Fish Tacos with Corn-Cilantro Salsa
A unique salsa made with roasted corn and garlic and vibrant green cilantro makes these unique fish tacos really stand out. Prepare the salsa and onions ahead of time for a super-easy weeknight-friendly meal.(Note - I used halibut cheeks here, but any firm white fish will work nicely)
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 20 min
- Yield
- 8 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 lb halibut cheeks (or other firm white fish)
- 1 tbsp avocado oil (or other neutral, high-smoke-point oil)
- salt
- 8 corn tortillas (or 16 if you like to double-up)
- 2 limes (cut into wedges)
- 1/2 cup roasted corn
- 2 cloves roasted garlic
- 1/2 cup cilantro (leaves and stems)
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- salt (to taste)
- 1 medium red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- 1
(See note below about roasting corn and garlic)Combine all of the salsa ingredients in a blender, food processor, or large mortar and pestle. Blend or pound the ingredients until well-combined. You want to stop when the mixture is still just a little bit chunky. Set aside, or refrigerate if making the day before.
- 2
Thinly slice the onion. Combine with vinegar, sugar, and salt in a container. Shake vigorously, then let stand for at least 10 minutes (longer is better). Refrigerate if making the day before.
- 3
Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan on the stove-top over medium-high heat. Add the oil and heat until the oil is shimmering and very hot.
- 4
Season the fish all over with salt, then transfer to the hot pan carefully. Sear the fish until it's golden brown and releases from the pan fairly easily. Flip and sear the other side until the fish is cooked through (generally only a few minutes for halibut cheeks, but this can take longer for thicker pieces of fish). Remove the fish from the pan and set it aside to rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
- 5
Serve fish with warm corn tortillas, salsa, pickled onions, and lime wedges. Don't skip out on the lime - it really finishes things off nicely!