Pescado Empapelado (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.
My grandfather’s ranch in Durango, Mexico has a small reservoir. 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. They would clean the fish, and 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.
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. Even if it looks like too much, it’s not. Everything will cook down.
The trick to get the veggies to cook thoroughly is to cut them into very thin slices. These are Calabacitas, a type of Mexican squash. If you can’t find these in the store, you can add Italian zucchini instead.
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. Dairy tames the heat.
I’m using fresh tilapia. The fresher, the better. You can use whatever fish you have on hand. This is one of those times when using frozen fish does NOT work.
Fold the center sides in. Then fold the ends in.
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You want to make a tight foil packet
in order for the steam inside to cook the fish.
You can cook this on the stove as I am here. Other ways to cook it, place on the grill or oven for 5-7 minutes. This recipe varies from person to person, family to family, region to region. Adjust it to make it your own. Serve with rice, corn, and potato. Don’t forget the tortillas. Hope you enjoy!
Watch Video How to Make Pescado Empapelado (Mexican Fish in Foil Packets)
- Butter, softened
- 2 pieces of fish
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 calabacita, thinly sliced
- ¼ onion, thinly sliced
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 small garlic clove, finely diced
- ½ jalapeno, finely sliced
- Cilantro
- Juice of 1 lemon (or lime)
- Salt
- Pinch of Oregano (optional)
- Foil
- Lay out a large piece of foil paper.
- To the center, brush butter, not touching the sides.
- Add fish to the center.
- Top with desired amounts of carrot, calabacita, onion, tomatoes, garlic, and jalapeno.
- Add 1-2 sprigs of cilantro
- Squeeze the juice of ½ lemon (or lime)
- Add salt and oregano (if using)
- Fold the center of the foil paper in.
- Fold in each end, creating a packet.
- Place on the stove in a large skillet for 5-7 minutes
- (Or, place in a 375 degrees F oven or grill for 5-7 minutes).
- Serve with additional lemon and enjoy.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
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