Having lived in Seattle for a few years, one of my great accomplishments in life had been creating my own personal fish taco recipe that rivaled any restaurant fish taco in the Pacific Northwest. After arriving home late one night, I threw together a quick and easy plate of improvised fish tacos in ten minutes and found that they tasted just as good—not the same, mind you, but equally tasty.
Fish tacos are light and healthy, savory and satisfying. They are the perfect summertime meal. While the sun scorches outside, stay cool with a plate of these tacos accompanied by an icy cold beverage of your choice and maybe some sorbet for dessert.
Below are two of my recipes for fish tacos. Try them both and see which one you like better. Both dishes serve about four people.
Summer Fish Tacos and Slaw with Creamy Citrus Avocado Dressing
Makes about 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado, halved and pitted
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1/2 jalapeño pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 to 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 handfuls of chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 salmon fillets
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 17.5-ounce package of corn tortillas
- 1/2 head of cabbage, grated
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mash the avocado and mix with the lime juice. Keep a bit of the avocado solid and not completely smooth, if you prefer the consistency of guacamole, or according to your tastes.
- Add the onion, tomato, jalapeno, mayonnaise, orange juice and garlic. Mix until everything is combined.
- Mix in the cilantro, if using, and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Put the dressing in the refrigerator while you prepare the fish.
- Place salmon fillets in an oven-safe pan skin side down.
- Drizzle olive oil over both fillets. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Bake in oven for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. Be careful not to overcook.
- Fill each tortilla with shredded cabbage and some salmon, typically no more than half the size of a deck of cards for each taco. Top with a generous amount of dressing.
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Quick and Easy Fish Tacos
Makes about 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, for seasoning
- 1 17.5-ounce package of flour tortillas
- Mayonnaise, to taste
- 1 6-ounce package of fresh baby spinach (normal spinach would work just as well)
- 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
- Place salmon fillets in an oven-safe pan skin side down.
- Drizzle olive oil over both fillets. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Bake in oven for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. Be careful not to overcook.
- While the salmon is cooking, place the tortillas on a plate. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one half of each tortilla.
- On each tortilla half, place a handful of spinach and 3 cherry tomatoes.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- When the salmon is finished, place some fish in each taco to complete the dish.
Preparation Time: 10 to 15 minutes
Notes:
- The creamy avocado dressing is a great feature of the first recipe. I have been known to take any leftover dressing and use it as a dip for tortilla chips the next day. I find that this dressing tastes best when you don't skimp on the seasoning.
- Of course, you may substitute any type of fish or meat for the salmon in these recipes. I've used shrimp, chicken and even squid—yes, squid—with great success. Adjust the cooking style and time as needed.
- You may also use any type of tortilla for either recipe. I prefer to use corn tortillas for the fish tacos and slaw recipe because that is how I made it originally.
- Kosher salt works best, especially in the Quick and Easy Fish Tacos recipe, since you will be sprinkling a pinch of it at the end. That slight little bit of crunch from the larger granules adds a nice extra touch.
Ysabel Sarte - Ysabel Sarte is a classically trained musician and music educator who spends a vast majority of time pursuing interests unrelated to ...
Join the Conversation