These Fish Taco Bowls are made with fluffy rice, seasoned cod, a creamy chipotle Ranch dressing, and fresh toppings. Savory, spicy, bright, and easy to make, they’re perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch or dinner! 

Literally the BEST Fish Taco Bowl

the zesty chipotle ranch just makes these, ok?!

I love fish tacos but I think I may love these fish taco bowls more.

  1. Quick – the fish cooks quickly, and prep time is minimal, meaning you can toss these bowls together in minutes. 
  2. Easy to customize – prepare the base ingredients. Then, assemble your bowls with different grains and toppings to suit your preferences. 
  3. Great for meal prep – plan ahead of time, prep all the components, and. then, all you have to do is toss them together for delicious meals on busy days.  

— Ashlea

Watch How to Make This Recipe

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fish taco ingredients

Everything You Need to Know About the Recipe Ingredients

  • Cod: you’ll need 1 ½ pounds of cod filets for this recipe. 
  • Fish Seasoning Blend: we’re using lime zest, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a homemade spice blend. Zesty, savory, and slightly spicy, it creates an almost blackened exterior on the fish that’s so delicious.  
  • Oil: I typically use olive oil to cook the fish, but avocado oil also works if that’s what you prefer.
  • Chipotle Ranch Dressing: chipotle pepper in adobo, plain whole milk Greek yogurt, lime juice and zest, cilantro, dill, chives, garlic, and olive oil create a rich, spiced, herbaceous homemade dressing. 
  • Rice: I’m partial to cilantro lime rice, but any kind will work for the base of the fish taco bowls. 

Want to Switch Things Up? Here are a Some Helpful Ingredient Swaps

  • Fish – use any white fish you like best. Or, opt for shrimp, chicken, ground beef, or ground turkey instead. 
  • Chipotle Ranch Dressing – swap the dressing with any other condiment. My dairy-free Ranch or Greek yogurt dressing would make great alternatives. 
  • Rice – use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead. Or, omit the rice completely. 

How to Make a Fish Taco Bowl in 4 Easy Steps

  1. Make the Chipotle Ranch Dressing. Add the chipotle pepper in adobo, Greek yogurt, lime juice and zest, cilantro, dill, chives, garlic, and olive oil to a blender or food processor. Blend or process until smooth and creamy, and set aside. 
  2. Make the Fish Spice Mixture. Add the lime zest, chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to a small bowl, whisking to combine.  
  3. Prep and Season the Fish. Bring the cod to room temperature, and pat it dry with clean paper towels. Season the fish evenly on both sides with the spice mixture. 
  4. Sear the Fish. Next, heat a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add oil to the pan. Then, add the fish, and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side or until opaque and cooked through. Remove the fish from the pan, and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, flake it into pieces with a fork. 
  5. Assemble Your Bowls. Start with a base of rice. Then, add the fish, toppings, and a drizzle of chipotle Ranch. Finish with fresh lime wedges, and enjoy! 
chipotle ranch

My Favorite Topping Ideas If You Need Some Inspiration

Once you have the fish, dressing, and rice prepped, all that’s left is to choose your toppings! My favorite options include: 

  • Sliced Avocado
  • Thinly Sliced Radishes
  • Pico de Gallo
  • Pickled Red Onions
  • Chopped Cilantro 
  • Extra Chipotle Ranch Dressing
  • Lime Wedges
  • Feta or Cotija Cheese
chipotle ranch

Meal Prep Tips

This fish taco bowl recipe is great to prep in advance! Here are my top tips to keep the ingredients fresh: 

  • Cook the fish in advance – store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. 
  • Prepare the rice – cook the rice when you make the fish, and then store it in airtight containers as well.
  • Make the dressing – store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. 
  • Chop the veggies and toppings – that way, all you have to do is reheat the fish and rice and then pile on the toppings when you’re ready to serve.
fish taco bowls with toppings

More Really Delicious Fish Recipes That I Think You’ll Love

I hope you give this Fish Taco Bowl recipe a try! It’s quick, easy, and so flavorful! If you do give this recipe a try, let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @allthehealthythings on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews and ratings help support All the Healthy Things and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you trust and love.

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fish taco bowl with fork

Fish Taco Bowls with Zesty Chipotle Ranch

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  • Author: Ashlea Carver
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These Fish Taco Bowls are made with fluffy rice, seasoned cod, a creamy chipotle Ranch dressing, and fresh toppings. Savory, spicy, bright, and easy to make, they’re perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch or dinner! 


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds cod fillets or another flaky white fish
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • black pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons olive or avocado oil

Chipotle Ranch Dressing

  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo
  • 1/2 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
  • zest and juice of 1 lime
  • 1/4 cup cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon chopped chives
  • 1 clove garlic, pressed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

For Serving:

  • rice
  • sliced avocado
  • thinly sliced radishes
  • pico de Gallo
  • pickled onions
  • chopped cilantro
  • chipotle ranch
  • lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Make the Chipotle Ranch Dressing: add the chipotle pepper in adobo, Greek yogurt, lime juice and zest, cilantro, dill, chives, garlic, and olive oil to a blender or food processor. Blend or process until smooth and creamy. Set aside. 
  2. Make the Fish Spice Mixture: Combine lime zest, chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt and pepper to a small bowl. 
  3. Bring the cod to room temperature and then pat dry. Season the fish evenly with the spice mixture on both sides. 
  4. Cook the Fish: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the oil to the pan. 
  5. Next, add the fish and cook for 3-5 minutes per side until opaque and cooked through. Remove the fish from the pan and let rest for a few minutes before using a fork to flake.
  6. Assemble the Bowls: Start with rice and then top with the fish, all the toppings, a drizzle of the chipotle ranch, and fresh lime wedges.

Recipe by: Ashlea Carver / All the Healthy Things | Photography by: Eat Love Eat

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