Thursday, March 10, 2011

Scallops & Cod

Dave (gasp!) and I went to the grocery store this weekend.  Yes, we went together.  Yes, that never ever happens.  I had a strict list because my menu was planned out for the week.  But when I got to the Seafood counter to get my scallops, I saw that Wild-Caught Cod was on sale for $4.99 a pound.  That's an amazing deal so I knew I had to buy it.  After scouring the internet (mainly your blogs) for some inspiration and asking twitter, I decided on fish tacos.  (thanks Alli)


It just so happened Rachel recently posted about the best fish tacos in town AND recipes from local Boston bloggers.  I was inspired by Dan at Food in my Beard.  Mainly I loved the look (and ingredients) in his blackened fish tacos.


I loved the idea of crusting the fish with tons of spices and then (lightly) frying the fish.  I only used 1 tablespoon of canola oil so I'm going to call it sauteing.  Can I do that? It makes me feel better : )
I then made some guacamole, added some leftover broccoli slaw from last weeks egg rolls, some red onions on Joseph's low carb flour wraps. Pretty quick and simple dinner that packed some serious punch.  Loved the flavors!

Blackened Fish Tacos
Ingredients
Everything you see below
Handful of Cumin
2 Handfuls of Chili Powder
1 Handful of Flour
2 Limes worth of lime zest
salt and pepper
6 Cod Filets
Broccoli Slaw
Homemade Guacamole
Whole Wheat Flour Tortillas
Instructions:
Mix your spice blend in a bowl and add in your fish.
Meanwhile, heat some canola oil in a pan.  Get it nice and hot so when you put in the fish you can hear it searing!
Cook for about 4 minutes on each side.  It should be nice and flaky.  Add the guac to your tortilla (I heated my tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds first), then your broccoli slaw and lastly your flaky blackened fish.  Roll up and Enjoy!  Worlds easiest fish tacos : )
I also made Scallops in a Cauliflower Puree inspired by the puree I had at Back Bay Social Club.  And, I just happened to see this recipe in this month's Cooking Light!  Another simple, fast recipe.
In hindsight, I probably used a bit too much liquid with the puree and probably a little too much red pepper flakes.  But I still loved the flavor!  And this dinner got on the table in under a half hour.  Can't beat that after being gone for 12 hours : )
Seared Scallops with Cauliflower Puree
Ingredients:
2 cups chopped cauliflower florets
1 cup peeled yukon gold potatoes
1 cup water
1/2 cup chicken broth (I used more)
1 tablespoon of canola oil
12 large sea scallops
salt and pepper
1 tablespoon of earth balance
crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions:
Bring first 4 ingredients to a boil in a saucepan, cover then reduce heat and simmer until potato is tender.
Heat a large skillet over high heat.  Add oil and swirl to coat the bottom.  Pat scallops dry with a paper towel (important step) and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Add scallops to the pan and cook for 3 minutes on each side or until you have a nice sear.  Pour cauliflower into blender or food processor (I use my food processor for everything so I went that route). Add in salt, butter and red pepper flakes.  I also added in some more chicken broth. Blend until smooth.  Serve puree in a bowl and place scallops on top.  Garnish with your favorite green.  I used basil.
These were two of the dishes I cooked up this week.  I've also made Tomato Soup with Bacon Grilled Cheese and tonight I'm making Chicken Thighs in a Hummus Vinaigrette.

Have you made anything fun in the kitchen lately? Spill!
Oh also, I updated my Recipe Index so check it out!  I also updated my Races and PRs and 2011 Training with the month of February.

19 comments:

  1. Ooh! Fish tacos with broccoli slaw sounds so refreshing. Thanks for reminding me about how much I love cauliflower too. Pureed, mashed, roasted - it's kind of a wonder food!

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  2. Um, wow the fish tacos look amazing!!! Thanks for sharing the recipes I'll have to try that sometime :)

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  3. I love the crust that formed on the cod from teh spices. I'll have to try these!

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  4. The tacos look good! Why don't you go grocery shopping with Dave?

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  5. I saw that one in Cooking Light! Yours looks amazing Lizzy! I might sub white beans for potato. I don't have any potatoes right now.

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  6. I can't get Jeff to eat fish in a sandwich or in tacos even though he loves fish. Maybe I'll have to make tacos for myself and do a plated version for him just so I can try these!

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  7. I've never had fish tacos (they don't really appeal to me for some reason) but yours look so good - I want to try them!! I haven't been being too creative with dinner lately at all - I can blame my busy schedule but really I'm just too lazy to plan. Someday I will get on top of it ;)

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  8. I am TOTALLY making those fish tacos this week. YUM!! Thanks Lizzy!

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  9. The fish tacos look delicious. Thanks for the recipes.

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  10. I always want Adam to run errands with me and then when he comes, he drives me nuts! Haha. He doesn't know the routine :)

    Your fish tacos look insanely good. I have only ever cooked fish a couple times and it's always the same old boring baked cod. I need some lessons, Lizzy!

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  11. Those fish tacos look really good. I don't think I've ever made my own fish tacos. I'm not sure why not.

    I don't like grocery shopping with my husband. He always seems to be in a hurry to get out of the store.

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  12. You are speaking my language. I LOVE fish tacos. Yummy!

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  13. that's an amazing deal on cod!! And it looks delicious. Cod and scallops are probably my favorites in terms of seafood. I haven't made anything exciting this week, and am totally jealous of your dinners!

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  14. Aw!! thanks for pointing out yoru recipe index--I'm so keeping that link in mind!!

    I received my fabulous winnings yesterday THANK YOU LIZZY!!! I am so so so pumped about the had held and the socks!! And, guess what? i already ate the honey gummies--I know, I know. but, they were too god to hold off for my run!!!

    I will post pics soon and give you a huge shout out!! Have a fantastic weekend!!

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  15. love fish tacos, and your version looks awesome! and i'm not huge on scallops, but love the idea of a cauliflower puree :)

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  16. So much fish/seafood! All in one post! I can feel the omegas throwing themselves at me. In a good way. I've never had fish tacos but I'm absolutely sure that I'd love them after seeing yours!

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  17. Love all of this! Both dishes came out beautifully. We both love fish and I know Brian LOVES fish tacos...actually I think I'm making shrimp tacos tonight!
    I love when fish is on sale and I am forced to get creative :)

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  18. I LOVE FISH TACOS. Those look amazing; they remind me of LA and the beach :( And I love the look of your scallops/puree - too good!

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  19. I love the idea of the cauliflower puree with the scallops. Nicely done!

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