Romanian-style Fish Tacos

Ingredients

In this Romanian adaptation of Fish Tacos, we incorporate traditional Romanian flavors and ingredients to create a unique fusion dish. The original Mexican recipe is transformed by using Romanian herbs and spices for marinating the fish, and by adding a Romanian-style sauce and pickled onions for a distinct flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Tacos de pescado, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) white fish fillets 500g (1.1 lb) white fish fillets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 small corn tortillas 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. 2.
   Rub the fish fillets with the spice mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In the meantime, prepare the Romanian-style sauce by mixing together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped dill, and chopped parsley. Set aside.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, white vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and let it sit for 10 minutes to pickle.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the marinated fish fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from heat and let them rest for a few minutes.
6. 6.
   Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
7. 7.
   To assemble the tacos, spread a spoonful of the Romanian-style sauce on each tortilla. Top with a piece of fried fish, pickled cabbage, and sliced red onion.
8. 8.
   Serve the Romanian-style Fish Tacos immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fish — Choose a firm white fish such as cod or haddock for the best results.
• Cabbage — Make sure to shred the cabbage finely for a better texture in the slaw.
• Corn tortillas — Warm them up before assembling the tacos to enhance their flavor and make them more pliable.
• Romanian-style sauce — Adjust the amount of lemon juice and herbs according to your taste preferences.
• Pickled onions — For a milder flavor, soak the sliced onions in cold water for a few minutes before pickling.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the fish marinade.
• Experiment with different types of fish to find your favorite flavor combination.
• For a healthier alternative, grill the fish instead of frying it.
• Customize the slaw by adding grated carrots or sliced radishes for extra crunch.
• Serve the tacos with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice for added brightness.

Serving advice

Serve the Romanian-style Fish Tacos as a main course, accompanied by a side of traditional Romanian mamaliga (polenta) or a fresh green salad. Garnish with additional chopped herbs and a wedge of lemon for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tacos on a platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the fish, slaw, and pickled onions to shine through. Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for an appealing finishing touch.