FISH TACOS AL PASTOR

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Fish Tacos al Pastor image

Pork tacos al pastor may get the fame, but this fish al pastor, based on a version at Mexico City restaurant Contramar, deserves plenty of glory. A potent chile marinade adds lots of flavor before the fillets hit the grill, and a do-ahead pineapple salsa is the perfect finishing touch.

Provided by Rick Martinez

Categories     Bon Appétit     Dinner     Lunch     Fish     Seafood     Bass     Halibut     Taco     Tortillas     Cilantro     Pineapple     Orange Juice     Chile Pepper     Salsa     Grill     Grill/Barbecue     Summer     Pescatarian     Dairy Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

10 guajillo chiles, seeds removed
3 morita chiles, seeds removed
3 lb. skinless striped bass or halibut fillets, cut crosswise into (1½"-wide) pieces
½ cup fresh orange juice
¼ cup store-bought or homemade achiote paste
5 garlic cloves, 4 whole, 1 finely chopped
¼ cup plus 3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
1 Tbsp. plus 1½ tsp. kosher salt
½ red onion, finely chopped
1 habanero chile, finely chopped
2 cups finely chopped pineapple (from about ½ medium pineapple)
3 Tbsp. chopped cilantro, plus leaves for serving
Vegetable oil (for grill)
16 corn tortillas
Lime wedges (for serving)

Steps:

  • Bring guajillo and morita chiles and 1½ cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Cover, remove from heat, and let sit 30 minutes to allow chiles to soften.
  • Place fish in a large bowl or baking dish. Transfer chile mixture and soaking liquid to a blender. Add orange juice, achiote paste, 4 garlic cloves, ¼ cup lime juice, and 1 Tbsp. salt and purée until smooth, about 2 minutes. Set aside 1 cup chile sauce, uncovered, at room temperature for serving. Pour remaining sauce over fish and toss to coat. Cover and chill at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours.
  • Meanwhile, mix onion, habanero chile, pineapple, 3 Tbsp. cilantro, remaining finely chopped garlic clove, 3 Tbsp. lime juice, and 1½ tsp. salt in a medium bowl. Cover salsa and chill until ready to use.
  • Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; thoroughly clean grate and brush with oil. Working in batches if necessary, grill fish, leaving a few inches of space between each piece, until marinade is dried and beginning to char, about 2 minutes. Using a fish spatula, release fish from grate, turn, and continue to grill until charred on second side and flesh flakes easily with a fork, about 3 minutes more. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes.
  • Grill tortillas until just beginning to brown in spots, about 30 seconds per side. Top each tortilla with a piece of fish, then a schmear of reserved chile sauce, a spoonful of pineapple salsa, and some cilantro leaves. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over.
  • Do Ahead: Pineapple salsa can be made 4 hours ahead. Keep chilled.

sajaan kumar
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These tacos were a bit too spicy for me, but they were still very good.


Derrick Johnson
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I've never had fish tacos before, but these were amazing! The al pastor marinade was so flavorful, and the fish was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making these again.


Lucky Baron
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These tacos were easy to make and very flavorful. I will definitely be making them again.


Cherien Pador canque
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I'm not a big fan of fish tacos, but I really enjoyed these! The al pastor marinade was delicious, and the fish was cooked perfectly.


Dipesh Limbu
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I followed the recipe exactly, but my tacos didn't turn out as well as I hoped. The fish was a little overcooked, and the al pastor marinade didn't have much flavor.


King Travis
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These tacos were a bit too spicy for me, but they were still very good.


Asadujjaman Sojib
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I've made these tacos several times now, and they're always a hit! The al pastor marinade is so easy to make, and it gives the fish a delicious flavor.


Kareeb Khan
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These tacos were so good! The fish was cooked perfectly, and the al pastor marinade was flavorful and tangy.


Yeshiwas Wubalem
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I love fish tacos, and this recipe did not disappoint! The al pastor marinade gave the fish a delicious flavor, and the tacos were easy to make.


Anula Kumari
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These fish tacos were amazing! The al pastor marinade was so flavorful, and the fish was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making these again.