June 17, 2016

Author: Lily Mazzarella
I love fish and fish tacos in the Summer. Like many Californians it conjures memories of vacations down to Baja, tangled ocean hair and the best tans of my life.

While my trips down south have waned over the years, my appetite for these tasty lime-drenched filets persists. But as more information becomes available, we’re learning how populations of fish we enjoy so much are in trouble due to destructive fishing and farming practices. This of course presents a problem for my fish-o-phile ways. So when grilling up my fish tacos, I choose a wild-caught variety approved by the Seafood Watch Group. Click here to download your state-specific Sustainable Seafood Guide.

The Tacos

1-2 pounds wild-caught fish of your choice – any white flaky fish will do (for West Coasters think bass, tilapia, trout, and cod for a meatier feel).

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 lime, juiced

1 tbsp cumin

2 tsps garlic, minced

Sea salt & freshly ground pepper

Coconut oil or avocado oil

Large red or green cabbage leaves, whole

Ranch-ish Dressing

1/3 c. filtered water

½ c hemp seeds

½ c extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)

2 tsp dried dill (double if using fresh)

1 tbsp fresh chives, roughly chopped

¼-1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

¼ scant tsp dried onion (optional)

¼-1/2 tsp salt

The Garnish

1 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

Lime wedges

Avocado slices

 Instructions

1. Combine the olive oil, lime juice, cumin, garlic and salt & pepper in a large bowl.
2. Toss the fish in the marinade, and let sit for 15 minutes.
3. While marinating, whip up your Ranch-ish Dressing by placing all Dressing ingredients (except dill & chives) in a blender or Vitamix, and blend until smooth and creamy. Add dill and chives and process until they are uniformly distributed.
4. Preheat a large skillet or grill over medium-high heat, add either enough avocado or coconut oil to coat the pan.
5. Add the fish, cook for about 5 minutes per side or until fish is flaky.
6. To assemble the taco, add a piece of fish to one leaf of cabbage, add garnish and drizzle with as much Ranch-ish Dressing as desired.

* OPTIONAL For fun, garnish with pickled carrots, thinly sliced jicama or chopped onions.

If you’re looking for spice and know you’re not nightshade sensitive, you can add 1 tbsp ancho chili powder and 1 jalapeno, minced to your marinade