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Seafood tacos with grilled monkfish may be the perfect summertime meal. They sport a tight, dense, sweet lobster like meat. Marinated with a tasty lime and seafood taco rub, this fish is ideal for the grill. The sweetness of the fish when paired with a pineapple habanero salsa screams summertime perfection.

Our seafood tacos with grilled monkfish topped with a walnut spinach blend and pineapple habanero salsa may be the ultimate summer entree. This taco is made of a luxurious fusion of flavors. Creamy, flaky fish complimented by a tangy, pineapple habanero sauce and the crunchy, earthiness of the walnuts.

This monster from the deep possesses a meaty and sweet flavor with a flakey but tight texture conducive to grilling. The fish is an ideal protein to convey a flavorful rub and a sweet and spicy salsa making it a perfect combination for a light summer taco. This recipe is simple to prepare and will make your outdoor party or cookout unforgettable.

You may ask, why monkfish? Many make their seafood tacos with Mahi, cod or any other assortment of seafood. We have found Monkfish to be a delicious and versatile fish that can be used in a variety of dishes. Most importantly, its texture also makes it a perfect candidate for the grill. Grilling the fish avoids the mess of frying and improves the dish’s health profile. With its mild, slightly sweet flavor and firm, tight and flaky texture, monkfish goes perfectly with a crispy corn or flour tortilla and fresh toppings. This combination produces a simple, healthy and fantastic grilled seafood taco.

What Does Monkfish Taste Like?

Monkfish is unfortunately a fairly obscure fish with many positive and marketable traits. Click here to learn more. Monkfish has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that is often compared to lobster. When fresh, the fish does not exhibit any “fishiness.” We have heard it termed the “poor man’s lobster.”. The meat is firm with a tight but flaky texture, making it perfectly suitable for the grill. Monkfish will not flake apart as most fish does when prepared on the grill.

Does Monkfish Taste Good?

Monkfish is a highly versatile fish and can be grilled, pan-fried or baked. It has a mild, sweet flavor that will be loved by seafood lovers! It is also the perfect fish to introduce to those who may not be a fan of seafood due to its perceived “fishy” flavor and scent. When fresh, this fish exhibits none of these negative traits. If you have never tried monkfish before or you are not a fan of seafood, we highly recommend trying this recipe!

Is Monkfish Considered Healthy?

Like most seafood, monkfish is low in calories and fat, is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium and vitamin B12. These vitamins and minerals are important for maintaining a healthy immune system and red blood cell production. Seafood, in general, is an important component to a healthy diet. Although not found at high levels, monkfish does possess some mercury. Children and pregnant women can consume this fish but should not go overboard. For further information, click the link on mercury here or above.

Where Did Seafood Tacos Originate?

Seafood tacos are thought to have originated within the coastal regions of Mexico. This makes sense as seafood is abundant within these regions. Many chronical the historical link between fishing boats tying up on the Mexican peninsula and street merchants creating tacos from the seafood in ample supply. Another anecdotal tale is that indigenous people from this area of Mexico would chop up and cook their catch of seafood and eat it on a tortilla. Regardless of their origin, fish tacos became a popular street food in Mexico eventually spreading to the USA. Many feel the fish taco has become a signature dish one must try when visiting San Diego. Seafood tacos are now enjoyed all over the world.

How Do I Cook Monkfish on the Grill?

Due to its tight, dense and flaky meat, monkfish is one of the easiest fish to prepare on the grill. About 30-60 minutes prior to cooking, apply any rub or marinade. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill or fish with oil to avoid sticking. Grill the fish for 4-5 minutes per side or until it is cooked through. Fish is cooked when opaque or once it reaches 135-140F. Most seafood will fall apart on the grill when cooking. Monkfish will hold together well. You will be highly satisfied with the result!

Seafood Tacos with Grilled Monkfish
Seafood tacos with a spinach walnut topping and pineapple habanero salsa

Can you prepare Seafood Tacos in an Air Fryer?

Yes, an air fryer will work well. To prepare in an air fryer, place the fish fillets in the air fryer and cook at 400F for 4-5 minutes per side or until the fish is cooked through. For summertime, we recommend preparing it on the grill for that extra flavor only grilled food can possess!

Does cheese belong on a Seafood Taco?

Our recipe does not include cheese. However, this is a matter of personal preference. If you prefer the addition of cheese, we recommend using a mild cheese like a mild cheddar, Oaxaca, manchego or Monterey Jack.

How do I make grilled seafood tacos with monkfish?

These tacos are extremely simple to prepare, yet will elevate your outdoor party or cookout beyond the typical burgers, dogs and sausage fair most have come to expect. Serve these delectably light, sweet and spicy tacos at your next bbq and treat your guests to a wonderful symphony of flavors.

Start off with fresh monkfish. You can use other varieties of fish, however, we feel these work best on the grill. They are also mild, sweet, meaty and a perfect choice for a grilled seafood taco. Other species commonly used include cod, mahi, halibut or any other large fish with a flaky texture. If you decide to try a different type of fish, you may want to use a griddle on your grill to avoid the fish flaking and falling between the grill grates.

Spice Walla Spice Blend Pescado Verde
This seasoning is delicious with this recipe.

To prepare, about 30-60 minutes before grilling, coat the fish with lime, olive oil and a seafood taco rub. One of our favorites is Spice Walla Pescado Verde. Place in a bowl and cover or use a ziplock bag and refrigerate. While marinating the fish, prepare the topping by cutting up the spinach, cilantro and walnuts. A slaw mix can also work for the topping.

Preheat the grill to medium-high. When hot, place the fish on the grill and allow to brown. After about 5 minutes, flip. Cook another 5 minutes. Fish is done when flesh is opaque or meat thermometer reaches 135-140F. Cut cooked fish into chunks. Brown tortillas but do not burn them. Assemble tacos by placing fish on tortilla, adding some pineapple habanero salsa and topping them off with spinach, walnut topping. Enjoy!

Slicing the cooked monkfish.

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Seafood Tacos with Grilled Monkfish

Recipe by Joe and Susie
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: DinnerCuisine: Mexican, AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes

A light and delectable seafood taco prepared on your grill. Perfect to up the ante at your Summer BBQ or cookout.

Ingredients

  • Monkfish Preparation
  • 1 large monkfish fillet

  • 1 Lime, juiced

  • 1 Tbs Olive oil

  • 3 Tbs Spice Walla pescado verde spice blend or similar. Enough to coat the fish.

  • Taco topping
  • 1 Cup fresh spinach

  • 1/4 Cup chopped walnuts

  • 1/8 Cup fresh cilantro, chopped

  • 1 Cup Robert Rothschild Roasted Pineapple Habanero sauce or similar chunky salsa

  • 12 Corn or flour street taco tortillas

Directions

  • Combine olive oil and lime. Coat monkfish with olive oil, lime juice mixture. Sprinkle and coat both sides with Spice Walla pescado verde spice blend. Place in a bowl and cover or in a 1 gallon ziplock. Place in refrigerator and allow to marinate for 30 minutes.
  • While fish marinades, chop spinach, cilantro and walnuts. Place in a bowl and set aside.
  • Preheat grill to medium high. Once grill is hot, add fish and close cover. Cook 5 minutes. Flip fish. Close cover and cook another 5 minutes or until thermometer reaches 135-140F and fish is opaque. Chop fish into chunks small enough to fit into street taco tortillas. Fish should not be chopped too small.
  • Quickly heat tortillas on the grill. Do not overcook or burn. They should puff up a bit and remain soft.
  • Assemble your grilled seafood taco. Place the spinach, cilantro, walnut topping over the tortilla. Top with a few chunks of fish. Drizzle with the pineapple habanero sauce. Coleslaw can be substituted for spinach if you prefer. Enjoy!

Recipe Video

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