Fish Tacos al Pastor

bon appétitdinnerlunchfishseafoodbasshalibuttacotortillascilantropineappleorange juicechile peppermexicansalsagrillgrill/barbecuesummerpescatariandairy freepeanut freetree nut freesoy freewheat/gluten-free


Rick Martinez
8 servings


Ingredients

Method

Bring guajillo and morita chiles and 1½ cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Cover, remove from heat, and let sit 30 minutes to allow chiles to soften.

Place fish in a large bowl or baking dish. Transfer chile mixture and soaking liquid to a blender. Add orange juice, achiote paste, 4 garlic cloves, ¼ cup lime juice, and 1 Tbsp. salt and purée until smooth, about 2 minutes. Set aside 1 cup chile sauce, uncovered, at room temperature for serving. Pour remaining sauce over fish and toss to coat. Cover and chill at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours.

Meanwhile, mix onion, habanero chile, pineapple, 3 Tbsp. cilantro, remaining finely chopped garlic clove, 3 Tbsp. lime juice, and 1½ tsp. salt in a medium bowl. Cover salsa and chill until ready to use.

Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; thoroughly clean grate and brush with oil. Working in batches if necessary, grill fish, leaving a few inches of space between each piece, until marinade is dried and beginning to char, about 2 minutes. Using a fish spatula, release fish from grate, turn, and continue to grill until charred on second side and flesh flakes easily with a fork, about 3 minutes more. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes.

Grill tortillas until just beginning to brown in spots, about 30 seconds per side. Top each tortilla with a piece of fish, then a schmear of reserved chile sauce, a spoonful of pineapple salsa, and some cilantro leaves. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over.

Do Ahead: Pineapple salsa can be made 4 hours ahead. Keep chilled.