Recipe: Fish and Beef Tacos

Whenever I visit my family in California, one of my first stops is San Francisco's Mission District for some authentic Mexican cuisine. My favorite place, La Taqueria, is famous for fresh carne asada tacos and cool cantaloupe agua fresca. Though my New York apartment may lack authenticity, it's always comforting to recreate taco night whenever I am feeling homesick.

Fish and Beef Tacos
Makes 4 servings

For Roasted Fish:

• 1 pound fresh fish, such as halibut or salmon
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher of sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For Tomato and Avocado Salad:

• ½ pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 ripe avocado, pitted and chopped
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• ¾ teaspoon kosher or sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

For Seasoned Beef:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ pound lean ground beef
• 1½ teaspoons chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon kosher or sea salt

For Serving:

• warmed corn tortillas
• sour cream grated
• grated Monterey Jack cheese
• shredded Romaine lettuce

1. Heat oven to 375° Fahrenheit. Pat fish dry with paper towels and place into an oiled roasting dish. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the fish and season all over with1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook until fish is browned and flaky, about 15 minutes.

2. For the salad, toss the tomatoes, avocado, onion, lime juice, cilantro, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper together and allow to marinate while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

3. For the beef, heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a medium-sized frying pan and add ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, 6 to 8 minutes. Skim off any excess fat and season with 1½ teaspoons chili powder, cumin, and ½ teaspoon salt.

4. To serve, prepare tacos in any combination you like. Serve the fish on a warmed tortilla with a couple of spoonfuls of salad and a dollop of sour cream or make a more traditional taco with seasoned beef, shredded lettuce, cheese, and sour cream.

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