Monkfish Tacos

Monkfish Tacos.

Monkfish is quite possibly the UGLIEST living creature in the world. It’s a literal monster and if you show it to most small children, I’m sure the only response that will be elicited is tears. These monsters can grow to about 5 feet in length, and can literally swallow their prey whole. I mean… if this isn’t a monster, I don’t know what is. Google Monkfish, and see for yourself. It’s the worst.

 

Monkfish is often called “Poor Man’s Lobster” because it’s cheap and it actually has a great consistency. By eating Monkfish, you become a certified monster eater, okay well that certification is still pending with the Monster Bureau of America, but you will unlock a cheap fish that few know how to prepare. Monkfish is typically available in most seafood sections at your grocery store, our local Whole Foods carries it and it runs cheaper than most typical cuts of fish. Make sure you’re getting Monkfish filets unless you know how to de-bone it. The consistency of the fish is similar to lobster, which is where the nickname comes from. Due to that fact, it’s perfect in soups or in this case, TACOS!

 

Monkfish is the perfect component for fish tacos because it’s fluffy, holds well, and it doesn’t have an overpowering flavor that masks whatever spices you use. It cooks quickly, only requiring about 10 minutes of cooking total. Again I like to use flour tortillas for my tacos because they seem to hold better, and that’s good because I love me some toppings! When making fish tacos, I think you need a good blend of acidity and savory to balance all the flavors. So you’d be smart to use pickled cabbage/radishes to go with a southwestern styled remoulade on top.

So don’t be afraid of monkfish folks….although…. it will literally haunt your dreams if you google it. JUST saying.

 

 

Recipe – Monkfish Tacos

Ingredients

2 Pounds of Monkfish Filets (portion them out so each filet is about the 4 inches long)

2 Tsp. Cumin

1 Tsp. Coriander

1 Tsp. Paprika

1 Tsp. Chili Powder

1 Tsp. Garlic Powder

1 Tsp. Onion Powder

1 Tsp. Salt

1/2 Tsp. Black Pepper

2 Tbsp. Lime Juice

1 Fresh Lime

2 Tbsp. Butter

Flour or Corn Tortillas

Ingredients

Step 1- Mix the monkfish with all of the spices and lime juice, let sit for just about 3 to 5 minutes, be careful to not wait too long, your lime juice will cook the fish a little if you wait too long.

Step 2- Heat the butter in a non-stick pan, so it’s foaming.

Step 3- In batches add your monkfish filets, brown each side, cook for about 3 to 5 minutes a side. Test to see if one’s cooked, should be white all the way through and slightly fluffy, you don’t want it to be chewy.

Step 4-Once the fish is cooked, use a fresh lime and squeeze some juice on it for good measure.

Step 5- Plate your tacos with your tortillas and enjoy!