Fish tacos fabulous any way you cook ’em
A good fish taco is in a class by itself. I ate some recently at a beachside restaurant in Florida, and suddenly the world of tacos has a new category.
Sometimes the fish is fried (fabulous), sometimes it is grilled (also fabulous), and easiest and most accessible of all, sometimes it is pan-seared (still, fabulous).
This recipe calls for any white, flaky fish, allowing you the flexibility of seeing what’s freshest where you are shopping.
The tacos are topped with a chopped vegetable salad that adds brightness and crunch.
Flaky Fish Tacos with Vegetable Slaw
Start to finish: 30 minutes Makes: Four servings
2 Tbsp olive oil, divided 4 (6-oz) filets tilapia, cod, barramundi or other flaky white fish 1/2 tsp ground coriander 1/2 tsp ground cumin • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 8 radishes, thinly sliced 1 cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, and cut into thin half moons 1/2 red onion, cut into wedges, then slivered 1/2 cup chopped fennel 1/4 cup chopped olives (optional) 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 8 6-inch flour or corn tortillas • Crumbled queso fresco to serve
Heat a large heavy skillet, preferably nonstick, over medium high heat. Add one tablespoon of the oil. While the oil is heating, sprinkle both sides of the fish filets with the coriander, cumin, salt and pepper. Sear the fish for about three minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Transfer the fish to a plate and break it into small chunks. Tent with foil to keep warm. Wash the skillet out.
While the fish is cooking, combine the radishes, cucumbers, red onion, fennel, olives (if using), lemon juice and the remaining tablespoon of oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Return the clean, dry skillet to medium high heat and cook the tortillas for about 20 seconds on each side for flour, 45 seconds on each side for corn, until lightly browned in spots and softened. Stack them on a plate.
Serve the tortillas with the fish and the vegetable relish, along with the queso fresco on the side. Let everyone assemble their own tacos.