The Original Fish Taco from Rubio's features tender white fish seasoned and grilled to perfection, topped with fresh cabbage, tangy white sauce, and pico de gallo, all wrapped in a warm, soft corn tortilla, delivering a refreshing and flavorful coastal bite.
Equipments
- Grill or Grill Pan
- Fish Spatula
- Mixing Bowls
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Citrus Juicer (optional, for pico de gallo)
- Tongs
- Serving Spoons
- Sauce Bottle or Squeeze Bottle (for white sauce)
- Tortilla Warmer or Skillet
- Plate or Platter
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) white fish fillets (such as tilapia, cod, or mahi-mahi)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for sauce)
- 2 Roma tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped white onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño pepper
- 1/2 lime (for pico de gallo)
- Salt (to taste, for pico de gallo)
You should use fresh, flaky white fish fillets like tilapia, cod, or mahi-mahi for the best texture and flavor in your fish tacos. Proper seasoning with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper is key to achieving the authentic taste. Fresh, crisp green cabbage adds a refreshing crunch, while the white sauce made from mayonnaise and Greek yogurt provides creamy tanginess. Make sure to prepare pico de gallo with ripe Roma tomatoes, fresh cilantro, jalapeno, and lime juice for a vibrant and zesty topping. This combination will help you recreate the delicious Original Fish Taco from Rubio's copycat menu with great authenticity.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or grill pan.
- Mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Coat fish fillets with seasoning mixture.
- Grill fish 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Remove fish, break into bite-size pieces.
- Prepare white sauce: combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl; mix until smooth.
- Make pico de gallo: dice tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño; mix with lime juice and salt in a bowl.
- Shred green cabbage.
- Warm corn tortillas in tortilla warmer or on skillet.
- Assemble: layer fish, cabbage, white sauce, and pico de gallo on each tortilla.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Original Fish Taco from Rubio's copycat menu captures the essence of fresh, grilled white fish combined with crisp cabbage and zesty pico de gallo wrapped in warm corn tortillas. If you can't find fresh white fish like tilapia or mahi-mahi, frozen fillets work well and should be thoroughly thawed before cooking. For a dairy-free white sauce, substitute Greek yogurt with vegan mayonnaise or a cashew cream alternative to maintain creaminess and tang. When grilling is impractical, a skillet sear provides a similar texture and rich flavor without needing outdoor equipment. You can warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave to keep them soft and pliable if a tortilla warmer isn't available.
Tips
Ensure your grill or grill pan is properly preheated before placing the fish to prevent sticking and achieve a perfect sear. Use a fish spatula to carefully flip the tender fillets without breaking them, maintaining their texture for your tacos. When preparing the white sauce and pico de gallo, balance acidity and salt to complement the seasoning on the fish without overpowering it. Warm tortillas just before serving to keep them soft and pliable, which helps in folding your tacos neatly without cracks.
Nutritions
The Original Fish Taco from Rubio's provides a balanced blend of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, contributing to a nutrient-rich coastal meal. Your serving includes approximately 12 oz of white fish, a lean source of omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and brain health. The cabbage offers dietary fiber and vitamins C and K, while the pico de gallo adds antioxidants from fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapeno. The use of Greek yogurt in the white sauce boosts calcium and probiotics, supporting digestion and bone health.
Storage
To store the leftover fish taco ingredients, keep the grilled fish pieces in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness for up to 2 days. Separate the pico de gallo, shredded cabbage, and white sauce in individual containers to preserve their textures and flavors. When reassembling your tacos, warm the corn tortillas briefly to enhance your eating experience.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the white fish with shrimp or grilled chicken for a different protein profile, maintaining similar seasoning for consistent flavor. For a smoky twist, try using chipotle powder instead of chili powder in the marinade. Using napa cabbage or radish slices instead of green cabbage adds a crisp texture and subtle sweetness. To lighten the white sauce, substitute Greek yogurt entirely for mayonnaise, giving your fish tacos a tangier, healthier boost.
Allergies
The Original Fish Taco contains common allergens including fish, which may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The mayonnaise and Greek yogurt in the white sauce contain eggs and dairy, both frequent allergens you should be aware of. Corn tortillas may pose a risk for those with corn allergies or gluten sensitivities, so always check your ingredient tolerance before consuming.
Why this recipe?
Rubio's Original Fish Taco menu is loved for its perfectly grilled white fish, crispy corn tortillas, and fresh cabbage slaw, creating a balance of flavors and textures that are both satisfying and authentic. The use of high-quality ingredients and Rubio's signature creamy white sauce gives each taco a distinctive taste that fans crave. Your copycat version can capture the restaurant's unique blend of zest and freshness, making it a worthwhile kitchen project that delivers genuine Baja-style flavor. Recreating this iconic dish at home allows you to enjoy a famous California classic with personalized ingredients tailored to your taste.