
Gentle Zarandeado Fish Tacos with Jicama Slaw and Lime Cream
Original Mexican tacos featuring fish fillets marinated in a mild guajillo chile, garlic, and citrus sauce, cooked until juicy and served in corn tortillas with a crisp jicama and red cabbage slaw, fresh lime cream, and cilantro.
Ingredients
- 600 g firm white fish fillets (en 8 strips; por ejemplo mahi-mahi, huachinango or bacalao fresh)
- 12 unit corn tortillas (small)
- 30 g dried guajillo chiles (without stalk ni semillas)
- 120 ml orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 60 ml lime juice (divided)
- 45 ml olive oil (divided)
- 12 g garlic (pelado)
- 20 g achiote paste (for dar color and profundidad)
- 2 g ground cumin
- 1 g dried oregano
- 8 g salt (divided)
- 1 g black pepper
- 150 g red cabbage (finely slice)
- 180 g jicama (en juliana fina)
- 60 g red onion (finely slice)
- 20 g fresh cilantro (chopped, divided)
- 10 ml honey
- 120 g sour cream
- 2 g lime zest
- 10 g serrano chile (finely chopped, optional)
- 200 g avocado (en slices for servir)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. Heat a small skillet or griddle over medium heat, about 350°F / 175°C at the surface. Toast the dried guajillo chiles for 20 to 30 seconds per side until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. Transfer them to a bowl, cover with hot water, and soak for 10 minutes.
- 2
2. Drain the softened chiles and blend them with the orange juice, 30 ml (2 tbsp) of the lime juice, 30 ml (2 tbsp) of the olive oil, the garlic, achiote paste, cumin, oregano, 4 g (3/4 tsp) salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- 3
3. Place the fish fillets in a container, pour the marinade over them, and gently turn to coat well. Refrigerate for 15 minutes so the fish absorbs the flavor.
- 4
4. Meanwhile, make the slaw by combining the red cabbage, jicama, red onion, half of the cilantro, honey, the remaining 30 ml (2 tbsp) lime juice, 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, and 2 g (1/4 tsp) salt. Set aside so it softens slightly.
- 5
5. In another bowl, mix the sour cream with the lime zest, serrano chile if using, 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, and 2 g (1/4 tsp) salt until smooth and creamy. Keep chilled.
- 6
6. Preheat a grill pan, grill, or large skillet over medium-high heat, about 400°F / 205°C. Cook the marinated fish for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and flaky. Remove from the heat and let rest for 2 minutes.
- 7
7. Warm the corn tortillas on a griddle over medium heat, about 350°F / 175°C, for 20 to 30 seconds per side until hot and flexible. Keep them covered with a clean towel.
- 8
8. Assemble the tacos by placing fish on each tortilla, then topping with the jicama slaw, a spoonful of lime cream, avocado slices, and the remaining fresh cilantro.
- 9
9. Serve immediately. If desired, add extra lime wedges on the side.
Chef tips
For a smokier flavor, cook the fish on a very hot grill. Do not marinate the fish too long, or the citrus may affect its texture.
Substitutions
You can use thick plain yogurt instead of sour cream, though the flavor will be lighter. If you cannot find jicama, replace it with more red cabbage or firm cucumber cut into matchsticks. Snapper, sea bass, or mahi-mahi all work well.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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