The Coastal Trio from Rubio's features tender grilled fish, zesty cabbage slaw, and creamy avocado nestled in soft corn tortillas, offering a fresh and vibrant taste of the sea with every bite.
Equipments
- Grill
- Tongs
- Mixing bowl
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
- Serving tray/plate
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Spatula
- Tortilla warmer or steamer
Ingredients
- 1 lb white fish fillets (such as mahi-mahi or tilapia)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 ripe avocados
- 8 small corn tortillas
When selecting white fish fillets like mahi-mahi or tilapia for The Coastal Trio, choose fresh, firm fillets to ensure optimal texture and flavor after grilling. Use olive oil sparingly to prevent sticking and to enhance the fish's natural taste without overpowering the seasoning blend of chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Freshly shredded green cabbage and carrots create the ideal crunchy slaw base, while the lime juice combined with mayonnaise and garlic powder forms a creamy, tangy sauce that balances the dish. Ripe avocados should be soft but not mushy to provide the perfect creamy contrast in each soft corn tortilla. This copycat menu of The Coastal Trio from Rubio's brings you a fresh and vibrant taste of the sea by combining tender grilled fish, zesty cabbage slaw, and creamy avocado in every bite.
Instructions
- Preheat grill.
- Brush fish fillets with olive oil.
- Season fish with chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Grill fish until cooked through and flaky.
- In mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, cilantro, lime juice, mayonnaise, and garlic powder to make slaw.
- Slice avocados.
- Warm corn tortillas in tortilla warmer or steamer.
- Flake grilled fish into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble tortillas with fish, slaw, and avocado slices.
- Serve on tray or plate.
Substitution
The Coastal Trio from Rubio's copycat menu combines grilled white fish, cabbage slaw, and creamy avocado in warm corn tortillas for a refreshing seafood taco experience. If mahi-mahi or tilapia are unavailable, you can substitute with other firm white fishes like cod or halibut. To keep the slaw crisp and flavorful, prepare it just before serving and use fresh lime juice instead of bottled for enhanced tanginess. When grilling the fish, ensure the grill is preheated properly to prevent sticking, and use tongs for gentle flipping to maintain flaky texture. Your avocado can be mashed or sliced depending on your preferred texture, adding a rich creaminess to balance the spices.
Tips
Make sure your grill is fully preheated before placing the fish fillets on to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. When seasoning, evenly coat the fish with the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper for consistent flavor in every bite. Use a gentle touch when flaking the cooked fish to maintain tender pieces that won't fall apart in your tortillas. Keep your corn tortillas warm and pliable in a tortilla warmer or steamer to avoid cracking or breaking when you assemble your Coastal Trio.
Nutritions
The Coastal Trio from Rubio's offers a balanced nutritional profile rich in protein from grilled white fish fillets like mahi-mahi or tilapia, supporting muscle health and satiety. The inclusion of avocado provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber, aiding digestion and promoting cardiovascular wellness. Corn tortillas contribute complex carbohydrates and essential nutrients such as magnesium and vitamin B6, while the vibrant cabbage slaw adds antioxidants and vitamins A and C for immune support. Preparing this dish can fit well into a nutritious meal plan, supplying your body with key macronutrients and micronutrients for overall health.
Storage
Store leftover grilled fish in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Keep the slaw separate in a sealed container to preserve its crisp texture and avoid sogginess. Wrap tortillas in foil or plastic wrap and store them at room temperature or refrigerate if not consuming within a day, reheating gently in a tortilla warmer before serving to restore softness.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the white fish fillets with shrimp or scallops grilled with the same spice blend for a seafood variation. For a dairy-free version, replace mayonnaise in the slaw with Greek yogurt or a tangy vinaigrette made from lime juice and olive oil. Adding pickled jalapenos to the slaw enhances the dish's heat and acidity, balancing the creamy avocado. Using soft flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas offers a different texture that you might prefer for your tacos.
Allergies
The Coastal Trio contains fish, which is a common allergen that can cause reactions ranging from mild to severe in sensitive individuals. The mayonnaise used in the slaw may contain eggs, another frequent allergen to consider. Your meal also includes corn tortillas, which are generally safe but could pose issues for those with corn allergies.
Why this recipe?
The Coastal Trio menu from Rubio's restaurant is popular for its fresh ingredients, including grilled fish, shrimp, and crab, delivering a flavorful and balanced seafood experience. Its unique blend of zesty sauces and hand-pressed corn tortillas provides an authentic coastal taste that appeals to seafood lovers. Making a copycat version lets you enjoy the same vibrant flavors and textures in the comfort of Your home while customizing spice levels and ingredients to your preference. This menu stands out for its high-quality seafood, making it a worthwhile recipe to replicate for any fan of coastal cuisine.