AUTHENTIC BAJA FISH TACOS WITH CHIPOTLE SAUCE & COLESLAW + BAJA SHRIMP TACOS!

Authentic Baja Fish Tacos and Baja Shrimp Tacos served with a spicy chipotle sauce and coleslaw

I have always been a big fan of Baja fish tacos but being pregnant has put my cravings for fish tacos into overdrive! I crave them and Baja shrimp tacos (I don’t discriminate) at least twice a week so when I went to Punta Mita, Mexico to visit my mom last month, I asked her housekeeper and cook to teach me how to make authentic Mahi Mahi fish tacos from scratch!

I don’t think I’ve ever tasted anything better! I mean, that week we were in Mexico we had tacos two or three times over the course of a week but the fish tacos we made at home were definitely my favourite. Maybe it was because the fish was fresh - we had gone to La Cruz that morning to the Mercardo del Mar to purchase the Mahi Mahi caught by local fisherman that morning - but they were out of this world!

Of course I didn’t leave Mexico without snagging the recipe for myself. I mean, now that I know how easy they are to make at home, I’ll definitely be making them whenever a pregnancy craving strikes!

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INGREDIENTS FOR BAJA MAHI MAHI FISH TACOS & BAJA SHRIMP TACOS:

SERVES 4 PEOPLE
- BATTER FOR BAJA FISH TACOS & BAJA SHRIMP TACOS -

2 Cups of Flour

2 x 355ml Cans of Beer (I used Corona!)

1 TBSP of black pepper

1 TBSP of Salt

- COLESLAW FOR FISH TACOS -

4 Cups of Green or Red Cabbage (shredded)

3 TBSP of Lime Juice

1/2 TSP of Salt


- BAJA FISH TACO SAUCE -

3 Chipotle Chilies - you can freeze any leftover Chipotle peppers from the can by placing them in a Ziplock bag.

3/4 Cup of Mayonnaise

A pinch of salt

A pinch of pepper

2 TBSP of lime juice

- ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS -
1.5 - 2 lbs of Mahi Mahi cut into 1 x 3 inch strips 

20 pieces of Shrimps - de-veined with shell and tail removed 

Vegetable Oil for Frying

1 Lime cut into wedges for serving

Flour or Corn Tortillas - warmed
Guacamole *optional

Cilantro for Garnish *optional



CHECK OUT THESE OTHER SEAFOOD RECIPES


HOW TO MAKE BAJA FISH TACOS:

Begin by making the coleslaw for your fish tacos. Toss the cabbage, lime juice and pinch of salt in a bowl and mix well before setting aside to soak. The acidity in the lime juice will help soften the cabbage.

Next, begin making your Baja fish taco sauce. In a blender combine your chilies, lime juice, and mayonnaise with a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend and taste. Add more chilies if you want it spicier or mayonnaise to cool it down.

Fill your frying pan with vegetable oil (you’ll need about a 1/2 inch depth of oil) and slowly let it rise to temperature on the stove over medium heat. You want it to heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a deep fry thermometer if you have one or test the oil with a wooden spoon - if it sizzles when dipped in the oil, it’s ready.

While you are waiting for the oil to heat up you can make your batter for the Baja fish tacos and Baja shrimp tacos. Mix the flour, salt and pepper in a medium size bowl and slowly whisk in the beer, little by little until you have a smooth consistency with no lumps.

Once the oil in the pan is up to the correct frying temperature, dip the fish strips and cleaned shrimp in the beer batter, making sure to coat both sides well but letting any excess batter to drip off. Place battered fish and shrimp in the frying pan, a few pieces at a time so not to overcrowd the pan too much. Allow each piece to fry until golden brown and cooked through (approximately two minutes) before transferring the cooked pieces to a plate lined with paper towel. The paper towel will soak up all the excess oil. Repeat until all the fish is cooked.

Baja fish taco recipe - making mahi mahi fish tacos and baja shrimp tacos

Fry the battered fish and shrimp in a half inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until golden (approximately 2 minutes)

While you are cooking the fish you can also warm the tortillas in the oven for a few minutes.

When ready to plate, line the tortillas up on a plate and place a piece of fish or 2-3 pieces of shrimp in each taco shell. Top with some cabbage slaw and drizzle with some Chipotle fish taco sauce.

You can garnish the Baja fish tacos and Baja shrimp tacos with cilantro before servicing if you like but make sure to also include a wedge of lemon.

This dish also goes well with guacamole and chips or just guacamole on its own which you can always add on as an extra topping to your fish tacos.

Enjoy!


I hope you enjoyed this Baja fish taco recipe with Chipotle Baja fish taco sauce and coleslaw as much as I do. If you have any comments please leave them below and I'll be happy to answer them as soon as I can! Hasta Pronto!!!


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THE YUMMIEST AHI TUNA ALOHA POKE!

Did you know that one of the last few trips Adam and I took before the pandemic was to The Big Island of Hawaii, Kona? It was an extended family trip that consisted of 13 of us staying at a house we rented for a few weeks over Christmas and it was a BLAST! It wasn’t my first trip to Hawaii but it is where I fell in love and really indulged in authentic Hawaiian Poké for the first time! It’s such a staple Hawaiian dish that you will find amazing Tuna Poké in grocery stores and small family owned stores all over the islands!

If you have never heard of Hawaiian Tuna Poké, it is a traditional Hawaiian raw fish salad that consists of raw tuna (although I have used salmon and it taste just as great) marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and onions. Ahi Poké may appear complicated or intimidating to recreate at home but let me assure you it is actually super easy to make Hawaiian Tuna Poké at home as long as you buy sushi grade fish. Unfortunately, not all fish will work for making a Hawaiian Poké recipe at home. Since the fish is not cooked it has to have been ‘flash frozen’ in order to kill any parasites that may exist inside the flesh. Because of this, it’s easier and safer to buy sushi grade fish when making not only this Tuna Poké recipe but any Hawaiian Poké.

In terms of accompaniments, a few essentials include sticky rice, edamame, and sliced carrots but I love eating this Tuna Poké Recipe with avocado, cucumber, a few pieces of nori (dried seaweed), and radishes. Sometimes I’ll even include a little pickled ginger as a little extra salty profile addition to the dish! Alternatively, a simple addition of popular poké sauces can turn this recipe into a Spicy Tuna Poké Recipe like the addition of some spicy mayo (ingredients to which I have included below)! The best part, you can make it as spicy or as mild as you wish and use whatever mayo you have in the fridge (full-fat, light, paleo, etc).

Before you begin, it is vital to note that you must marinate your Ahi Tuna Poké for a minimum of 2 hours prior to eating in order to get the full flavor. The marinade really only takes 10-15 minutes to prepare and is super easy (just combined everything in a bowl). If you are thinking of making this for dinner you may want to start the marinating process first thing in the morning or over your lunch break to ensure it is ready for dinner! Although the best time to eat this Tuna Poké recipe is the same day you marinate it, it will keep in the fridge for up to two days.

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INGREDIENTS:

SERVES 4

- Tuna Poké Marinade -

2 Lbs of Sushi Grade Ahi Tuna
3 TBSP of Soy Sauce
2 TBSP of Sesame Oil
1 TSP of Fresh Ginger - grated
1.5 TSP of Hawaiian Salt
1/2 Cup of Onion - sliced thinly
1 TBSP of Sesame Seeds - toasted
2 TBSP of Macadamian Nuts - toasted and chopped
1 CUP of Green Onion (green parts only) - chopped
1/4 TSP of Chili Pepper

- Accompaniments -

2 CUPS of Steamed Sticky Rice - can be substituted for short grain brown rice for a healthier choice
Dried Seaweed - cut into 2 inch strips
1 CUP of Edamame - steamed and than chilled
Cucumber - thinly sliced
2-3 Radishes - thinly sliced
1 Carrot - shaved
Pickled Ginger

- Poké Sauce - Spicy Mayo can be added to this dish to turn it into a Spicy Ahi Poké recipe

4 TBSP of Mayonnaise
4 TSP of Sriracha - can be altered to your desired spice level


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HOW TO MAKE POKÉ:

Using a sharp knife, skin your filet of tuna and cut away any tendon before cutting the remaining meat into 1 inch chunks.

In a large bowl, mix your marinade ingredients together with the tuna very well before wrapping and placing in the fridge to marinate for 2 hours.


30 minutes prior to eating, prep your accompaniments and steam your sticky rice.

When ready, assemble your tuna poke bowl and garnish with a few additional sesame seeds.


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I hope you enjoyed this Tuna Poké recipe with avocado recipe as much as I do. If you have any comments please leave them below and I'll be happy to answer them as soon as I can! Happy eating!!!


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LINGUINE ALLE VONGOLE - PASTA WITH CLAMS

Linguine alle Vongole (clams in Italian) or Spaghetti alle Vongole is a classic dish and one of the first dishes that I ever learned. This pasta alle vongole recipe was originally one of my friend’s moms and she used to make this for us when it was a little colder outside because of the broth base. This is a great and easy (not to mention inexpensive) seafood pasta recipe if you are a new cook. Remember to go easy on the salt as vegetable cubes have a lot of salt in them already and you are salting the water to boil your pasta which will be absorbed by your linguine.

Enjoy

INGREDIENTS:

Serves 2-3 People

4 TBSP of Olive Oil
4 TBSP of Fresh Parsley (chopped) *Save a little as a garnish
2 Large Garlic Cloves (minced)
1 Chopped Shallot (chopped finely)
½ TSP of Pepper
1 CUP of White Wine
1 Vegetable Cube - no need to use them to create a broth beforehand because we use the cubes to flavor the sauce
2 (10oz) Cans of Clams with Juice or 10 Clams Per Person
1 LBS of Cooked Linguine
Grated Parmesan as garnish (optional)
1 French Baguette (Optional)

*Feel free to cook and place a couple of fresh clams still in shells on top for extra esthetic.


CHECK OUT THESE OTHER PASTA DISHES


DIRECTIONS:

If using fresh clams, soak clams in lukewarm to cold water for 25 minutes before you start so they can open up and release the sand inside. Scrub shells lightly and set aside.

Next, fill a pasta pot with water and place on the stove to boil

Using a sauté pan heat your olive oil and sauté your shallots, garlic and parsley for 4-5 minutes until the shallots become translucent.

Next add the juice from the cans of clams (exempt if using fresh clams), wine and vegetable cube. Once the vegetable cube melts salt and pepper to taste.

Once the water is boiling, salt the water and add in your linguine. Make sure to save some pasta water before you drain it.

Allow to simmer for 10 minutes to reduce liquid before adding the clams from can and continuing to cook for an additional 5 minutes. If using fresh clams, add clam shells into sauce pan making sure none of them overlap (they wont open as well otherwise), cover and allow to simmer for 10 minutes (or until the majority of the shells are open) so that the clam water can release from shells and mix with the sauce. Once ready, taste the broth and make sure it is seasoned to you liking otheriwse add more salt and pepper.

Drain pasta and toss it in clams and sauce while adding about 1-2 TBSP of pasta water to thicken it. Garnish with parsley and serve.

I love adding and recommend trying this dish with Parmesan but you can do whatever you like.


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I hope you enjoyed this spaghetti alla vongole recipe as much as I do. If you have any comments please leave them below and I'll be happy to answer them as soon as I can!  Bon Appetito!!!


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SPICY SHRIMP WITH CREAMY CAULIFLOWER AND SPINACH RICE - KETO & LOW CARB FRIENDLY

Since being on the Keto diet I have been experimenting a lot with carb substitutes like cauliflower rice as a way of getting the texture of carbs without the calories, and one recipe I came across that made cauliflower rice sound so delicious was a creamed version of it. Of course, being in lockdown still, I didn’t have all the ingredients the original recipe required so I remixed it my way and topped it with some spicy shrimp for a little extra kick! Needless to say, it turned out fantastic and so far I have made it twice for my family - we just can’t get enough! The creamed cauliflower made for a perfect replacement for carbs without compromising on taste at all not to mention the entire meal takes only 10 minutes to whip up! If you are looking for a delicious, low carb meal for dinner tonight, you got to try this one!

Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

- Serves 2-3 people

2 TBSP of Olive Oil
1 Pack of Frozen Riced Cauliflower (500grams)
1 TSP of Garlic Powder - Split into two portions
1 TBSP of Salted Butter
1 Packet of Shrimp - mine had about 20 raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 TSP of Paprika
1/4 TSP of Chilli Flakes
Salt and Pepper
2 Handfuls of Fresh Spinach
3 TBSP of Light Cream Cheese

- Optional Toppings -

Chilli Flakes
Green Onions

DIRECTIONS:

In a large skillet, heat up olive oil on medium/high heat. Once hot add in your cauliflower rice and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly, add salt and pepper to taste, and let cook for 4-5 minutes or until cauliflower becomes softer.

In the meantime, in another medium skillet add in butter and allow to heat up on medium/high heat. When butter is hot, drain any excess juices from shrimp before throwing them into the pan along with garlic powder, paprika, and hot chili flakes. Salt and pepper to taste. Mix spices and shrimp until the shrimp are well coated. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes.

Returning to the cauliflower skillet as you let the shrimp cook, add spinach and allow to wilt down by stirring it into the cauliflower rice. Once wilted, add in cream cheese and mix thoroughly.

By this time the shrimp should be ready. Plate creamed cauliflower rice adding shrimp on top and you are ready to serve!

Enjoy!

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If you like this recipe or have any comments/questions, feel free to leave them in the comment section below!


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Spicy Shrimp.jpg

CLASSIC FRENCH MUSSELS MARINIERE (WHITE WINE SAUCE)

One of the best parts about being self isolate with my family is that we all like to eat!

Every Friday we get together a little bit earlier and celebrate the end of the week with some nice seafood. Each week my mom has been busting out a new recipes, each better than the last. One recipe that topped the list was her classic french mussels in a white wine sauce, an easy crowd pleaser! If you have ever wondered how to cook mussels at home or are just looking for some new recipes for mussels to try, this one is easy and so delicious!

Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

Serves 2 People

-Seafood-
2.5 lbs of fresh mussels – rinse, scrub and de-beard. (I usually buy extra because I know that some are going to be bad)

How to buy, store, and prep fresh mussels:

When buying fresh mussels, make sure to smell them - they SHOULD NOT have a strong odor! You also want the shells to be shut. Since mussels are alive if you bang the shells or apply pressure and close them yourself, if they are indeed alive, they should shut or remain shut. If they open once again right away it means that they are weak/not fresh, so don’t buy those. Make sure to store your mussels in the fridge, they need air to breathe so don’t use a sealed container, instead place a damp cloth over them like a napkin or paper towel to provide further moisture. Before you are ready to use them make sure to rinse the shells, remove the beards or hairy bits, and scrub away any debris off the shells.

-White Wine Sauce-
2 TBSP of Unsalted Butter
1 Shallots - chopped finely
1 TBSP of Fresh Flat Parsley, chopped finely
1 cloves of garlic - minced
1 Stock of Celery, chopped finely
1 Bay Leaf
A few twigs of Fresh Thyme
1 Cup of Dry White Wine
Salt and Pepper to Taste
1 TBSP Double Creme

-Toppings-
Fresh Flat Parsley

-Extras-
French Baguette


LOVE SEAFOOD? CHECK OUT THESE OTHER SEAFOOD RECIPES!


HOW TO COOK MUSSELS:

how to cook mussels

Place a large pot on the stove and add in your butter. Allow butter to melt on medium heat. Once ready, add shallots and cook until translucent.

Add chopped parsley, celery, garlic, bay laves and thyme to the pot and mix. Allow the heat to bring out the aroma of the herbs (maybe 2-3 minutes).

Add the fresh mussels to the mixture and stir to coat the mussels with the herbs. Add the wine and raise temperature to high. When the wine starts to bubble, stir the mussels once again so that they become coated with wine.

After you have covered the mussels in white wine, lower the heat to medium/high and cover for 5-6 minutes but no more.

After 5-6 minutes, uncover and remove mussels from the pot but keep the juice in the pot. Taste sauce and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Add the double cream to the sauce (it should make the sauce whiter) before stirring it in until well incorporated. Add the steamed mussels back into pot, stir and serving right away while hot.

Bon Appétit!!!


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If you like this recipe for mussels, learning how to cook mussels or have any comments/questions about this mussels in white wine cream sauce recipe, feel free to leave them in the comment section below!


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how to cook mussels in white wine sauce