These healthy cod fish tacos drizzled in southwest sauce are firm in texture and superior in flavor! This delicious gluten free dinner is sponsored by Kodiak Fish Market.
Thank you Kodiak Fish Market for introducing our family to the freshest fish in the world! In fact their sustainable, wild caught & delicious Alaska seafood is so fresh that immediately after it is attained it’s packaged, frozen and prepared for immediate overnight shipment. So when we received our package, some of it went directly to our freezer and some I thawed to make fish tacos that same evening!
Have you ever had that moment where you brought home seafood for dinner and were crazy excited to dish it up only to experience that it turned out rather… fishy? Fishy in smell, taste and texture (chewy and over-cooked for fear of food born illnesses). That is because it is not fresh at all! Fish should not smell fishy and should have an incredibly tender texture that melts in your mouth. If you have experienced the fishy chewy kind, I am right there with ya and a bit embarrassed to admit that due to the fact that I live by the sea. I truly understand why some people do not like the flavor of seafood. It just boils down to freshness. I am a firm believer in always using the freshest and best ingredients in the kitchen.
1. How to prepare and marinade fish.
To prep fish, the easiest way is with marinades. Marinades are a great way to add flavor to fish. It is best to do this in a glass baking dish as cast iron or aluminum can react with acids and give fish an off-flavor. Marinades in seafood should only last about 30 minutes (the proteins can start to break down if left longer than 30-45 minutes).
Another great method to prepare fish is by simply salting it before cooking. Then add additional flavors such as lime juice and coconut oil (coconut oil withstands high heat) when pan searing .
A traditional compliment to cod fish tacos is southwest sauce. If vegan, for this recipe use vegan mayonnaise as a substitute.
2. How to bake fish (fillets and steaks).
The secret to cooking the perfect fish is to sear the fillet or steak first on the stove using high heat for about 1 minute on each side. Then either reduce the heat and cook an additional 3 minutes per side, or bake it in the oven at 350 degrees F for 6-8 minutes. Searing first seals in the juices. Make sure to always check the fish at the minimum baking time.
To test if fish is done, put a fork in the center and twist. If it flakes and has milky white juices then it is done.
3. How to assemble cod fish tacos.
To assemble fish tacos drizzled with southwest sauce, set all the ingredients on the counter. Grab a plate and start layering your tortilla in this order:
Tortilla (use corn tortillas for gluten free)
Green cabbage
Baked Cod Fish (with any extra sauce and baked onions with it)
Southwest sauce
Garnish with minced red bell peppers, fresh cilantro, red onions and a splash of lime juice
There is nothing quite like a savory feast to bring people together like these delicious fish tacos! Expert winemaker Brittany of Millesime Cellars Winery suggests pairing cod fish tacos with a Dry Orange Muscat or Viognier.
Alaskan seafood is considered to be the best managed fisheries in the world, harvested from local waters and managed from sustainable and renewable fisheries. Fresh fish from Alaska is a sure bet it will be fabulous! Please send some love over to Kodiak Fish Market by following their Facebook and Twitter pages. And where ever you live in the world, you totally need to try this cod fish taco recipe! Freshest is best!
Living in Santa Barbara we are fortunate to have fresh seafood year round. We buy the best seafood we can find from our local markets such as the Santa Barbara Harbor or Whole Foods. But not everyone around the world has this kind of access to fresh fish, unless ordered direct from the fisheries. Whether you use your favorite recipe or savory herbs and juices, there’s no comparison to how delicious this is. And fresh Alaskan fish drizzled in my spectacular southwest sauce is restaurant style eating within the comfort of your own home!
Save Print
Cod Fish Tacos
Author: Delightful Mom Food
Prep time:
15 mins
Cook time:
9 mins
Total time:
24 mins
Serves: 6-8 tacos
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds fresh Cod
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 limes
¼ cup cilantro leaves, freshly chopped
½ red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded green cabbage
¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper (for garnish)
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
6-8 small tortillas (use corn tortillas for gluten free)
Southwest Dipping Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise (for vegan use vegan mayonnaise)
1 teaspoon of lime juice
2 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon white vinegar
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon garlic salt
¼ teaspoon dry oregano
Instructions
For the fish: In an 8 x 8 inch baking pan add 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil to the bottom. Spread fish on top and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and a dash of black pepper. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Heat a large skillet over high heat and add 1 tablespoon coconut oil. Sear the fish for 15 seconds on one side, turning once and repeating 15 seconds on the other side. Remove from heat and place back in baking dish. Meanwhile while fish sets for a minute, turn the burner to medium low and add to your heated skillet; juice of 1 lime, red onion slices, 1 teaspoon of salt, a dash of black pepper and a handful of freshly chopped cilantro leaves (about ¼ cup). Sautee about 1 minute until onion becomes slightly translucent. Drizzle the onion mixture over the fish. Cover and bake for 6-8 minutes. Remove and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use, for up to 8 hours.
For the Southwest Dipping Sauce: Combine in a small bowl ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of lime juice, 2 teaspoons honey, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon garlic salt, ¼ teaspoon dry oregano. Mix well, cover and refrigerate for up to an hour before serving.
Serve: Layer each slightly heated tortilla with cabbage followed by fish. Drizzle with Southwest sauce and garnish with diced red peppers, cilantro and a lime wedge! Enjoy!
3.5.3208
xo,
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received free samples, payment, trade and/or products in exchange for writing a review and recipe. All opinions stated are written in my own words and I only promote products I love.
The post Cod Fish Tacos appeared first on Delightful Mom Food: Simple Healthy Recipes.