Alaska Rockfish Tacos

5 from 16 votes

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The favorite fish of Alaskans makes a beautiful taco: flaky, tender, and delicious.

Alaska Rockfish Tacos

In June of 2018, I went to Alaska, and I have not been able to stop talking about it since. Stunning, stunning, stunning. Huge, clean, open spaces, the nicest people (I kind of hate when people say that because it seems like — it is — such a stereotypical generalization, albeit a good one), and oh, oh, oh, the fish.

My chance to travel to this amazing state came via an invitation to join the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) on a trip to Alaska with a group of other food journalists. The goal was to learn all about their sustainable fishing industry as well as the plentiful seafood that comes from their waters. Is it unclear how quickly I said yes? I’m sure it is not.

My personal goal: to see how Alaskans cook their fish. And so I asked everyone I met that very question, and here’s what I learned.

Alaska Rockfish Tacos on plate with toppings.

Rockfish is Alaskans’ favorite fish: flaky, delicious, tender and economical.

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A Rockfish Recipe: Alaskans’ Favorite Fish

It was an amazing trip, and when I got home, with some rockfish straight from the cold, clean waters of Alaska. I went to work creating a taco worthy of the beautiful fish and the advice I received from the generous people I met there. Jarl Gustafson in Homer, Alaska, was the first person to extol the virtues of rockfish to me, which he says is “Alaskans’ favorite fish”: flaky, delicious, tender, and economical. And it’s available all year round. So, I start thinking about rockfish recipes.

Pieces of Alaskan rockfish cooked in skillet for tacos.

The next day on a fishing boat charter fishermen, Brian Ritchie and Wildfrid Roedl, also answer that rockfish is their number one choice of fish, and their favorite way to prepare their favorite fish is in tacos. And so that’s exactly what I did because I’m no fool, and when people in the know tell me to do something, I usually do it. Especially if it has to do with food.

Toppings for Alaska Rockfish Tacos.

What Is Rockfish?

There are well over 30 species of rockfish found around the Alaska coastline. They come in red and non-red varieties, and they are harvested from January through November. Black cod, or sablefish (also found in Alaska), is a good substitution if you can’t find it, or you can use cod, halibut, or tilapia, and firm white fish. But, hey — try to find Alaskan Rockfish, wouldja?

How to Cook Rockfish?

Rockfish can be sautéed, grilled, broiled, roasted — really cooked any way a dense, flaky white fish can be prepared. The flavor ranges from mild to more pronounced, and it takes well to sauces, marinades, and rubs. 

Spooning salsa onto Alaska Rockfish Tacos.

A Few Facts About the Alaskan Fishing Industry

Did you know that Alaska has 34,000 miles of coastline? Did you know that the laws of sustainable fishing were actually written into Alaska’s actual constitution in 1959? And that all Alaska fisheries are continuously monitored and fishing is strictly regulated for the survival of the species? That all Alaskan fishing boats have to be built in America (see: sustainability)? That it’s bad luck to change the name of a boat? Well, you will learn all of this and a lot more when you get to Alaska. Please tell everyone I said hi.

Before we get to the Alaskan Rockfish Tacos recipe, one more word about Alaska and bucket lists. Wherever it is on your bucket list, move it up a few notches. It’s a life changer. I’m not the first to say this, and when you go, you won’t be the last to say it either.

Adding toppings to Alaska Rockfish Tacos.

Making the Rockfish Tacos Ahead of Time

You can make the cabbage slaw up to 1 day ahead of time, though it will soften slightly. The filling is best made right before, but leftover cooked fish can be refrigerated and quickly warmed in the microwave the next day. 

You could also grill the fish instead of cooking it in a pan if you prefer — grilled rockfish tacos are another true treat. And I am going to be on the prowl for more rockfish recipes and creating more recipes that feature rockfish because when Alaskan fishermen tell me things about fish, I listen.

Also see How to Warm Tortillas!

More Fish Taco Recipes

Alaska Rockfish Tacos

More Rockfish Recipes

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5 from 16 votes

Alaska Rockfish Tacos

The favorite fish of Alaskans makes a beautiful taco: flaky, tender, and delicious.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 People

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups very thinly shredded cabbage (preferably napa)
  • 1 red onion (halved and very )thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon minced seeded jalapeno pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cider or rice wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil (divided)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste)
  • 12 6-inch corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 ½ pounds flaky white fish fillets such as Alaska rockfish or cod (cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 clove garlic (finely minced)
  • 3 teaspoons lime juice

To Serve (Pick and Choose)

Instructions 

  • Toss the cabbage, onion, and jalapeño with the vinegar and 2 teaspoons of the oil, and season generously with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  • Heat a large dry skillet over medium-high heat. Heat the tortillas one at a time, cooking for about 30 to 60 seconds on each side, until it is browned in spots and smells slightly toasty. Stack the tortillas on a plate as they are cooked, and repeat until all of the tortillas have been toasted. Set aside.
  • Sprinkle the pieces of fish all over with the cumin, chili powder, and salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in the large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/3 of the fish and sauté until almost cooked through, turning it as needed, about 5 minutes in all. The pieces may fall apart a little as you cook them; that’s perfectly fine. During the last minute of cooking each batch, add about 1/3 of the garlic and toss over the heat. Place the fish on a serving plate as it is cooked, and sprinkle each batch with 1 teaspoon of the lime juice. Keep going, adding a bit more oil as needed, and then adding the fish to the same plate as it is cooked, until all of the fish is sautéed and sprinkled with juice.
  • Serve the fish with the toasted tortillas, cabbage slaw, and the toppings you like. Let everyone assemble their own tacos.

Notes

What Is Rockfish?
There are well over 30 species of rockfish found around the Alaska coastline.  They come in red and non-red varieties, and they are harvested from January through November. Black cod, or sablefish (also found in Alaska), is a good substitution if you can’t find it, or you can use cod, halibut, or tilapia, and firm white fish. 

Nutrition

Calories: 438kcal, Carbohydrates: 39.8g, Protein: 36.67g, Fat: 15.3g, Saturated Fat: 9.55g, Cholesterol: 85.05mg, Sodium: 175.15mg, Potassium: 950.94mg, Fiber: 6.01g, Sugar: 2.59g, Vitamin A: 308.08IU, Vitamin C: 15.14mg, Calcium: 127.23mg, Iron: 2.06mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

About Katie Workman

Katie Workman is a cook, a writer, a mother of two, an activist in hunger issues, and an enthusiastic advocate for family meals, which is the inspiration behind her two beloved cookbooks, Dinner Solved! and The Mom 100 Cookbook.

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17 Comments

  1. Wow! I just got a delivery of Wild Alaskan Fish and never even heard of rock fish before, so I searched and found your recipe. The only changes was I diced up some mango and added some black beans to the salsa, that was a nice flavor. This was a great taco recipe, I’ve never wanted to attempt fish tacos before, so glad I tried it. Thanks!

  2. We went to Alaskan about a month ago & caught Rockfish & had it sent home. Looking forward to trying this recipe!
    We also caught halibut, Black Sea bass, and King Salmon!! Love great recipes like this!!!

  3. I love this recipe. I just used it as a guideline cause I have a special taco seasoning that I make myself.

    You said, you were looking for more rockfish recipes. While I was stationed in Alaska, I found a recipe from a local, which they called “Poor Man’s Lobster”. If you’re interested I could give it to you. It’s very simple to make only 3 ingredients including the fish.

    1. Dear Tuka……….

      I Would love the Poor Man’s Lobster recipe if you are willing to share.

      Virginia Sunday

  4. Hi
    I just love your recipes and esp right now th ow e rockfish tacos. Really enjoyed reading about Alaska and their sustainably supported industry. Does my heart good. Rock On !

    1. so glad to hear!! and I’ve gotten to learn about the Alaskan fishing industry on a brief trip to Alaska, and it’s amazing!

  5. These were awesome rockfish tacos. The seasonings, put on and left for a few minutes, were great. This is the new standard. Thank you for your research and recipe!

  6. Very tasty. The Napa cabbage with lime with seasoned rockfish is a awesome combination. I have already m are this recipe 3 times. It is now one of go to recipes for fish. Finger licking good. If you never tried this recipe it is a must it is very delicious

  7. My dad gave me some rockfish he caught in Alaska and I wasn’t sure what to do with it, this was so delicious. I used about double the jalepeno.

  8. This certainly is a great party idea!! We do love fish and fish tacos are one of our favorites. I had to ask Hubby about rockfish — I’ve never heard of it before. What is amazing that the same fish in one area will have another name in another part of the country. Love your slaw.

    1. How about one or more of the following? Chopped Winter Salad, Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad with Anchovy Vinaigrette, or Roasted Squash with Salsa Verde and Whipped Feta and Ricotta? All on the blog!