My husband and I vacationed in Turks and Caicos several years ago for our first wedding anniversary. Besides the beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear water and perfect weather, the thing that we’ll remember the most from that trip is a specific dish that we ate. I guess that isn’t surprising for such big foodies! While on vacation, we discovered the most delicious fish tacos at a restaurant called Hemingway’s just down the beach from our hotel. We became so obsessed with them that we ended up eating them almost every day.
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| The beautiful beach in Turks and Caicos |
I remember the tacos being so simple yet so perfect. Pieces of fresh, grilled fish were served in warm, soft tortillas. Instead of the usual salsa that accompanies traditional Mexican tacos, these Caribbean-style tacos were served with a sweet mango chutney and a dollop of tangy sour cream that nicely balanced the savory fish. The heat from the fish turned the creamy sour cream and sweet chutney into a heavenly, drippy mess that would run down our chins. YUM!
Over the years I’ve searched for similar fish tacos back in the states but I’ve never found anything close. I’ve had many deep-fried fish tacos but I was craving a healthier, grilled version like what we had experienced at Hemingway’s. So I decided to recreate them at home with a few little changes. For my Caribbean Fish Tacos I used flounder but you can really use any mild, white fish- whatever looks good at your local fish market. I seasoned the flounder with a homemade spice mixture comprised of dried thyme, paprika, onion powder, cayenne, salt and pepper. Then I cooked the fish on my grill pan, which only took a few minutes. Honestly, the grilled fish looked so good, I could have eaten the whole plate just like that with a little squeeze of lime juice. But I restrained myself and continued on my quest to assemble the perfect fish taco.
I decided to use soft corn tortillas as my base as they are more nutritious than white flour tortillas. Corn tortillas are lower in fat and are a good source of fiber and several vitamins and minerals. They are also a good option for those on a gluten-free diet. On top of the tortilla, I added a dollop of mango chutney and reduced fat sour cream. Although I’ve made my own mango chutney in the past, in the interest of saving time, I decided to use store-bought mango chutney. Next, I piled on a couple of pieces of spicy, grilled fish. And finally, to top it all off, I added a homemade slaw made with a combination of green and red cabbage and carrots. You can buy a bag of coleslaw mix to save some time. Although Hemingway’s used lettuce on their tacos, I prefer the coleslaw mix for the extra crunch. I added a few cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime juice just before serving and my mission was complete- fish taco perfection!
Caribbean Fish Tacos
Author: The Foodie Physician
Recipe type: Entree
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 4 flounder fillets (about 5 ounces each) or other white fish like tilapia or cod
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 3 cups coleslaw mix (6 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided use
- 8 small white corn tortillas
- ½ cup mango chutney such as Major Grey’s
- ½ cup reduced fat sour cream
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the fish into 1-inch wide strips and place them in a bowl. Mix the thyme, paprika, onion powder, cayenne, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper together in a small bowl. Sprinkle the spice rub onto the fish and toss the fish to coat all of the pieces evenly.
- Place the slaw in a large bowl and add the lime juice and 2 teaspoons oil. Toss to combine. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium high heat and brush the pan with the remaining 2 teaspoons oil. Add the fish to the pan and cook 3 minutes. Turn the fish over and cook another 2-3 minutes until opaque. Remove the fish from the grill.
- Heat the tortillas according to package directions in the microwave or a skillet. Spread approximately 1 tablespoon mango chutney along the middle of each tortilla and top with about 1 tablespoon sour cream and a couple of pieces of fish. Top the fish with a small mound of the slaw and a few cilantro leaves. Serve tacos with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze some lime juice on top just before eating.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 2 tacos with toppings Calories: 346 Fat: 11.4g Saturated fat: 3.3g Carbohydrates: 30.6g Fiber: 7.9g Protein: 21.5g
Do you have a favorite dish from a trip you’ve taken in the past? Have you tried recreating it?
Oh Sonali, these look fantastic!!
Thanks, Lauren!
I love fish tacos and these look so amazing!! I love trying to capture a taste like that.
Yes, it definitely brings back memories when I make these!
I keep saying I'm going to make fish tacos and this post is the kick in the pants I need. Thanks for the inspiration!
You're welcome! Let me know how it goes if you try the recipe.
Gorgeous! I am going to make these! I am!!! Thank you for sharing on Thursday's Treasures Week 41. I'm looking forward to seeing you again soon. <3 and hugs sweetie! http://www.recipesformyboys.com/2012/07/thursdays-treasures-week-41.html
My pleasure- thanks for hosting, Debi!
I adore fish tacos! When I lived in Tucson AZ, I enjoyed some delicious fish tacos all the time:-) I love the flavors you used in this dish:-) I need to have my sweet hubby grill me some soon! Hugs, Terra
Thanks, Terra! Getting the hubby involved sounds like a great idea!
I linked up this recipe here- http://www.ameessavorydish.com/2012/07/fit-and-fabulous-fridays-40.html
Looks yum…my!!!. My daughter loves fish
tacos, I can't wait to try your recipe.
Fooibi
I love these delicious tacos Sonali! You are a Fit Feature this week!! 🙂
Thanks, Amee!
I could definitely eat my fair share of these fish tacos! Fish tacos are my favorite but I've never had them with flounder. Sounds wonderful and great seasoning!
Thanks! Flounder is mild so it works well with the spice rub.
very good tacos
Thanks for stopping by!
We love fish tacos, different from the usual ones. I tried wrapping in rotis and came out very good too.Yummy recipe and easy to make. Thank you.
Thanks, ur- great idea to wrap them in rotis!
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