me. Well, it turned out, as you surely know, that fish tacos are the most summery, beachy, freshtastic tacos out there. I remember sitting outside some taco shack on the beach, eating tacos, looking out at the ocean, and never wanting to go back to Minnesota.
Over the years, I’ve been collecting lots of fish taco recipes in my delicious account in the hopes of replicating that beachside dining experience. On a recent Taco Tuesday, I was drawn to this one for its simple healthiness. In truth, I worried it might be a bit bland. But oh, what a silly girl I was, again. These tacos were as beachy and freshtastic as a Brooklyn fish taco can be.
Fish Tacos
adapted from Bon Appètit
Serves 2
half pint grape tomatoes, quartered
1 avocado chopped peeled avocado
5 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons chopped green onion
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
3 teaspoons minced jalapeño chilies with seeds
1/2 pound tilapia fillets
1 garlic cloves, minced
4 5- to 6-inch corn or flour tortillas
2 cups shredded lettuce
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix tomatoes, avocado, 2 tablespoons lime juice, onion, cilantro, and 2 teaspoons jalapeños in small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. (You’ll probably have leftover salsa.)
Place fish in single layer on small rimmed baking sheet. Mix garlic, 3 tablespoons lime juice, and 1 teaspoon jalapeños in another small bowl. Drizzle over fish. Sprinkle fish with salt and pepper; let stand 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, wrap tortillas in foil, enclosing completely. Place in oven until heated through, about 15 minutes.
Preheat broiler. Broil fish just until opaque in center, about 6 minutes. Cut fish into 1-inch pieces. Top each tortilla with lettuce, then fish pieces. Spoon salsa over and sprinkle with cheese.
Betsy: Yummmmm! I was introduced to fish tacos upon my arrival in California. This recipe looks pure, and simple; just like in Baja. I’m going to make these tonight!1 year ago
Betsy, Totally simple and fresh and delish. (Though I admit to being a fan of those great chipotle sour creams often used in fish tacos, too!) This recipe has just really clean, straight-forward flavors of lime and cilantro.1 year ago
Faith: Have you been to Pinche in Soho (they have other outposts now in Manhattan as well though I forget where). They have the best fish tacos I have tasted East of San Diego. I highly recommend it, and I can’t wait to try this delicious recipe.1 year ago
No, I haven’t been there, but that sounds promising. I’m a fan of both grilled and fried fish tacos (the fried ones at Pacifico on Smith Street are delish and, as a bonus, come with grilled corn), just for the record. I really need to go eat lunch or I might do something I’ll regret.1 year ago
Kim: Can I come over the next time you make fish tacos? They’re my fav!1 year ago
Brooke: Yum. What a perfect summer meal for a (mostly) vegetarian. I love simple ingredients and anything with feta.1 year ago
Kim, Yes, of course! In fact, maybe I should just have you over for the next Taco Tuesday!
Brooke, You know, I had my doubts about the feta, but it was AWESOME and added just the right…something.1 year ago
Dana McCauley: I love fish tacos - especially in summer.1 year ago
lisa: I don’t eat fish, but this post reminded me of how long I avoided Surf Taco (group of amazing restaurants in Jersey) cos I thought this is what they served. Lesson learned though- they are now the thing I miss most about living up north.
(Why do we always end up loving most the things we resist most? Argh.)1 year ago
Faith: Can we take a field trip to Pinche on a future Taco Tuesday? I need a little more Sarah in my life!1 year ago
Amanda Laird: Any time I’ve seen “fish tacos” in a magazine or on a blog I skipped right over it; the thought of fish tacos really grossed me out. But this time I saw the photos first and my mouth started to water and then it was too late; I must make these fish tacos!1 year ago
Suellen: This is a great recipe! My husband and I tried it (we like to cook together) and it was a very refreshing meal! Thanks!1 year ago
Suellen, Cooking together is so romantic! Glad this pleased both chefs!1 year ago