Pescado Empapelado, or Mexican Fish in Foil Packets. This fish dish will make you wish for more. It’s perfect for Fish Fridays, summer grilling, and makes a yummy, healthy dinner option.

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As a kid, I remember vividly the men going out on their row boats and returning with fish.

My grandfather would chop wood for the fire and clean the fish. I would help in preparing the Pescado Empapelado (Mexican Fish in Foil Packets).

The potatoes would go on the fire first, then the corn, and lastly the fish. Simple, rustic, delicious Mexican food.

Other traditional Mexican fish recipes include: Caldo de Pescado and Pescado en Salsa.

How to Make Pescado Empapelado

“Empapelado” in English means “foil packet.”

The beauty of Pescado Empapelado (Mexican Fish in Foil Packets) is that they are individually made and specific to what you like.

I like adding a ton of veggies to a make a healthy Mexican fish dish.

Note: Even if it looks like too much, it’s not. Everything will cook down. You can certainly add more veggies to the foil packet.

These are Calabacitas, a type of Mexican squash. If you can’t find these in the store, you can add Italian zucchini instead.

Other Vegetables You Can Include in Your Pescado Empapelado:

Chopped Broccoli
Green Beans
Chopped Cauliflower
Chayote
Spinach

The trick to get the veggies to cook thoroughly is to cut everything into very thin slices or chop the veggies into smaller pieces.

Now this next ingredient is completely optional. For me, though, it wouldn’t be Pescado Empapelado (Mexican Fish in Foil Packets) without sliced jalapeños.

If you don’t like it spicy, omit. Or, something I like to do is add sour cream.

FYI: Dairy tames the heat. Next time a dish is too hot, reach for a glass of milk instead of a glass of water.

A La Mexicana Recipes

If you see a recipe with “a la mexicana” in the title, it means it is “Mexican-Style.”

It includes three ingredients:

jalapeño (or roasted poblano peppers)
tomatoes
onion

The colors of the Mexican flag are green, white, and red. In essence, the colors of these three ingredients.

Here are some examples:
Calabacitas a la Mexicana or Huevos a la Mexicana.

I’m using fresh tilapia. The fresher, the better. You can use whatever fish you have on hand.

Other Types of Fish You Can Use:

Halibut
Cod
Red Snapper
Salmon
Dover

I love using frozen fish for dishes like Fish Ceviche (Ceviche de Pescado) because it sits in lime juice for hours.

However, for this Mexican Fish Recipe, I do not recommend using frozen fish.

Frozen fish contains water. If you add water to a foil packet with frozen fish, the result will be mushy fish. No one likes that.

You can prep the empapelado (foil pack) up to 2 days ahead. More than that, you risk the fish going bad.

Fold the center sides in. Then fold the ends in.

You want your Tilapia Empapelado to be wrapped nice and tight. If you need to, add more foil paper.

Especially if you are planning to grill fish in foil packet, you don’t want it to crumble on you.

NOTE: Don’t limit yourself to just fish. Try this recipe with shrimp, lobster, scallops, or chicken instead of fish.

You want to make a tight foil packet in order for the steam inside to cook the fish.

If you are using a thicker cut of fish, I recommend adding 1 tablespoon of water to the packet before closing it. The water will steam and help the thick cut of fish cook thoroughly.

This is a “Mexican-Style” recipe, but you can also make Pescado a la Veracruzana. So yummy!

You can cook this on the stove as I am here.

Other ways to cook Pescado Emapapelado:

place on the grill for 5-7 minutes.
or in the oven for 5-7 minutes

This recipe is for Pescado Empapelado a la Mexicana. That is, Mexican style. Many Latin American countries have their own versions.

It also seems to vary from person to person, family to family, region to region. Adjust it to make it your own.

This is such an easy Mexican fish recipe. Healthy and delicious. You can serve with Mexican rice, corn, Refried Beans, and potato.

Don’t forget the your favorite salsa. Perfect for summer entertaining and Fish Fridays. Hope you enjoy!

Don’t to Watch Video How to Make Pescado Empapelado (Mexican Fish in Foil Packets)

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Other Mexican Seafood Recipes

Camarones a la Diabla, or Mexican Deviled Shrimp, is spicy food at its best. This Mexican recipe promises to give a good kick to your dinner. Often served with white rice, lime, and a tall glass of water to tame the heat.

Tostada de Atún (Tuna Tostada) is a budget-friendly and delicious recipe. Made with canned tuna and ready in just a few minutes. A yummy dish that your entire family will love.

Camarones Rancheros, or Ranch-Style Shrimp, is a crowd-pleasing Mexican recipe boasting with flavor. Ready in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.