Mexican Style Fish Tacos

Mexican-style Fish tacos are my go-to when I’m in the mood for Mexican food. They’re small bites that you can enjoy as part of a meal or even as a snack. You can choose from a wide variety of fish such as wild salmon, sole, shrimp, mussels, swordfish, and local fish but fresh is always best. Although fish in tacos is tasty when fried, it is healthier and less calorie dense when it’s grilled instead.

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Mexican Style Fish Tacos

Enjoy healthy Mexican fish tacos made with delicious Mahi Mahi.

Prep Time30 minutes mins

Active Time10 minutes mins

Course: Entree

Cuisine: Mexican

Author: Rebecca Forstadt Olkowski

Materials

• 3 Tbsp Olive oil
• 1 lemon squeezed
• 1 tsp Cumin
• ½ tsp Chili Powder
• 3 clove of garlic minced
• 1 lb grilled Mahi Mahi, cod, salmon or other firm textured fish Cut into bite-sized pieces.
• 1 large Red Bell Pepper thinly sliced
• ]1 onion sliced
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• Pico Di Gallo or salsa
• 1 large Avocado peeled and thinly sliced.
• 6 soft tortillas 2 per person
• cilantro chopped optional

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, combine 2 Tbsp of oil, lemon juice, cumin, chili powder, and garlic. Mix well.
• Stir in the cut-up fish and marinate for 20 minutes.
• In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 Tbsp of oil and sauté the onion and bell pepper over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes or until tender but not brown.
• In the last minute of sautéing, add the shredded cabbage. (set aside)
• Add the fish mixture to the same skillet and cook for about 4 minutes; set aside.
• Warm the soft tortillas gently on the stovetop or in a pan until slightly browned.
• Place each tortilla on a plate and scoop a portion of the cooked fish and vegetables on top of it.
• Top with Pico Di Gallo (or salsa) and avocado slices.
• Sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired.
• Serve with lime slices

The recipe above is light, low in calories, and flavorful. I marinated the fish for 20 minutes in a little olive oil mixed with lemon juice, cumin, chili pepper, and garlic. Then I sauteed the vegetables added the grilled fish, filled the tortillas, and topped each taco with sliced avocado, pico de gallo, and cilantro, There’s no cheese, sour cream, or other heavy fat that will add to the calorie count.

“American Mexican food” vs. “Authentic Mexican food”

Fast food tacos in America, are typically hard corn tortillas filled with fatty meat and topped with cheese. They’re sometimes seasoned with powdered “taco sauce.” Taco seasonings and creams that you buy at the store are often a suspicious combination of salt, artificial flavors, and preservatives. Americans also like to top their tacos with a heavy dose of sour cream.

If you visit Baja California and other parts of Mexico, you’ll notice a difference in how their tacos are made. They usually contain a small amount of fresh meat or fish, fresh pico de gallo, grilled vegetables, and slices of avocado in a light homemade soft tortilla.

One of my favorite Mexican foodie experiences was several years ago in Rosarito Beach. We stopped at the fisherman’s village and ordered fresh ceviche. (raw fish mixed with chopped tomatoes, herbs and marinated in lime juice) It was sublime! I’ve had many incredible and healthy Mexican dishes in Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and San Felipe.

The best Margarita I ever had was in Ensenada at a bar in the middle of town. (I wish I could remember the name!) We watched as the bartender squeezed fresh juices into the glass. There wasn’t a single drop of fake Margarita mix.

On a search for tacos

There are many restaurants in America where you can find Mexican-style fish tacos if you know where to look. Lately, I’ve become obsessed with ordering them whenever I go out to a restaurant because two small tacos, served à la carte, is a perfect size meal for anyone over 50.

Just make sure not to add sour cream, too much guacamole, cheese, or creamy sauces. . .  otherwise, your calorie count will go through the roof. KISS – Keep it simple, sweetie.

What kind of ingredients do you like in your tacos?  Please leave a comment below.