Dive into a tropical culinary adventure with these coconut lime fish tacos. The combination of coconut milk and lime juice infuses the white fish fillets with a refreshing and creamy flavor, while the corn tortillas provide a perfect gluten-free base. Topped with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of cilantro, these tacos are a delightful fusion of textures and tastes.
If you're not familiar with coconut milk, it can be found in the international or Asian foods aisle of most supermarkets. Fresh lime juice is essential for that zesty kick, and corn tortillas are a great gluten-free alternative to flour tortillas. Make sure to pick up some fresh cilantro and a ripe avocado to complete the dish.
Ingredients For Coconut Lime Fish Tacos Recipe
White fish fillets: Mild-flavored fish like cod or tilapia, perfect for absorbing the marinade.
Shredded cabbage: Adds a crunchy texture and fresh flavor to the tacos.
Coconut milk: Provides a creamy base for the marinade with a hint of sweetness.
Lime juice: Freshly squeezed to add a zesty and tangy flavor.
Cumin: A warm spice that adds depth to the marinade.
Paprika: Adds a mild, smoky flavor and a touch of color.
Corn tortillas: Gluten-free tortillas that serve as the base for the tacos.
Avocado: Sliced for a creamy and rich topping.
Cilantro: Chopped for a fresh and herbaceous garnish.
Technique Tip for Perfect Fish Tacos
When marinating the fish fillets in coconut milk, lime juice, cumin, and paprika, make sure to pat the fish dry with a paper towel before placing it in the marinade. This helps the marinade adhere better to the fish, ensuring a more flavorful result. Additionally, when cooking the fish in the skillet, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cooking in batches if necessary allows the fish to cook evenly and develop a nice, golden crust.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
white fish fillets - Substitute with salmon fillets: Salmon provides a rich flavor and firm texture that works well in tacos.
shredded cabbage - Substitute with shredded lettuce: Shredded lettuce offers a similar crunch and freshness.
coconut milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can provide a creamy texture, though it will have a different flavor profile.
freshly squeezed lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor.
cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander provides a warm, earthy flavor similar to cumin.
paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder adds a bit of heat and a smoky flavor.
corn tortillas - Substitute with lettuce wraps: Lettuce wraps are a gluten-free and low-carb alternative to tortillas.
sliced avocado - Substitute with guacamole: Guacamole provides a similar creamy texture and rich flavor.
chopped cilantro - Substitute with chopped parsley: Parsley offers a fresh, slightly peppery flavor as an alternative to cilantro.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Fish Tacos
How to Store or Freeze Your Fish Tacos
Allow the fish fillets to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the fish soggy.
Store the fish fillets separately from the corn tortillas and other toppings. Place the fish in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
For the corn tortillas, wrap them in aluminum foil or place them in a resealable plastic bag. Store at room temperature if you plan to use them within a day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Keep the shredded cabbage and chopped cilantro in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about 2-3 days.
To freeze the fish fillets, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date and use within 1 month for best quality.
When ready to reheat, thaw the fish fillets in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Avoid freezing the corn tortillas as they can become brittle. If you must, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a resealable freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before using.
Assemble the tacos just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor. Warm the corn tortillas and add the shredded cabbage, fish fillets, avocado slices, and chopped cilantro.
If you have leftover coconut milk marinade, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Use it as a sauce or dressing for other dishes.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover fish fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Warm for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Meanwhile, wrap the corn tortillas in foil and place them in the oven for the last 5 minutes to warm them up.
Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or coconut oil to the pan. Place the fish fillets in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through. Warm the corn tortillas in a separate dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side.
Microwave Method: Place the fish fillets on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are not overcooked. Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Steaming Method: Place the fish fillets in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes or until heated through. Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp cloth and place them in the steamer for the last 1-2 minutes.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fish fillets on a small baking tray and cover with foil. Heat for 10-12 minutes until warmed through. Wrap the corn tortillas in foil and place in the toaster oven for the last 5 minutes.
Essential Tools for Making Fish Tacos
Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the coconut milk, lime juice, cumin, and paprika for marinating the fish.
Skillet: Heat this over medium-high heat to cook the fish fillets until they are cooked through and flaky.
Spatula: This will help you flip the fish fillets in the skillet without breaking them apart.
Dry skillet: Use this to warm the corn tortillas before assembling the tacos.
Knife: Essential for slicing the avocado and chopping the cilantro.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the avocado and chopping the cilantro.
Tongs: Handy for handling the fish fillets and assembling the tacos.
Measuring cups: Use these to measure out the coconut milk and shredded cabbage.
Measuring spoons: These will help you accurately measure the lime juice, cumin, and paprika.
Time-Saving Tips for Fish Tacos
Prepare the marinade ahead: Mix the coconut milk, lime juice, cumin, and paprika the night before to save time.
Pre-shred the cabbage: Shred the cabbage in advance and store it in an airtight container.
Use pre-sliced avocado: Buy pre-sliced avocado to cut down on prep time.
Warm tortillas together: Stack and warm all corn tortillas at once in the microwave to save time.
Cook fish in batches: If you have a large skillet, cook multiple fish fillets at the same time.
Coconut Lime Fish Tacos
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb white fish fillets such as cod or tilapia
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1 handful cilantro chopped
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine coconut milk, lime juice, cumin, and paprika. Add fish fillets and marinate for 10 minutes.
- 2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the fish fillets for about 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through and flaky.
- 3. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
- 4. Assemble the tacos: place some shredded cabbage on each tortilla, top with pieces of fish, avocado slices, and chopped cilantro.
- 5. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges if desired.
Nutritional Value
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