Snapper and Peppercress Tacos
Crispy fillets of red snapper are seasoned with cumin and then pan grilled to make the filling for this easy fish taco. The addition of peppercress makes it not only interesting but slightly spicy.

When we were wandering through the farmer’s market and came across peppercress. I instantly thought it must be related to watercress, which we love as a salad or as an addition to a salad. All I could find on this new mystery green is that it is part of the mustard family. It is crispy, slightly peppery and very refreshing. I knew it would make a great addition to part of our weekly menu ….
Every since we spent time in Sayulita we have been “authentic” taco eaters. Mind you it is not always easy to find a taco that is not smothered with cheese, guac and sour cream; folks, that is not an authentic taco. We love the way they make them in Mexico and have adopted the same practice at home: flavorful meat or a veggie filling, a slaw of some sort, salsa and pickled onions. A while back we made a black bean taco using this concept and it was fantastic; tonight we wanted fish.
We seasoned some red snapper with ground cumin, salt and pepper and then pan grilled it until crispy on the outside but moist inside. We served the fish on warm tortillas which cradled a bed of peppercress. Originally when planning the fish tacos I was going to make them with a cabbage slaw, instead I thought, during the process, that the peppercress would be an interesting alternative, I was right. It was clean, spicy and gave a nice crisp bite to the delicate taste of the red snapper without overwhelming the fish. Since we were not following tradition, we tossed together an avocado and tomato salsa to serve on the tacos, the acidity rounded out the taco perfectly. Pass the margarita…..
Recipe: Avocado and Tomato Salsa
1 avocado, cut in chunks
1 heirloom tomato, cut in chunks
1/2 small red onion, minced
1 jalapeno, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
cilantro, handful, minced
1 lime, squeezed
kosher salt to taste
fresh cracked pepper to taste
Mix everything together in a bowl. Set aside to let the flavors come together for about 30 minutes before serving. Eat.


I like the sound of these fish tacos! They appear light and teeming with focused flavors that are not weighed down by overly enthusiastic sauces.
Yum! Fish tacos are my favorite. We brought back some red snapper from the coast last weekend. My uncle took Shawn, his friend and my brother out offshore fishing. I actually ate some in a taco yesterday. I’m still trying to figure out what to do with all the King Mackerel they caught …
I never think to make fish tacos. These look amazing!
These look simply delicious! & Beautiful pics as always!
Oh, I’d love to try peppercress. Your fish tacos look so delish.
I love that you complimented the flavor of the fish with the peppercress. I love fish tacos and….. Mexico. Lovely photos.
AmyRuth
I haven’t seen peppercress. do you think arugula would work, or would the flavor overwhelm the fish?