Fish Taco Bowl
A vibrant and healthy bowl packed with seasoned, flaky fish, cilantro-lime rice, and a crunchy slaw. It's all the amazing flavors of a Baja fish taco, but served in a convenient and satisfying bowl.
For 4 servings
Cook the Cilantro-Lime Rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, 3 cups of water, and 0.5 tsp of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
- After resting, fluff the rice with a fork. Gently stir in 2 tbsp of fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro.
Prepare the Slaw and Lime Crema
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the toppings. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded red and green cabbage. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, the remaining 1 tbsp of lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of water, one at a time, and whisk until the crema reaches a smooth, drizzling consistency.
Season and Cook the Fish
- Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear.
- In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides of the fish fillets.
- Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer before you add the fish.
- Carefully place the seasoned fillets in the hot skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the fish from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before gently flaking it into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble the Fish Taco Bowls
- Divide the warm cilantro-lime rice evenly among four bowls to create a base.
- Top the rice with the flaked fish, a generous portion of the cabbage slaw, rinsed black beans, and corn.
- Add the sliced or diced avocado to each bowl.
- Drizzle generously with the lime crema, garnish with extra fresh cilantro, and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best sear, ensure your fish fillets are completely dry before seasoning and the pan is properly preheated.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the fish. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each fillet cooks evenly.
- 3To save time, use a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix.
- 4For meal prep, store each component (rice, fish, slaw, beans, crema) in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble just before serving.
- 5Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch, resulting in fluffier, more distinct grains.
- 6Feel free to add other toppings like pico de gallo, pickled red onions, or crumbled cotija cheese for extra flavor and texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Version
Add 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper to the fish spice rub and finely dice a jalapeño to mix into the slaw or use as a topping.
Different GrainsDifferent Grains
Substitute the white rice with quinoa or brown rice for a different texture and added nutrients. Adjust cooking time and water ratio accordingly.
Protein SwapProtein Swap
This recipe works wonderfully with shrimp or chicken instead of fish. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Creamy Avocado DressingCreamy Avocado Dressing
Instead of lime crema, blend the avocado with the Greek yogurt, lime juice, and cilantro for a creamy, all-in-one dressing.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Powerhouse
Cod is an excellent source of high-quality, low-fat protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish like cod provide beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels, as well as promoting brain function.
High in Dietary Fiber
With black beans, corn, and cabbage, this bowl is loaded with fiber. Dietary fiber aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and contributes to a healthy gut microbiome.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
The variety of fresh ingredients like avocado, lime, and cilantro provides a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins, which support overall immunity and energy levels.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving of this Fish Taco Bowl contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the exact size of the avocado and fish fillet. It's a well-balanced meal with a good mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats.