Skip to content
I had my first blackened rockfish tacos with slaw in San Diego with my friend Mark Murphy, which were so delicious. He took me to a fish taco dive that was very reasonably priced. The rockfish filet used in the tacos was incredibly fresh, which made all the difference in taste and texture. I made a note in my mind that it would be worth a try to recreate what I ate that day. This recipe is as close as I could get to what I ate, which was delicious and quick to make.
Make bacon-wrapped shrimp as a delicious appetizer to these tacos
Teach a Man/Woman to Fish
Some of my fondest summer memories are fishing right off our dock and being able to eat freshly caught seafood. One of my favorite things is knowing where my food is coming from, and I’d say straight out of the water into my kitchen is pretty fresh. Smoked paprika can be used to season the freshly caught rockfish to enhance its flavor. Rockfish are abundant in the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding waters of the Maryland Eastern Shore. Striped bass is another popular fish in the Chesapeake Bay, known for its delicate flavor and versatile cooking methods. These rockfish tacos with slaw are made with rockfish fillets caught from our dock. You can use store-bought Rockfish; make sure they are ethically raised and caught.
Willie and Billie are out on the fishing boat cleaning a rockfish for us to make these tacos with slaw
Responsible Fishing
Rockfish season in Maryland runs from late April to Mid May. At this peak, season hand caught Rockfish have to be 35 inches or larger, and you can only keep one fish. Outside of the season, the rockfish size changes to 19 inches, and you can keep two fish to ensure the Rockfish are not overfished.
What is Rockfish?
Understanding the Fish
Rockfish is a mild-flavored white fish that is a favorite for making fish tacos. Its firm texture and subtle taste make it a versatile choice that pairs beautifully with a variety of seasonings and toppings. Not only is rockfish delicious, but it is also a sustainable and eco-friendly option. This fish is abundant in the ocean and can be harvested with minimal environmental impact, making it a responsible choice for your next fish taco night.
Help yourself wake up for your next fishing trip with our Good Morning Tea
Choosing the Right Fish for Tacos
Selecting the Best Catch
When it comes to crafting the best fish tacos, selecting the right fish is crucial. Popular choices include cod, halibut, tilapia, and of course, rockfish. These fish are all known for their mild flavor and firm texture, which hold up well to cooking and a variety of toppings. When shopping for fish, prioritize freshness and sustainability. Look for fish that are ethically sourced and have a good balance of flavor and texture to ensure your tacos are both delicious and environmentally friendly.
Ingredient List
Let’s make a list of all the ingredients that you’ll need to make these tacos. I can’t emphasize enough that the higher quality of the ingredients, the better the meal. I have to admit that I am a bit spoiled. When I want fresh Rockfish, I call my friend Willie and ask if he’s out fishing. The happiest days cooking on the shore are with fish and the green egg! That’s usually a cue to him that I am looking for a piece of fish.
To make this dish, you’ll need the following:
- cabbage
- salt and pepper
- lime juice
- Bee Inspired Honey
- fresh cilantro
- Rockfish filets
- corn tortillas (or flour tortillas, if you prefer)
- olive oil
- white wine vinegar
- garlic
- red pepper flakes
- Old Bay (optional)
- garlic powder (optional)
How to Make Rockfish Tacos in 4 Easy Steps
One: Make the slaw
Combine all the ingredients for the slaw and set aside at room temperature.
Two: Marinate the rockfish fillets with lemon juice
Mix the marinade for the fish, including lemon juice and smoked paprika, and coat the fish; let stand for 10-20 minutes.
Three: Cook the fish in olive oil
Pan-saute or grill the fish for 4-5 minutes on each side. Place fish on the grill or in the pan after seasoning it with your preferred herbs and spices. If pan-sautéing, use a large frying pan to ensure even cooking. If baking, cover the fish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and enhance the cooking process.
Four: Serve the tacos with slaw and corn tortillas
Heat the tortilla and plate. Place the cooked fish in the center of the tortilla. Garnish with slaw, pickled onion, Pico de Gallo, avocado slices, and whatever else you like! Serve the tacos with cocktail sauce as an optional dip.
Fish Taco Toppings and Sauces
The magic of fish tacos lies in the toppings and sauces. To elevate your tacos, consider adding diced avocado, sliced radishes, shredded green cabbage, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. For those who love a bit of heat, a dash of cayenne pepper or some sliced jalapeños can do wonders. For a creamy and tangy touch, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and lime juice. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend of flavors. Whether you prefer the crunch of cabbage or the creaminess of avocado slices, the right toppings can transform your fish tacos into a culinary delight.
What to Serve with Rockfish Tacos
Rockfish tacos are a delightful main course cuisine, and pairing them with the right sides can elevate your meal to new heights. Here are some delicious accompaniments to consider:
- Mango Salsa: The sweetness of mango salsa complements the savory flavors of the tacos, adding a refreshing and tropical twist to your meal.
- Black Beans: A classic side for any Mexican-inspired dish, black beans provide a hearty and nutritious addition to your taco night.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy and flavorful, Mexican rice is a perfect side that pairs well with the spices in the rockfish tacos.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Lightly seasoned with chili powder and lime juice, grilled corn adds a smoky sweetness that complements the tacos beautifully.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices offer a rich texture and mellow flavor that balance the tangy slaw and zesty lime juice in the tacos.
- Chips and Guacamole: A classic pairing, crispy tortilla chips with creamy guacamole are a great way to start your meal.
- Cabbage Slaw: A crunchy cabbage slaw with a hint of lime juice and cilantro can be served as a side or as a topping for extra texture.
- Fresh Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor that diners can squeeze over their tacos.
These sides not only enhance the flavors of your rockfish tacos but also create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Enjoy your taco night with these delightful pairings!
Crab cakes are another popular Maryland seafood dish that pair well with rockfish tacos
Customizing Your Rockfish Tacos
One of the best aspects of making rockfish tacos is the flexibility to tailor the recipe to suit your personal taste preferences. Here are some ideas for altering the recipe to make it uniquely yours:
- Choose Your Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper or chili powder. For those who prefer a milder taste, smoked paprika and black pepper provide flavor without overwhelming heat.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to switch up the toppings. Add mango salsa for a sweet and tangy twist, or try adding crunchy cabbage for extra texture. You can also include fresh cilantro, green onions, or even pickled jalapeños for added zest.
- Try Different Tortillas: While corn tortillas are traditional, flour tortillas offer a softer texture. For a healthier option, consider whole wheat tortillas or lettuce wraps.
- Vary the Protein: If rockfish isn't available, mild white fish like cod or tilapia can be excellent substitutes. Alternatively, shrimp or chicken can be used for a different take on the classic fish taco.
- Customize the Slaw: The slaw can be tailored by using different types of cabbage such as red cabbage or adding shredded carrots for color and crunch. A slaw dressing with sour cream, lime juice, and a hint of garlic powder can create a creamy contrast to the spicy fish.
- Enhance with Sauces: Drizzle a creamy sauce made from sour cream, lime juice, and avocado for a rich flavor. You can also try a spicy chipotle mayo or a tangy yogurt-based sauce for added depth.
- Add Extra Sides: Pair your tacos with sides like black beans, Mexican rice, or grilled corn for a complete meal. These accompaniments not only complement the tacos but also add variety to your dining experience.
By making these adjustments, you can create a rockfish taco recipe that is perfectly suited to your palate, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal every time.
For a crispy texture, try coating the fish with seasoned bread crumbs before baking or broiling. Additionally, incorporating crab meat into your fish recipes, such as stuffed rockfish or a hot rockfish dip, can add a delightful twist.
Try these easy pickled onions on top of a salad or these tacos. They add depth to any meal and taste special! You can make a batch of these and store them in a glass jar in the fridge for weeks.
Dive into Flavor with Rockfish Tacos
These rockfish tacos offer a deliciously fresh and exciting culinary experience that captures the essence of summertime dining. With their perfect blend of mild white fish, zesty lime juice, and a medley of vibrant toppings, these tacos promise to delight your taste buds. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or simply looking to try something new, rockfish tacos are an excellent choice for your next taco night. Their versatility allows you to customize each taco to your liking, ensuring a meal that's not only satisfying but also uniquely yours.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients, fire up your grill or hot skillet, and embark on a flavorful journey with these delectable rockfish tacos. Share them with family and friends to create memorable dining experiences that celebrate the joy of good food and great company. Don't forget to capture your culinary masterpiece and share it with us using #beeinspired. We can't wait to see how you make these rockfish tacos your own!
Love Seafood? Try These Other Recipes:
- The fish dish that we call Bee Inspired Fish is fool-proof
- Sweet & spicy salmon can easily work within this recipe
- Honey lime shrimp can also be substituted in this fish taco recipe
