Flame-Kissed Fish Tacos with Zesty Chipotle Aioli

This Grilled Fish Tacos with Spicy Mayo recipe post is a sponsored post by HERDEZ® Brand. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this website possible.

Grilled Fish Tacos with Zesty Spicy Mayo: A Perfect Lenten Meal

The Lenten season, a significant period of reflection and spiritual preparation, marks 40 days leading up to the joyous Easter celebration. For many, including myself, it’s a time deeply rooted in tradition, observed through practices like fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. This solemn yet meaningful period, commencing on Ash Wednesday and concluding on Holy Thursday, is a cherished annual observance that invites introspection and a renewed focus on spiritual growth.

Growing up, observing Lent meant embracing specific dietary practices as a form of penance and discipline. This included consuming smaller meals and, notably, abstaining from meat, especially on Fridays. This tradition has led to a rich culinary heritage, with many families turning to an array of flavorful meatless dishes. Classic Lenten meals often feature hearty and comforting options such as lentil soups, “chacales” (dried corn stew), “tortitas de camaron” (shrimp patties), and of course, delicious fish tacos. These dishes not only provide sustenance but also carry a sense of cultural and familial warmth, making the observance of Lent a truly shared experience.

For those who observe the Lenten season and are seeking inspiring culinary ideas, **HERDEZ® Brand** and **McCormick® Mayonesa** offer an extensive and delightful catalog of recipes. Their diverse collection ensures that there’s something to tantalize every palate, making it easy to prepare satisfying meals for your entire family, no matter how discerning their tastes may be. This partnership brings authentic flavors and trusted ingredients to your kitchen, simplifying the task of creating memorable Lenten dishes.

As the first Friday of Lent approached, I found myself exploring the inspiring culinary treasures at HerdezTraditions.com. My goal was to discover a dish that was both flavorful and fitting for the season. I was immediately drawn to a grilled fish recipe that promised vibrant flavors and a satisfying experience. This delightful recipe, featuring perfectly seasoned fish fillets grilled to perfection, is wonderfully complemented by a rich and creamy spicy mayo. The magic of this mayo lies in its key ingredients: the smooth, tangy McCormick® Mayonesa, expertly blended with the bright, zesty notes of HERDEZ® Guacamole Salsa. The combination creates a sauce that is both refreshing and invigorating, adding an irresistible kick to every bite.

Experience Authentic Mexican Flavors with HERDEZ® Brand

My journey with **HERDEZ® Brand salsas** began in my childhood kitchen, where these authentic flavors were a staple, gracing countless family meals. It’s no surprise that HERDEZ® holds the prestigious title of Mexico’s #1 Salsa Brand – and it’s certainly my personal favorite! Each jar is a culinary passport, imported directly from Mexico, bringing the genuine taste of Mexican heritage right to our dinner tables in the U.S. What makes HERDEZ® truly special is its unwavering commitment to quality: made from fresh, simple, and wholesome ingredients, their salsas embody the very heart and soul of traditional Mexican cuisine.

The versatility of HERDEZ® salsas is truly remarkable. While they are the star of these grilled fish tacos, their culinary applications are virtually limitless. Imagine drizzling them over scrambled eggs for a vibrant breakfast, transforming simple tostadas into a gourmet delight, or adding a burst of authentic flavor to your burritos and sopes. Whether you prefer the tangy freshness of Salsa Verde, the creamy richness of Guacamole Salsa, or the classic spice of their traditional red salsas, HERDEZ® offers a spectrum of flavors to elevate any dish. Their vibrant taste profiles are designed to inspire culinary creativity, ensuring every meal is an unforgettable experience.

For even more inspired recipe ideas and to connect with a community of fellow food enthusiasts, be sure to follow HERDEZ® Brand on their social media channels. You can find them on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Join the conversation and share your own Lenten culinary creations by using the hashtag **#HerdezLentSeason**. Dive into a world of authentic Mexican flavors and discover how HERDEZ® can transform your everyday meals into extraordinary culinary adventures.


Delicious Grilled Fish Tacos with Spicy Mayo

Grilled Fish Tacos



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  • Yield:
    Makes 8 tacos
  • Prep time:
    15 minutes
  • Cook time:
    10-15 minutes
  • Cuisine:
    Mexican, Seafood
  • Category:
    Main Course, Tacos, Lenten Meal
Print Recipe

Ingredients

For the Zesty Spicy Mayo:

  • 1 cup McCormick® Mayonnaise with Lime Juice (Mayonesa) – The creamy, tangy base that perfectly balances the heat.
  • 1 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Cumin – Adds an earthy, warm spice to the mayo.
  • 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Coarse Ground Black Pepper – For a subtle kick and aromatic depth.
  • 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Crushed Red Pepper – Adjust to your preferred level of spiciness for a fiery flavor.
  • 1 habanero chile, seeded and finely chopped – Provides intense heat and fruity notes; handle with care. For milder heat, use serrano or jalapeño.
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon HERDEZ® Guacamole Salsa – For an extra layer of creamy avocado and tangy zest, enhancing the mayo’s complexity.

For the Grilled Fish Tacos:

  • 1 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Cumin – Infuses the fish with a smoky, traditional Mexican flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon McCormick® Smoked Paprika – Adds a rich, smoky depth and beautiful color to the fish.
  • 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Coarse Ground Black Pepper – Essential seasoning for overall flavor balance.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt – To enhance all the natural flavors of the fish. Adjust to taste.
  • 2 white fish fillets (such as mahi-mahi, cod, or tilapia), 8 ounces each – Firm, flaky white fish is ideal for grilling and holds up well in tacos.
  • Juice from 1 fresh lime (about 3 tablespoons) – A crucial ingredient for tenderizing the fish and adding bright, citrusy notes.
  • 8 corn or (6-inch) flour tortillas, warmed or grilled – The essential vessel for your delicious tacos. Warm for flexibility and enhanced flavor.
  • HERDEZ® Brand Salsa Verde or HERDEZ® Brand Guacamole Salsa – For an authentic topping, offering fresh, vibrant, or creamy avocado flavors.
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced – Adds a rich, creamy texture and a healthy dose of good fats.
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions – Provides a mild onion flavor and a fresh, crisp garnish.
  • Lime wedges, for serving – For an extra burst of freshness and tanginess, enhancing the overall taco experience.
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, shredded cabbage, pickled red onions – Customize your tacos with additional textures and flavors.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Zesty Spicy Mayo: In a small mixing bowl, combine the McCormick® Mayonnaise with Lime Juice, McCormick® Ground Cumin, McCormick® Coarse Ground Black Pepper, McCormick® Crushed Red Pepper, and the finely chopped habanero chile. Stir all ingredients thoroughly until they are well blended and the mixture is smooth and uniform. For an even richer flavor and texture, you may also add 1 tablespoon of HERDEZ® Guacamole Salsa at this stage. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify. This can be prepared several hours or even a day in advance.
  2. Season the Fish Fillets: In another small bowl, whisk together the McCormick® Ground Cumin, McCormick® Smoked Paprika, McCormick® Coarse Ground Black Pepper, and salt. Pat the white fish fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Drizzle the fresh lime juice evenly over both sides of the fish. Then, generously sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the fillets, gently pressing it into the fish to ensure it adheres well. Allow the seasoned fish to rest for 5-10 minutes while you prepare your grill.
  3. Grill the Fish: Preheat your grill to high heat. Ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Carefully place the seasoned fish fillets on the hot grill. Grill for 3 to 5 minutes per side. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. The fish is perfectly cooked when it becomes opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook, as white fish can dry out quickly. For best results, aim for a tender, moist interior.
  4. Prepare for Assembly: Once the fish is cooked, carefully transfer it from the grill to a clean cutting board. Allow it to rest for a couple of minutes. Using a sharp knife or fork, gently cut or flake each fillet into approximately four strips or bite-sized pieces, ready for your tacos.
  5. Warm the Tortillas: While the fish rests, warm your corn or flour tortillas. This can be done directly on the grill for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly charred, in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, or wrapped in a damp paper towel and microwaved for 30-60 seconds. Warm tortillas are essential for preventing breakage and enhancing their flavor and texture.
  6. Assemble and Serve the Tacos: To assemble, place one or two strips of the perfectly grilled fish onto the center of each warm tortilla. Generously top the fish with your freshly prepared Zesty Spicy Mayo, adding as much or as little as you desire. Next, add a spoonful of your favorite HERDEZ® Brand Salsa Verde or Guacamole Salsa for an extra layer of authentic Mexican flavor. Garnish each taco with a few slices of ripe avocado and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. For an extra burst of freshness, serve immediately with lime wedges on the side, allowing everyone to add a final squeeze of citrus.
  7. Storage: Any leftover Zesty Spicy Mayo can be stored in a covered airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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Recipe courtesy of HERDEZ® Brand.