Wahoo’s Fish Taco. Have you heard of them?
That’s the very first place I ever tried a fish taco. This was back when Wahoo’s was just a couple of restaurants (compared to the zillion they’ve got now). I was new to the Southern California scene; artichokes, avocados, calamari and fish tacos were things I had yet to discover. My boyfriend at the time – a born and bred So Cal boy who grew up with the Lee brothers who own Wahoo’s – took me to the 19th & Placentia location in Costa Mesa to try one.
I thought I was going to be sick.
It’s true – my idea of Mexican at that point in my life was Chi-Chi’s and Taco Bell {shudder}. But things have changed a lot since then and now I can’t imagine life without fish tacos.
Or artichokes, avocado & calamari, for that matter.
Years later, having kept in touch with Mingo & Cindy Lee and becoming great friends, I took over their HR department. And when I was 7 months pregnant with my first child and I left the company, my baby shower was held at their beautiful home.
So it’s safe to say that fish tacos have been in my life for a long time!
Later today I’m making my own fish tacos. These will be breaded, unlike the Wahoo’s version which are grilled, but I’ve been asked to make a breaded version and who am I to turn down a challenge?
Details on that later.
First, let’s talk pico de gallo.
Pico de gallo is that chunky, liquid-less salsa you’ll find in most Mexican taco stands and restaurants, especially in Baja, Mexico. Baja is where I solidified my love for pico de gallo and how satisfying it is with salty chips and an ice cold Mexican beer.
I normally make roasted tomato salsa; that smoky flavor is hard to beat. But a fresh, straight-forward pico de gallo will enhance – not compete – with other flavors which is why I like to use it to top most of my Mexican dishes. It’s also quick, uses common ingredients and there’s no need to dirty up my food processor like I do with my other salsa recipes.
Fish taco recipe coming tomorrow. It has a unique twist so don’t miss it!
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Pico de Gallo
- 3 medium tomatoes (or 5 plum tomatoes), diced
- 1/4 cup white onion, diced
- 1/2 jalapeno, stemmed, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 – 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- juice of 1/2 lime
- 1/2 t kosher salt
- a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper
Mix all ingredients together. You can enjoy immediately but refrigerating a few hours to allow flavors to meld is recommended. Serve with salty tortilla chips, over grilled fish or on your favorite mexican dish.
A margarita or ice cold beer is also recommended!
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Sommer@ASpicyPerspective
Monday 2nd of April 2012
I love fresh pico! This looks like a fantastic recipe. :)
the wicked noodle
Monday 2nd of April 2012
Thanks, Sommer!
Beer & Chipotle Battered Fish Tacos | the wicked noodle
Sunday 1st of April 2012
[...] Here is my recipe for homemade pico de gallo. [...]
Carlene @ Carlene's Figments
Saturday 31st of March 2012
Fresh salsa makes tacos come alive! Have you ever made cabbage slaw with fish tacos? I've heard people love it, but I have yet to test it.
the wicked noodle
Sunday 1st of April 2012
I have made cabbage slaw and I love it!
sweetlifebake
Friday 30th of March 2012
Love pico de gallo... it runs in my blood, LOL !! crispy fish tacos, YAY!
the wicked noodle
Saturday 31st of March 2012
lol!! I knew you'd like this one :-)
Steve @ the black peppercorn
Friday 30th of March 2012
Oh my word! I love pico de gallo! This looks amazing. Your pictures are amazing!!! Love this
the wicked noodle
Friday 30th of March 2012
Wow, thanks Steve!!