Taco Fusion!

Who says that you can't cross some global borders with your food. Like most Americans, I love tacos! Super flavorful, moist meat shoved in a warm tortilla topped with whatever you want, what could be better?! For those who have never tried fish tacos before, THIS is the recipe for you. I took the familiar flavors of sweet lemony basil, pungent garlic and fruity olive oil to marinate plump tilapia fillets for a mouthwatering taco that everyone will devour. If you are still on the fence, try the marinate on the fish and see if that wets your whistle. When I asked Steve, my husband, what he thought about the recipe he said, "I could eat about 10 more!"

Image: Italian Fish Tacos served with steamed corn and basil rice

Italian Fish Tacos

Serves 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Marinade Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS
3 gloves of garlic
3 cups of fresh basil
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
4 fillets of tilapia or any firm white fish
8 flour tortillas
1/4 head of shredded lettuce
1 tomato, chopped
Optional: sour cream with a squirt of Srarachi sauce

INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a mini food processor, add garlic, basil, salt, pepper and olive oil. Puree until smooth.
2. In a large food storage bag, add the fish and basil and garlic mix. Fold out all the air and zip closed. Roll the bag around till all the fish is coated in the marinade. Place in the fridge for 1 hour (no more than 3 hours). NOTE: Before cooking, bring fish out of fridge for 10-15 minutes. This allows a more even cooking and prevents under cooking.
3. Heat a non-stick griddle on 350° (or non-stick saute pan on medium heat) with enough olive oil to coat the bottom.
4. Add the fish and saute for 3 minutes on one side. Turn and 2 minutes on the other. If the fish is thicker than 1/4”, then cook up to 4 minutes per side. Fish is done when you take your spatula on the flesh and it seems very firm.
5. Cut fish into small slices so it fits easy in the tortilla.
6. Microwave the tortillas in a wet paper towel for 20 seconds and add fish, lettuce, tomato and sour cream.

Serve with rice and corn. To make a cohesive dish, add 1 tbs of marinade to rice while cooking.