Have you heard of Wahoo's Fish Tacos? It's a fast food chain with locations in Hawaii, California, Colorado and Texas boasting an eclectic Mexican/Brazilian/Asian menu with a surfer-dude vibe. Ben fell in love with the place during his college years and kept telling me about it. Once we moved to California together, he finally wouldn't let me go another day without trying it out.
Now, let me just tell you... Whenever Ben mentioned this restaurant, before I tried it, I would practically gag at the thought of fish tacos. He quickly explained to me that even though fish tacos is in the title, they have many other items on their menu. He doesn't even order fish tacos there. So, I grudgingly gave in and joined him one day at Wahoo's, ordered the Kalua Pig Bowl and devoured my meal. It was so good.
The next time we went, I decided to get over my distaste for fish tacos and actually gave them a whirl. Well, to be honest with you, I wasn't all that courageous. I still ordered the Kalua Pig Bowl for me, and then the fish tacos for Judah off the kids menu. I figured that this way I knew I would have a meal I would like, and could taste Judah's fish tacos. I loved them.
So I set out to find a recipe to start making fish tacos at home. I found one by Bobby Flay. Although he obviously grills his fish, I use a skillet on the stove-top since they take just minutes to cook. Even with the 20 minute marinade, these are a delicious and fast weeknight meal!
Fish Tacos
Ingredients
For the Tacos:
- 1 pound white flaky fish
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1 lime , juiced
- 1 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 jalapeno , coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 8 small flour tortillas
For Garnish (all optional):
- Shredded white or red cabbage
- Hot sauce
- Sour cream
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Thinly sliced green onion
- Chopped cilantro leaves
- Salsa
Instructions
- Place fish in a medium size dish. Whisk together the oil, lime juice, chili powder, jalapeno, and cilantro then pour over the fish. Let marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Remove the fish from the marinade and place onto the hot skillet. Grill the fish for 3 minutes then flip and grill an additional 3 minutes.Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before flaking the fish with a fork.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave between two damp paper towels. Divide the fish among the tortillas and garnish with any or all of the garnishes.
- Source: Slightly adapted from Bobby Flay
Sara Bargas says
Hello Nikki,
Have loved viewing and trying some of your recipes! Oh and I love your blog too!
I'm a big fan of family and get togethers.
I love fish tacos, but never tried Wahoo's yet. I'll get there this summer when I see one. Don't know if we have one here in Santa Clarita, but I know I've seen them around elsewhere.
The traditional fish used in fish tacos is Talapia. Because it was an inexpensive fish and holds together when BBQ'd.
I'm looking forward to making your recipe this summer.
Thanks!
Leah M. says
Fish tacos look yummy! Can't wait to try these. Now what is the recipe for the beans on the side? Those look yummy too! Thanks for sharing!!
Rebecca says
Agreed! What are the sides you chose?
Rebecca says
Is the side pictured your Spicy Chili?
https://www.seededatthetable.com/2011/01/26/spicy-chili/
Shanon says
I love love love Wahoos and now that I've been transported to Kentucky fish tacos are not readily available. I've attempted another version & it was just so-so. I'm am DEFINITELY going to try these, they look like home! 😀 Thank you for sharing!!
Meggan says
What kind of fish wish did you use?
Nikki says
I used cod the time I took this picture, but you can use any white fish.
Sharon says
We don't have Wahoo's but we love fish tacos, these look great. Thanks for sharing.
Christina @ Sweet Pea's Kitchen says
Ok...I know it is breakfast time, but I want one of those tacos now! Yummy! Fish tacos are one of my favorites, but I have never made them at home. Looks like I need to! 🙂
Laura says
Fish tacos are one of our favorites. I too, was kind of repulsed by the idea at first...but came around quick, thankfully! These look great.
Jessica @Sunny Side Up says
Love Wahoos and love fish tacos (even though I usually order a shrimp burrito there). I still haven't tried making them at home but this recipe sounds like a winner!!
Amy (Sing For Your Supper) says
Wow, these look fantastic, Nikki! I love fish tacos and this recipe sounds great! Love the picture too!!