How To Make Grilled Fish Tacos?

/ Fish, Fish, Guides & Tips

If you’re seeking for an easy and healthy weeknight meal, grilled fish tacos are a great option. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make grilled fish tacos using cod or tilapia filets. What’s the best part? These tacos only take about 10 minutes to prepare! Get ready to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal that the whole family will love.

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How To Buy The Right Fish For Tacos?

When it comes to tacos, there are a lot of different options for fillings. If you’re looking for a nutritious option that’s packed with protein, grilled fish is a great choice. Here are a few tips for choosing the right fish for your tacos:

1. Look For Fresh Fish.

If you can, buy a fish from a local market that sells fresh seafood. It should smell slightly salty and have a firm texture. Avoid fish that smells fishy or has a mushy texture. Also, make sure to ask the fishmonger what’s fresh and in season.

2. Choose A Mild-Flavored Fish.

For tacos, choose a fish that has a mild flavor. That way, the other ingredients in your taco will be able to shine through. Good choices include cod, tilapia, and salmon. Some people also like to use mahi-mahi or swordfish. The key is to choose a fish that you know you’ll enjoy eating.

3. Avoid Frozen Fish.

If possible, try to avoid buying frozen fish. Frozen fish can often be watery and have fewer flavors than fresh fish. On the other hand, if you can’t find fresh fish or you’re on a budget, frozen fish is still better than no fish at all! The key is to thaw the fish properly before cooking it.

4. Check The Label For Sustainable Options.

When buying fish, look for options that are sustainably caught. This ensures that the population of the chosen fish species is not adversely affected by fishing practices. In general, wild-caught fish are more sustainable than farmed fish. And small fish are usually more sustainable than large fish.

5. Consider Your Budget.

Fish can be expensive, so be sure to consider your budget when making your purchase. Cheaper options like tilapia or cod. If you’re eager to spend a bit more, salmon or mahi-mahi is also good choices. No matter what you choose, be sure to look for the freshest fish possible.

6. Decide How You Will Be Cooking The Fish.

Will you be grilling, baking, or frying your fish tacos? Depending on your cooking method, some fish may work better than others.

For example, grilled fish tacos are best made with firm fish like salmon or swordfish. With that said, any type of fish can technically be used for tacos. It all comes down to personal preference. Also, here’s the ultimate guide to grilling fish and seafood!

7. Choose The Right Size Fillets.

For tacos, choose smaller fillets so that they fit nicely into a soft tortilla shell. Avoid larger fillets that may fall apart when cooked. While you’re at it, be sure to remove any bones from the fish.

8. Ask The Experts.

Asking your local fishmonger for advice is a great way to ensure that you’re buying the best fish for your tacos. They can tell you what’s fresh, what’s in season, and that’s a good value. Even more peace of mind, you will also ask them to clean and fillet the fish for you.

9. Buy Extra Fish.

When in doubt, it’s always better to buy extra fish than not enough. That way, you can always have tacos on hand! For a small family, 1-2 pounds of fish should be plenty. But, if you’re feeding a crowd, you may want to buy 3-4 pounds.

10. Plan Ahead.

Tacos are best when made with fresh fish, so try to plan ahead and buy your fish the day of you want to make tacos.

This will ensure that your tacos are as delicious as possible. On the other hand, if you are in a pinch, frozen fish will also work. Just be sure to thaw it properly before cooking.

How To Grill The Fish Tacos?

Preparing and grilling the fish will be the next steps after you have selected and purchased your fish.

You will need:

  • 1-2 pounds of fish, depending on how many tacos you want to make
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Your favorite taco toppings (salsa, sour cream, cheese, lettuce, etc.)

Listed Below Are Some Different Methods For Preparing And Grilling Your Fish:

1. Rinse The Fish Fillets Under Cold Water.

This will remove any debris or blood that may be on the surface of the fish. Also, you can use a mild soap if desired. Just be sure to rinse the fish well so that there is no soap residue left behind. In general, use one fillet per person.

2. Pat The Fish Dry Always With A Paper Towel.

You do not want there to be extra moisture on the fish before cooking, this can cause it to stick to the grill. As you pat the fish dry, be sure to check for any bones that may have been missed. Remove any bones that you find. It is also a good idea to season the fish at this point.

3. Sprinkle Both Sides Of The Fish With A Bit Of Salt.

This will flavor the fish and also keep it moist while cooking. On the other hand, if you are watching your sodium intake, you can skip this step. And, if you’re using a marinade, you may want to hold off on adding salt until the fish has had a chance to soak in the marinade.

4. Coat The Fish In Oil.

This step is optional; it helps to prevent the fish from sticking to the grill. You can utilize any type of oil, but olive oil or vegetable oil work well.

Just make not to use too much, as this can cause the fish to become greasy. You can use a cooking spray if desired. It’s best to apply the oil to both sides of the fish.

5. Place The Fish On A Hot Grill.

Be sure to preheat your grill before adding the fish. You will know its ready when you can hold your hand about an inch above the grates and feel the heat radiating off of them. When grilling fish, it’s best to cook it on medium-high heat so that it doesn’t stick or burn.

6. Cook The Fish For 2-3 Minutes Per Side.

You’ll know the fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is no longer translucent in the center. For thicker fillets, you may also need to cook them for 3-4 minutes per side. Making sure not to overcook the fish is key, as it can become dry and rubbery if cooked for too long.

7. Release The Fish From The Grill And Enjoy!

Once your fish is cooked through, remove it from the grill and enjoy immediately. Serve with your favorite toppings, and enjoy! No matter how you select to enjoy your tacos, they’re sure to be delicious.

Serving And Enjoying Grilled Fish Tacos!

There are various ways that you can enjoy your tacos. I like to keep things simple by just topping mine with salsa, sour cream, and cheese. Below are some other ideas for toppings and sides that you may want to try:

1. Salsa

The options for salsa are endless. You can use a store-bought salsa. I like to use a fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. But, you can use any type of salsa that you like.

2. Sour Cream

Sour cream helps to balance out the flavors of the taco and also adds a bit of creaminess. So, you are watching your fat intake, and you can use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.

3. Cheese

Cheese is always a good idea. I use a shredded Mexican cheese blend, but you can use any type of cheese that you like. And, here’s a blog for you to read “how to smoke cheese?”

4. Lettuce

Lettuce adds a bit of crunch to the tacos and also helps to fill them out. For a healthier option, you can use shredded cabbage instead. Also, feel free to add other vegetables like tomatoes, onions, or peppers.

5. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a superb way to add some sweetness and acidity to the tacos. On the other hand, if you’re not a fan of tomatoes, you can leave them off.

6. Avocado

When it comes to tacos, avocado is a must in my book. Not only does it taste delicious, but it also adds creaminess and healthy fats. You can add avocado to your tacos in slices or mash it up and use it as a topping.

7. Lime Juice

A squeeze of fresh lime juice benefits to brighten up the flavors of the tacos. With that being said, you can definitely skip this step if you’re not a fan of lime.

8. Cilantro

Cilantro is a must in my book. It adds a bit of brightness and freshness to the tacos. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can leave it out.

9. Hot Sauce

Hot sauce is always a nice idea, in my opinion. You can use your favorite hot sauce or try something new.

10. Side Of Rice And Beans

Adding a side of rice and beans will be best to make the tacos more filling. This is especially good if you’re serving them as a main dish.

11. Side Of Fruit

A side of fruit is a great way to add some sweetness and freshness to the tacos. I would like to serve them with a side of diced watermelon, but you can use any type of fruit that you like.

Conclusion

Fish tacos are a great summer meal because they’re easy to make and can be tailored to include any of your favorite flavors. I hope that you enjoy this recipe for grilled fish tacos! GrillCharms offers a wide selection of grilling ideas and products to make your next BBQ the best one yet! Check out the website today for more information.

John Rinder
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