Fish Tacos with Spinach

Introduction

Fish Tacos with Spinach is a light, fresh take on the classic taco that blends the rich flavors of flaky fish with the crisp, healthy goodness of spinach. This dish offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it ideal for a quick, nutritious dinner or a fun Taco Tuesday meal with friends and family. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a healthy alternative to traditional tacos, this recipe delivers on taste while being packed with nutrients. The combination of fresh fish, sautéed spinach, and a zesty sauce wrapped in warm tortillas is both satisfying and wholesome.

In this article, we’ll explore tips for making the best Fish Tacos with Spinach, common pitfalls to avoid, a fun fact about tacos, and a few insights into why this dish is a fantastic choice for those looking to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal. It’s time to try this Fish Tacos recipe now!

Fish Tacos with Spinach

Recipe by Laica LimCourse: MainCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 500g white fish fillets (tilapia, bangus, or lapu-lapu)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• 2 tbsp calamansi juice

• 1 tbsp oil for frying

• 8 small tortillas (flour or corn)

• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)

• 1 large tomato, diced

• 1 small red onion, diced

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp calamansi juice (for the mayo)

• Optional: sliced chili for heat

Directions

• Prepare the Fish:
  – Season the fish fillets with salt, pepper, paprika, and calamansi juice. Let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes.
• Cook the Fish:
  – Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the fish fillets for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked. Remove from heat and flake into bite-sized pieces.
  
• Prepare the Spinach:
  – Lightly sauté the spinach in a pan with a bit of oil and salt for about 1-2 minutes until just wilted or keep it raw for a fresher texture.
• Make the Calamansi Garlic Mayo:
  – In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, minced garlic, and calamansi juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  
• Assemble the Tacos:
  – Warm the tortillas. Add a layer of spinach (sautéed or raw), top with flaked fish, shredded cheese (optional), diced tomatoes, and red onion. Drizzle with the calamansi garlic mayo. Add chili slices for extra heat.
• Serve:
  Serve the tacos with extra calamansi for added freshness.

Tips for Making Fish Tacos with Spinach

1. Choose the Right Fish: Opt for white fish varieties like cod, tilapia, or haddock, as they are mild in flavor and hold together well when grilled or pan-fried. These types of fish are perfect for tacos because they absorb the flavors of your marinade or seasoning without overpowering the dish.
2. Season Well: Since fish is relatively mild, seasoning is crucial. A simple blend of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper works well for a flavorful result. Feel free to add a bit of chili powder or cayenne if you enjoy a spicier kick.
3. Sauté Spinach Lightly: Spinach adds a great nutritional boost and a nice texture contrast to the flaky fish. Sauté the spinach just until wilted to preserve its vibrant color and freshness, ensuring it doesn’t become too soggy or lose its flavor.
4. Choose Corn or Flour Tortillas: Both corn and flour tortillas work well with fish tacos, so choose based on your preference. For a more authentic taco experience, corn tortillas are a great choice, while flour tortillas provide a softer, more flexible wrap.
5. Make a Tangy Sauce: A light, tangy sauce made from Greek yogurt, lime juice, and cilantro can elevate the flavors of your tacos, bringing everything together with a refreshing finish. Don’t forget to add a little hot sauce if you like extra heat.

Do’s and Don’ts for Fish Tacos with Spinach

Do:

• Do use fresh ingredients: Fresh fish, spinach, and toppings like tomatoes, avocados, and cilantro will make a significant difference in the flavor and overall quality of your tacos.
• Do marinate the fish: Even a quick marinade with lime juice, olive oil, and spices can enhance the flavor of the fish and make it more tender.
• Do warm the tortillas: Warm tortillas make the tacos more pliable and prevent them from cracking or falling apart when filled.

Don’t:

• Don’t overcook the fish: Overcooked fish can become dry and lose its delicate texture. Cook the fish just until it flakes easily with a fork, usually 3-4 minutes per side.
• Don’t overload the tacos: It’s tempting to stuff your tacos with fillings, but too many ingredients can make them difficult to eat and overpower the fish. Keep it balanced with just the right amount of toppings.
• Don’t forget the acidity: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds brightness and helps balance the richness of the fish and spinach.

Fun Fact

Did you know that tacos have been a part of Mexican cuisine since the early 18th century? While tacos originated in Mexico, the first “taco” concept actually came from silver miners, who used tortillas to hold their food like a portable spoon. Today, tacos are enjoyed worldwide, with countless variations like fish tacos becoming especially popular in coastal areas where fresh seafood is abundant. This version, with the addition of spinach, puts a healthy twist on the classic fish taco while staying true to the delicious roots of the dish.

Conclusion

Fish Tacos with Spinach offer a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic meal. With its combination of seasoned, flaky fish and lightly sautéed spinach, this dish is not only nutritious but also satisfying and easy to prepare. The contrast between the tender fish, the vibrant spinach, and the tangy sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors in every bite. By following a few key tips—like choosing the right fish, seasoning well, and sautéing the spinach lightly—you can create a dish that is both healthy and bursting with flavor.

Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a delicious option for Taco Tuesday, these Fish Tacos with Spinach are sure to be a hit. Their versatility and ease of preparation make them perfect for busy weeknights, while their rich flavors and fresh ingredients will keep you coming back for more. Enjoy these fish tacos with friends, family, or even as a quick, satisfying solo meal that’s good for the body and the soul.

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