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Charred Alaska Halibut Tacos with Cilantro Pesto

Charred Alaska Halibut Tacos with Cilantro Pesto
Pesto isn’t just for pasta! This zesty cilantro and parsley pesto is a mouthwatering accompaniment to grilled halibut tacos. Gluten free recipe courtesy Natalie Kahn of Valencia, California.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 8 tacos

Ingredients

  • Pesto:

  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 1 bunch flat leaf parsley
  • 1 jalapeño, minced
  • 1/4 cup toasted Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup cotija cheese
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Tacos:

  • 1 pound Alaska Halibut fillets
  • Olive oil
  • 8 small (4-inch) corn tortillas
  • 1/2 head red cabbage, finely shaved
  • 1/4 cup cotija cheese
  • Lime wedges, for garnish

Nutrition Facts

Calories 424
Total fat 22.5g
Saturated fat 5g
Calories from fat 42%
Ccholesterol 92mg
Protein 30g
Carbohydrate 26g
Fiber 5g
Sodium 243mg
Calcium 166.5mg
Omega-3 fatty acids 940mg

Instructions

  1. Step 1 Make the pesto

    Combine all pesto ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend. Drizzle in more olive oil or water, if needed, until you get a salsa-like consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper; set aside.

  2. Step 2 Grill the halibut

    Heat grill to medium-high heat (400F). Brush Alaska halibut and grill surface with oil; grill 5-7 inches from heat for about 8 minutes, turning once during cooking. Cook just until fish is opaque throughout. Season with salt and pepper.

  3. Step 3 Assemble tacos

    Char tortillas on grill or grill pan. Top each taco with a big pinch of shaved red cabbage. Break halibut into chunks and distribute evenly between tortillas. Top with a generous spoonful of pesto, a sprinkle of extra cotija cheese, and a lime wedge.

    Cook’s tip: Alaska halibut can also be sautéed, roasted or broiled, cooking just until opaque throughout.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 424
Total fat 22.5g
Saturated fat 5g
Calories from fat 42%
Ccholesterol 92mg
Protein 30g
Carbohydrate 26g
Fiber 5g
Sodium 243mg
Calcium 166.5mg
Omega-3 fatty acids 940mg