Fish Tacos Recipe For National Fish Taco Day
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It’s taco time! January 25th is National Fish Taco Day. It’s a new holiday, created by Rubio’s Coastal Grill in 2018. January 25th marks the day that Rubio’s founder Ralph Rubio introduced the fish taco at his restaurant, founded in 1983 in San Diego—essentially introducing fish tacos to Southern California and creating a craze. He discovered fish tacos on a college trip to Baja, Mexico in 1973. Fish tacos had been around for…as long as tacos had been made there. But they weren’t known north of the border. Rubio found makeshift stands everywhere were selling fish tacos. After a few years of enjoying them on his vacations, Ralph thought that maybe someday, he could make fish tacos in the U.S. He asked the cook at his favorite stand for the batter recipe: flour, mustard, garlic, oregano, pepper, water. Finally, in 1983, Rubio was able to open his restaurant in San Diego, setting off a demand for fish tacos that’s still going strong. When it’s party time: The recipe for a DIY taco bar is below, but first: > The history of tacos. How about inviting friends for a fish DIY taco bar. Line up all the condiments and let guests build their ideal fish tacos. You can have plant-based seafood for those who are vegetarian or vegan. This recipe, from Discover California Wines, suggests halibut, but tuna, flounder, cod, or shrimp are also delicious. There are also less expensive fillets—ask your fishmonger for recommendations. You can use any kind of fish for these tacos, or shrimp if you prefer. Pacific halibut is lean, with thick flakes, and easy to grill. Ideally, choose a fish that’s sustainably fished or farmed. Seafood Watch, a project of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, can steer you to the best choices in your area. For a wine pairing with fish tacos: California Sauvignon Blanc or California rosé. And Margaritas, of course! For 4 Tacos Set out as many of these as you like (some duplicate those in the recipe). 1. TOAST the cumin. If using whole cumin seed, toast it in a small dry skillet over medium heat until it darkens and becomes fragrant. Let cool, then pound fine in a mortar or grind in a spice grinder. 2. COMBINE the cumin, salt, and paprika in a small bowl. Brush the fish all over with olive oil, then season with the spice mix. Refrigerate on a plate for 30 minutes. 3. PREPARE a hot charcoal fire or preheat a gas grill to high. 4. CUT the romaine in half lengthwise, then slice thinly crosswise. Set aside. Put the crema in a small bowl. Whisk in enough cold water to make it thin enough to drizzle. If desired, whisk in finely minced chipotle chile or hot sauce to taste. 5. WRAP the corn tortillas in aluminum foil or a clean kitchen towel. Bring an inch of water to a boil over high heat in the bottom of a steamer. Put the tortilla package in the steamer basket, cover, and steam for 1 minute. Then turn off the heat and let stand for 10 minutes. 6. TOSS the cherry tomatoes in a small bowl, with enough olive oil to coat them lightly. Season with salt. Put them on a small heatproof stainless grill tray or other heatproof baking dish and set them on the grill directly over the flame. Cook until the tomatoes are sizzling and lightly charred, about 3 minutes. Set aside. 7. PLACE the halibut on the grill rack and grill without turning until the flesh just flakes, 8 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness. Transfer to a platter and divide the fish into 8 pieces of roughly equal size. 8. ASSEMBLE the tacos. Put 2 hot tortillas on each of 4 plates. Top each tortilla with some of the shredded romaine, then with a piece of fish. Divide the tomatoes and avocado slices among the tacos. Drizzle the crema over the fish, top with cilantro, and put a lime wedge on each plate. Serve immediately, passing the salsa verde separately. OR…for a DIY Taco Bar, just hand the fish in tortillas without any toppings, and let people garnish their own. |
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