Grilled Fish Tacos with Citrus Slaw and Green Sauce

Close up of Grilled Fish Taco with Citrus Slaw and Green Sauce.I can’t get enough of fish tacos so I am so excited to add another to the blog with these…

The post Grilled Fish Tacos with Citrus Slaw and Green Sauce appeared first on The Defined Dish.

Close up of Grilled Fish Taco with Citrus Slaw and Green Sauce.

I can’t get enough of fish tacos so I am so excited to add another to the blog with these flavorful Grilled Fish Tacos with Citrus Slaw and Green Sauce!

Grilled Fish Tacos with Citrus Slaw and Green Sauce assembled on tray.

Don’t let the ingredient list or steps overwhelm you with this recipe. I promise you it all comes together beautifully! For this #DDGrillWeek 2024 recipe, you’ll start by simply marinating the fish with olive oil and dried spices. Next, you’ll toss together the simple slaw and let that marinate as you hit the grill.

Close up of Grilled Fish Taco with Citrus Slaw and Green Sauce.

Once your grill is prepped, you’ll start by grilling the poblanos for your green sauce then set those aside as you grill the fish and tortillas. The fish and tortillas will be kept warm as you blend up your green sauce with the poblanos, Greek yogurt, cilantro, and more. After your sauce is blended up, flake your fish, assemble your tacos, and enjoy! With a Clayton Margarita if you are feeling extra festive.

Grilled Fish Tacos with Citrus Slaw and Green Sauce Ingredients:

  • Ground Cumin
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Garlic Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Dried Oregano
  • Salt
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Mahi Mahi or Halibut
  • Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
  • Freshly Squeeze Lemon Juice
  • Honey
  • Shredded Green Cabbage
  • Shredded Purple Cabbage
  • Green Onions
  • Fresh Cilantro
  • Poblano Peppers
  • Garlic
  • Greek Yogurt
  • Corn Tortillas
  • Jalapeño or Serrano Pepper
  • Lime Wedges

Recipe Step-by-Step:

Step One: Make the Fish Marinade

In a small bowl, combine the cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Stir until well combined until it turns into a paste-like consistency.

Step Two: Marinate the Fish

Pat the fish dry and brush the spice mixture over the top flesh of the fish and rub it in so that it evenly coats the fish. Set aside for 15 minutes to marinate while you prepare the slaw.

Salmon filets marinating on sheet pan.

Step Three: Make the Slaw

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the green and purple cabbage, green onion, and cilantro. Gently toss to coat. Set aside.

Slaw for Grilled Fish Tacos on low plate.

Step Four: Prep the Grill

When ready to cook, heat the grill over medium-high heat (350-400℉) and oil the grill grates. To do this, dip a wadded paper towel in a little avocado oil and, using tongs, wipe the oil evenly over the grate. Be careful not to use too much oil, because that’s a sure-fire way to start a good flare-up—a little goes a long way here.

Step Five: Grill the Poblano Peppers

Add the poblano peppers to the hot grill and grill for about 12 to 15 minutes until the skin is charred and blackened, flipping here and there to achieve an even grill. Transfer the cooked poblanos to a bowl and cover with foil or saran wrap to allow to steam while you cook the fish.

Step Six: Grill the Fish

Add the fish to the greased grill and cook until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer to a platter and cover with foil until ready to serve.

Step Seven: Grill the Tortillas

Add the tortillas to the grill and char until just warm and more pliable, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm until ready to serve.

Step Eight: Make the Green Sauce

After the poblanos have steamed, they should peel very easily. Peel off the skin on the top layer, then remove the stem and seeds. Add the peeled poblanos to a blender with the cilantro, garlic, Greek yogurt, lime, and salt to make the sauce. Blend until smooth.

Green sauce in small bowl for Grilled Fish Tacos

Step Nine: Serve and Enjoy!

To serve, flake fish and serve in the warm tortillas. Top with the slaw, a drizzle of the green sauce, and thinly sliced jalapeño or serrano pepper if desired! Serve with a wedge of lime.

Grilled Fish Tacos with Citrus Slaw and Green Sauce assembled on tray.

Recipe FAQs:

Is the green sauce spicy?

I do not find poblanos particularly spicy! If you want to spice up your tacos, serve with thinly sliced jalapeño or serrano peppers.

Could I omit the tortillas?

Yes! This is great served in a bowl over the cabbage slaw and with a side of rice if preferred.

For More Fish Recipes:

Grilled Salmon Tacos with Jalapeño Tartar Sauce

Cedar Plank Salmon and Corn with Serrano-Butter

Paleo Battered Fish Tacos

Close up of Grilled Fish Taco with Citrus Slaw and Green Sauce.
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Grilled Fish Tacos with Citrus Slaw and Green Sauce

Gluten-Free
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients

For the Fish:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 lbs mahi mahi or halibut, cut into two 1-lb filets

For the Citrus Slaw:

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage
  • 2 cups finely shredded purple cabbage
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
  • ½ cup roughly chopped cilantro leaves

For the Green Sauce:

  • 2 medium poblano peppers
  • 1 cup packed roughly chopped cilantro leaves
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt

For Serving:

  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, very thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 lime cut into wedges

Instructions

Marinate the Fish:

  • In a small bowl, combine the cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Stir until well combined until it turns into a paste-like consistency.
  • Pat the fish dry and brush the spice mixture over the top flesh of the fish and rub it in so that it evenly coats the fish. Set aside for 15 minutes to marinate while you prepare the slaw.

Make the Slaw:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the green and purple cabbage, green onion, and cilantro. Gently toss to coat. Set aside.

Grill the Fish, Poblanos, and Tortillas:

  • When ready to cook, heat grill over medium-high heat (350-400℉) and oil the grill grates. To do this, dip a wadded paper towel in a little avocado oil and, using tongs, wipe the oil evenly over the grate. Be careful not to use too much oil, because that’s a sure-fire way to start a good flare-up—a little goes a long way here.
  • Add the poblano peppers to the hot grill and grill for about 12 to 15 minutes until the skin is charred and blackened, flipping here and there to achieve an even grill. Transfer the cooked poblanos to a bowl and cover with foil or saran wrap to allow to steam while you cook the fish.
  • Add the fish to the greased grill and cook until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer to a platter and cover with foil until ready to serve.
  • Add the tortillas to the grill and char until just warm and more pliable, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm until ready to serve.

Make the Green Sauce:

  • After the poblanos have steamed, they should peel very easily. Peel off the skin on the top layer, then remove the stem and seeds. Add the peeled poblanos to a blender with the cilantro, garlic, Greek yogurt, lime, and salt to make the sauce. Blend until smooth.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • To serve, flake fish and serve in the warm tortillas. Top with the slaw, a drizzle of the green sauce, and thinly sliced jalapeño or serrano pepper if desired! Serve with a wedge of lime.

Photography and styling by Eat Love Eats.

The post Grilled Fish Tacos with Citrus Slaw and Green Sauce appeared first on The Defined Dish.

Pork Pastor Skewers

Pork Pastor Skewers assembled on plate. Limes and pickled onions scattered around.I love the flavor of al pastor and knew I needed to bring the flavor into my kitchen. These Pork…

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Pork Pastor Skewers assembled on plate. Limes and pickled onions scattered around.

I love the flavor of al pastor and knew I needed to bring the flavor into my kitchen. These Pork Pastor Skewers are even more delicious than I could have imagined!

Pork Pastor Skewers assembled on plate. Limes and pickled onions scattered around.

Here’s another #DDGrillWeek 2024 recipe I cannot get enough of! Although al pastor is traditionally prepared on a rotating vertical spit grill, I brought the flavor to my grill by skewering the marinated meat and cooking until slightly charred but still soft. The meat is marinated in a sweet, tangy, and smoky sauce that is sweetened with pineapple and packed with so much flavor that I cannot get enough of!

Pork Pastor Skewers plated over rice in blue bowl.

You will also set aside some of the marinade to baste the pork while it is grilling and you will serve additional sauce drizzled over top of the final bowl. Which, let’s discuss how this is served! I like to serve these in a bowl over cilantro-lime rice (I make the rice from this recipe!), with guacamole, pickled red onions, cilantro, and a wedge of lime.

Ingredients:

  • Pineapple
  • Distilled White Vinegar
  • Ancho Chile Powder 
  • Chili Powder
  • Ground Cumin
  • Ground Cinnamon
  • Fresh Oregano Leaves
  • Garlic
  • Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
  • Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
  • Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
  • Salt
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • Pork Tenderloin 
  • Prepared Cilantro-Lime Rice
  • Pickled Red Onions
  • Guacamole
  • Fresh Cilantro Leaves
  • Lime

Recipe Step-by-Step: Gas Grill Method

Step One: Make the Pork Marinade

In a high-speed blender, combine all of the pastor sauce ingredients and blend until smooth. Reserve 1 cup of the sauce and store in the fridge until ready to use when cooking and serving the pork.

Step Two: Marinate the Pork

To a large bowl, add the cubed pork, salt, and pepper with the remaining pastor sauce. Cover and marinade in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

Pork Pastor marinating in white bowl.

Step Three: Assemble the Skewers

Next, thread the pork and pineapple onto the skewers. Hold two skewers side by side, parallel to one another, upright, and carefully thread the pork and pineapple onto the skewers. I like to do 3 to 4 cubes of pork, then a pineapple cube, then repeat. Using two skewers together makes it easier to flip and less likely to spin or slither off.

Pork Pastor Skewers assembled on sheet pan before grilling.

Step Four: Prep the Grill

Heat grill over medium-high heat (350-400℉) and oil the grill grates. To do this, dip a wadded paper towel in a little avocado oil and, using tongs, wipe the oil evenly over the grate. Be careful not to use too much oil, because that’s a sure fire way to start a good flare-up—a little goes a long way here.

Step Five: Grill the Skewers

Place the pork skewers directly on the preheated grill grates. Line up the skewers side by side without overlapping. Cook the pork skewers, brushing with ½ cup of the reserved sauce (saving the rest for serving) every so often, for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the skewers and grill another 3 to 4 minutes on the other side, painting with sauce. When done, the edges will be slightly charred and the middle of the pieces should be soft, juicy, and cooked through.

Step Six: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the skewers over cilantro-lime rice and drizzle with a bit of the remaining pastor sauce. Add a scoop of guacamole alongside the skewers. Top with pickled red onions, a little cilantro, and a wedge of lime on the side!

Pork Pastor Skewers assembled on plate. Limes and pickled onions scattered around.

Recipe FAQs:

Could I serve this in tortillas instead?

You can serve this however you prefer! I like serving in bowls, but you can always set up a taco bar instead.

I am worried about the spice level, any suggestions?

While I do not find these too spicy, I know others can be more spice-sensitive. Try 1 teaspoon of the ancho chile powder instead if preferred!

I hope y’all enjoy these skewers as much as I do! Comment below once you try them!

For More Skewer Recipes:

Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Spicy Curried Shrimp Skewers with Grilled Veggie Couscous

Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers

Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers with Sesame Slaw

Pork Pastor Skewers plated over rice in blue bowl.
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Pork Pastor Skewers

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Paleo (if modified), Whole30 (if modified)
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating 2 hours
Servings 5

Ingredients

For the Pastor Sauce:

  • 2 cups medium-diced pineapple
  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons ancho chile powder (see note)
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ¼ cup freshly squeeze orange juice
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Pork:

  • 2 pounds pork tenderloin excess fat removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Skewers:

  • Ten 6-inch skewers (if wooden, pre-soak for 15 minutes)
  • 1 cup medium diced pineapple

For the Bowls:

  • 1 cup prepared cilantro-lime rice (sub cauliflower rice for paleo and Whole30)
  • Pickled red onions
  • Guacamole
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 lime cut into wedges

Instructions

Marinate the Pork:

  • In a high-speed blender, combine all of the pastor sauce ingredients and blend until smooth. Reserve 1 cup of the sauce and store in the fridge until ready to use when cooking and serving the pork.
  • To a large bowl, add the cubed pork, salt, and pepper with the remaining pastor sauce. Cover and marinade in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

Assemble the Skewers:

  • Next, thread the pork and pineapple onto the skewers. Hold two skewers side by side, parallel to one another, upright and carefully thread the pork and pineapple onto the skewers. I like to do 3 to 4 cubes of pork, then a pineapple cube, then repeat. Using two skewers together makes it easier to flip and less likely to spin or slither off.

Grill the Skewers (Gas-Grill Method):

  • Heat grill over medium-high heat (350-400℉) and oil the grill grates. To do this, dip a wadded paper towel in a little avocado oil and, using tongs, wipe the oil evenly over the grate. Be careful not to use too much oil, because that’s a sure fire way to start a good flare-up—a little goes a long way here.
  • Place the pork skewers directly on the preheated grill grates. Line up the skewers side by side without overlapping. Cook the pork skewers, brushing with ½ cup of the reserved sauce (saving the rest for serving) every so often, for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the skewers and grill another 3 to 4 minutes on the other side, painting with sauce. When done, the edges will be slightly charred and the middle of the pieces should be soft, juicy, and cooked through.

Grill the Skewers (Weber XL Searwood Method): 

  • Add Mesquite pellets to the grill and preheat to 375℉ 
  • Place the pork skewers directly on the preheated grill grates. Line up the skewers side by side without overlapping. Cook the pork skewers, brushing with ½ cup of the reserved sauce (saving the rest for serving) every so often, for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the skewers and grill another 3 to 4 minutes on the other side, painting with sauce. When done, the middle of the pieces should be soft, juicy, and cooked through. 

To Serve:

  • Serve over cilantro-lime rice and drizzle with a bit of the remaining pastor sauce. Add a scoop of guacamole alongside the skewers. Top with pickled red onions, a little cilantro and a wedge of lime!

Notes

Ancho Chile Note: Ancho chile powder packs a punch of heat. If you want milder, use 1 teaspoon.

Photography and styling by Eat Love Eats.

The post Pork Pastor Skewers appeared first on The Defined Dish.

Monterey Melt Smash Burgers

Monterey Melt Smash Burger assembled on parchment paper.Whataburger fans rejoice — I’ve brought a classic home with these Monterey Melt Smash Burgers! Spicy, creamy, and just a…

The post Monterey Melt Smash Burgers appeared first on The Defined Dish.

Monterey Melt Smash Burger assembled on parchment paper.

Whataburger fans rejoice — I’ve brought a classic home with these Monterey Melt Smash Burgers! Spicy, creamy, and just a guilty pleasure I am so happy to now be able to make at home.

Monterey Melt Smash Burgers on parchment paper.

If you are not familiar, Whataburger is a fast-food chain that started in Texas and has since made it s way out of the state to other locations. Whataburger’s Monterey Melt is a fanatic cult classic, but unfortunately not on the menu year-round. It’s a favorite order for Clayton when it is on the menu so I finally decided to remake it for #DDGrillWeek 2024!

Monterey Melt Smash Burger assembled on parchment paper.

The Monterey Melt consists of two beef patties topped with Monterey and American cheese, peppers and onions then finished with Whataburger’s Jalapeño ranch sauce. I’ve followed this pretty closely with even making my own Jalapeño Ranch, but with a Greek yogurt base that adds a delicious tanginess, plus makes it easier to make than a mayo-based dressing.

Ingredients:

  • Plain Greek Yogurt
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Distilled White Vinegar
  • Jalapeño 
  • Garlic
  • Fresh Parsley
  • Fresh Dill
  • Onion Powder
  • Salt
  • Black Pepper
  • Ground Beef
  • Poblano Peppers 
  • Yellow Onion 
  • Avocado Oil
  • White Bread Buns: Sub Gluten-Free Buns
  • Salted Butter
  • Yellow Mustard
  • American Cheese
  • Monterey Jack Cheese

Step-by-Step:

Step One: Make the Jalapeño Ranch

In a blender or using an immersion blender in a wide-mouth jar, combine all of the Jalapeño Ranch ingredients and blend until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve. This keeps well for 5 to 7 days in the fridge.

Jalapeño ranch for Monterey Melt Smash Burgers in glass jar.

Step Two: Portion the Ground Beef

Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 3 ounces each). Roll them into balls, being careful not to overwork the meat, and set them on a baking sheet. Set aside.

Step Three: Cook the Peppers and Onions

Heat the grill over medium-high heat (between 400 and 450℉) with a griddle on top. When the griddle is hot, add 2 tablespoons of oil and the sliced peppers and onions. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, tossing often, until the veggies are tender, about 8 minutes total. When the veggies are cooked through, transnfer them to a plate or bowl and cover with foil to keep warm. Set aside.

Step Four: Toast the Buns

Butter and toast buns over medium heat until golden on the buttered side. Transfer to a platter and set aside.

Step Five: Begin Cooking the Burgers

Place 4 burger balls onto the hot griddle. Working quickly, firmly smash straight down into a thin patty. Season the patties with a pinch of salt, pepper, a drizzle of yellow mustard. Cook for 2 minutes on the first side, or until seared and juices start to come to the surface.

Step Six: Add Cheese and FInish the Burgers

Scrape under the burger with a sturdy spatula and flip. Cover and cook for 1 more minute. Top half of the burgers with American cheese, and half with the Monterey Jack cheese. Transfer the cooked smashed burgers to a platter and continue until all of the burgers are done.

Step Seven: Assemble and Serve!

Place one American cheese-covered smash burger on the bottom of the bun, then top with a Monterey Jack cheese-covered smash burger. Top the double patties with the onion and pepper mixture and then a very generous drizzle of the Jalapeño Ranch. Serve and enjoy!

Monterey Melt Smash Burgers being assembled on parchment paper.

Recipe FAQ:

Can I make the Jalapeño Ranch in advance?

Yes! This keeps well for 5 to 7 days in the fridge.

Can I make this gluten-free?

You can make some swaps when serving to make this gluten-free! You can serve on a gluten-free bun, in a lettuce wrap, or over greens!

Monterey Melt Smash Burgers on parchment with ranch in background.

I hope y’all love these Monterey Melt Smash Burgers as much as my husband and I do! Comment below once you make these!

For More Recipes:

Juicy Indoor Burgers with Burger Sauce

Greek-Inspired Grilled Lamb Burgers

Avocado Turkey Burgers

Oven Fries

Monterey Melt Smash Burger assembled on parchment paper.
Print

Monterey Melt Smash Burgers

Gluten-Free if Modified
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

For the Jalapeño Ranch:

  • 1 cup plain greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
  • 1 jalapeño, stem and seeds removed and roughly chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup roughly chopped parsley
  • ¼ cup roughly chopped dill fronds
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt

For the Smash Burgers:

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 2 medium-sized poblano peppers, seeds and stem removed, halved and thinly sliced
  • 1 small yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • 4 soft white bread buns, sub gluten-free buns for gluten-free
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 4 slices Monterey jack cheese

Instructions

Make the Jalapeño Ranch:

  • In a blender or using an immersion blender in a wide-mouth jar, combine all of the Jalapeño Ranch ingredients and blend until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve. This keeps well for 5 to 7 days in the fridge.

Make the Smash Burgers, Grilled Onions, and Peppers:

  • Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 3 ounces each). Roll them into balls, being careful not to overwork the meat, and set them on a baking sheet. Set aside.
  • Heat the grill over medium-high heat (between 400 and 450℉) with a griddle on top.
  • When the griddle is hot, add 2 tablespoons of oil and the sliced peppers and onions. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, tossing often, until the veggies are tender, about 8 minutes total. When the veggies are cooked through, transnfer them to a plate or bowl and cover with foil to keep warm. Set aside.
  • Butter and toast buns over medium heat until golden on the buttered side. Transfer to a platter and set aside.
  • Place 4 burger balls onto the hot griddle. Working quickly, firmly smash straight down into a thin patty. Season the patties with a pinch of salt, pepper, a drizzle of yellow mustard. Cook 2 minutes on the first side, or until seared and juices start to come to the surface.
  • Scrape under the burger with a sturdy spatula and flip. Cover and cook for 1 more minute. Top half of the burgers with American cheese, and half with the Monterey Jack cheese. Transfer the cooked smashed burgers to a platter and continue until all of the burgers are done.

Assemble and Serve:

  • Place one American cheese-covered smash burger on the bottom of the bun, then top with a Monterey Jack cheese-covered smash burger. Top the double patties with the onion and pepper mixture and then a very generous drizzle of the Jalapeño Ranch. Serve and enjoy!

Photography and styling by Eat Love Eats.

The post Monterey Melt Smash Burgers appeared first on The Defined Dish.