7-Chilies Pescado a la Talla Tacos with Kohlrabi Slaw

Name: 7-Chilies Pescado a la Talla Tacos with Kohlrabi Slaw
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 38 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 pieces guajillo chili; 3 pieces pasilla chili; 2 pieces arbol chili; 1 piece chipotle chili; 2 pieces ancho chili; 2 pieces moria chili; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon chipotle puree; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 pieces kohlrabi; 1 carrot; 1/2 cup red cabbage; 1/2 cup red onion; 1 whole serrano chili; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons yuzu juice; 1 tablespoon lime juice; cilantro leaves; salt, to taste; 1 8-ounce fillet fluke; 2 corn tortillas; kosher salt, to taste; olive oil

Mexican-style grilled fish tacos featuring fluke marinated in a complex seven-chili blend and topped with tangy kohlrabi slaw. This modern twist on the classic Sinaloan pescado a la talla combines traditional dried chilies with Asian-inspired slaw elements like yuzu and soy sauce. Perfect for dinner parties or weekend meals when you want to impress with bold, layered flavors.

Prep: 25 min
Cook: 13 min
Yield: 2 servings
Level: medium
Cuisine: Mexican

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Vegetarian Dairy-Free Nut-Free

Ingredients

2 servings

3 pieces guajillo chili
3 pieces pasilla chili
2 pieces arbol chili
1 piece chipotle chili
2 pieces ancho chili
2 pieces moria chili
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon chipotle puree
½ cup mayonnaise
2 pieces kohlrabi
green cabbage1:1common
similar crunch
1 carrot
red snapper1:1pescatarian
firmer texture
½ cup red cabbage
½ cup red onion
1 whole serrano chili
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons yuzu juice
lemon juice + lime juice1:2 ratiocommon
citrus substitute
1 tablespoon lime juice
cilantro leaves
salt, to taste(optional)
1 8-ounce fillet fluke
red snapper1:1pescatarian
firmer texture
2 corn tortillas
red snapper1:1pescatarian
firmer texture
kosher salt, to taste(optional)
olive oil(optional)

Method

15 steps

1
Blend all chilies until soft powder forms
2
Combine chili powder with sugar, chipotle puree, and mayonnaise
3
Mix until well incorporated and season with salt
4
Combine kohlrabi, carrot, red cabbage, red onion, and serrano chili
5
Add soy sauce, yuzu juice, lime juice, and cilantro
6
Season slaw with salt
7
Cut fluke fillet into 3-inch pieces
8
Place fish in chili marinade for 5 minutes
9
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
10
Place marinated fish on oiled baking sheet
11
Cook for 8 minutes until lightly golden
12
Heat griddle on medium heat
13
Warm tortillas until soft
14
Place one piece of fish in center of each tortilla
15
Top with generous portion of kohlrabi slaw

Tips

Tip 1

Marinate fish longer for deeper flavor, but avoid over-marinating which can make the fish mushy

Tip 2

Toast the dried chilies lightly before blending to enhance their smoky flavor

Tip 3

Make the slaw ahead as it improves with time for flavors to meld

Good to Know

Storage

Assembled tacos best eaten immediately, components can be stored separately in refrigerator for 2 days

Make Ahead

Make marinade and slaw up to 1 day ahead, marinate and cook fish just before serving

Serve With

Serve immediately while fish is warm and tortillas are soft

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't over-marinate fish to avoid mushy texture

Watch

Ensure oven is fully preheated to avoid uneven cooking

Watch

Warm tortillas just before serving to prevent them from drying out

Substitutions

fluke→

red snapper1:1pescatarian

firmer texture

kohlrabi→

green cabbage1:1common

similar crunch

yuzu juice→

lemon juice + lime juice1:2 ratiocommon

citrus substitute

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I substitute other fish for fluke?

Yes, any firm white fish like red snapper, halibut, or mahi-mahi works well. Adjust cooking time based on thickness of fillets.

What if I can't find all seven chilies?

You can substitute with available dried chilies, but try to maintain the balance of mild and hot varieties for complexity.

How long will the marinade keep?

The chili marinade will keep refrigerated for up to one week and can be used for other proteins like chicken or shrimp.