Tilapia Tacos with Watermelon Salsa

Tilapia Tacos with Watermelon Salsa Recipe from Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Tilapia Tacos with Watermelon Salsa is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the flavors of grilled tilapia with a sweet and spicy watermelon salsa. The addition of chipotle crema and pickled cabbage adds a depth of flavor that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional fish tacos, which originated in coastal regions of Mexico. The combination of fresh fish, salsa, and a variety of toppings has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries. The addition of watermelon salsa adds a unique and refreshing twist to this classic dish.

Ingredients

Red chili salt

2 tbsp salt
1 tbsp sweet paprika
0.25 tbsp cayenne pepper
0.75 tbsp chili powder
0.75 tbsp cumin
0.5 tbsp garlic powder
0.25 tbsp powdered mustard, such as Colman's

Watermelon salsa

0.5 seedless watermelon, cut into 0.25 inch dice (about 3 cups)
0.5 mango, cut into 0.25 inch dice (about 1 cup)
0.25 red onion, cut into 0.25 inch dice (about 0.25 cup)
5 to 6 scallions, white and light-green parts, cut crosswise into 0.25 inch slices
0.5 to 1 small jalapeño pepper, stemmed, seeded and minced
juice of 1 large lime
salt
0.5 bunch cilantro, stemmed and coarsely chopped
sugar

Chipotle crema

5 to 7 chipotle peppers in adobo (reserve sauce and remaining peppers for another use)
juice of 1 lime
0.75 cup sour cream or crème fraîche
salt

Cabbage

0.25 head cabbage
0.25 cup cider vinegar
salt

Tacos

2 (10 to 12 oz) boneless, skinless tilapia fillets
1 tbsp canola oil
6 corn tortillas
1 medium red onion
1 bunch cilantro, stemmed and coarsely chopped (about 1 cup)

How to prepare

Red chili salt

Combine the ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

Watermelon salsa

Combine all the ingredients except the sugar in an airtight container.
Season with sugar to taste.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Chipotle crema

Combine the chipotle peppers and lime juice in a blender and puree until smooth.
Add sour cream or crème fraîche as needed until the desired heat level is reached.
Adjust with lime juice and salt to taste.
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Cabbage

Cut the cabbage into very thin slices and place in a bowl, then pour cider vinegar over it.
Season with salt to taste.
Let sit for 30 to 45 minutes; the cabbage should be wilted.
Drain and discard the vinegar; set the cabbage aside.

Tacos

Prepare the grill.
If using a gas grill, heat it to medium-high.
If using a charcoal grill, start the charcoal or wood briquettes; when the briquettes are ready, distribute them evenly under the cooking area for direct heat.
Oil the grate.
Season the fillets lightly with the red chili salt mixture; reserve the remaining salt mixture for another use.
Drizzle them with a small amount of canola or corn oil.
Grill the fish for about 4 minutes per side.
When the fish is nearly cooked, add the tortillas to the grate and grill for 3 to 4 minutes, until their air pockets start to rise and the tortillas start to take some color.
Transfer the fish to a work surface and coarsely chop.
Cover loosely to keep warm, and set aside.
To serve, layer the tortillas with the fish, then the cabbage and 1 to 1.5 tbsp of the watermelon salsa.
Drizzle about 2 tsp of the chipotle crema on top, and garnish each taco with some of the red onion and cilantro.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Substitute the tilapia with another white fish such as cod or halibut.
Use pineapple or mango salsa instead of watermelon salsa for a different flavor profile.
Add avocado slices or guacamole for extra creaminess.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the fish with the red chili salt mixture before grilling to enhance the flavor.

- Be sure to oil the grill grate before cooking the fish to prevent sticking.

- Allow the cabbage to sit in the cider vinegar for at least 30 minutes to soften and develop flavor.

- Grill the tortillas for a few minutes on each side to warm them up and add a nice charred flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the tacos with a side of Mexican rice and black beans for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the fish adds a smoky flavor that complements the sweet and spicy watermelon salsa. Be sure to cook the fish until it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt instead of crème fraîche for a lighter chipotle crema.

- Substitute red cabbage for green cabbage for a pop of color.

Make Ahead Tips

The watermelon salsa and chipotle crema can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The cabbage can also be pickled in advance.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the tacos on a platter and garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the tacos with a cold Mexican beer or a refreshing margarita for a perfect summer meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the fish and tortillas in the microwave or on the stovetop before assembling the tacos.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 320 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 24g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (crème fraîche) and gluten (tortillas).

Summary

Tilapia Tacos with Watermelon Salsa is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Tilapia Tacos with Watermelon Salsa is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a summer meal. The combination of grilled fish, sweet and spicy salsa, and creamy chipotle crema is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through an old cookbook that I had bought at a yard sale. As I flipped through the pages, a colorful picture caught my eye - Tilapia Tacos with Watermelon Salsa. Intrigued by the unique combination of flavors, I decided to give it a try.

I gathered all the ingredients listed in the recipe and set to work in the kitchen. As I chopped the watermelon, tomatoes, and jalapenos for the salsa, the fresh, vibrant colors reminded me of a summer garden in full bloom. The sweet aroma of the watermelon mixed with the spicy kick of the jalapenos created a tantalizing scent that filled the air.

Next, I prepared the tilapia by seasoning it with a blend of spices and grilling it to perfection. The sizzle of the fish as it cooked on the hot grill was music to my ears. I could already imagine the flaky, tender texture of the tilapia melting in my mouth with each bite.

Finally, I assembled the tacos by placing a generous portion of the grilled tilapia on a warm corn tortilla and topping it with a spoonful of the watermelon salsa. The contrast of the savory fish with the sweet and tangy salsa was a match made in culinary heaven. I took a bite and was instantly transported to a tropical paradise, where the sun kissed my skin and the ocean breeze cooled my face.

From that moment on, Tilapia Tacos with Watermelon Salsa became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all marveled at the unexpected combination of flavors. It became a go-to dish for summer gatherings and backyard barbecues, always eliciting smiles and satisfied bellies.

Over the years, I have made some adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it my own. Sometimes I substitute mango for the watermelon or add a dash of lime juice for an extra burst of citrus. Each time I make Tilapia Tacos with Watermelon Salsa, I am reminded of that fateful day when I discovered the recipe that would become a cherished favorite in my kitchen.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey of how I learned to make Tilapia Tacos with Watermelon Salsa, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary adventures that have shaped my life. Cooking has always been a way for me to express my creativity and share love with those around me. And this recipe, with its bold flavors and vibrant colors, is a testament to the joy and passion that I bring to my craft.

So the next time you find yourself in need of a fresh and flavorful meal that will delight your taste buds, look no further than Tilapia Tacos with Watermelon Salsa. It may just become a beloved recipe in your own kitchen, just as it has in mine. Bon appétit!