Jerk Halibut with Tipsy Tropical Fruit Salad

Jerk Halibut on Tipsy Tropical Fruit Salad

jennifer fisher yoga beachAhhh, wouldn’t a tropical vacation be wonderful about now?! You won’t actually feel the sand beneath your toes, but my recipe for Jerk Halibut with TipsyTropical Fruit Salad will whisk you away on a transcendental taste adventure thanks to plenty of Caribbean-inspired flavors. You can use any fish you like for blacking with my jerk seasoning blend, but meaty halibut really satisfies and holds up well in a skillet or on the grill. All the spicy heat of jerk is offset by a cool chopped fruit salad that has been macerating in a tasty tequila dressing.

Jerk Halibut on Tipsy Tropical Fruit Salad

Now, as you may already know, Halibut is not caught in tropical waters. It’s a cold water fish and Sizzlefish.com does a great job with their Alaskan-sourced halibut. But, boy oh boy, how I do love this elegant, steak-like fish that cooks up so light and flaky. Halibut isn’t part of the Paleo Prime fish collection I typically order from Sizzlefish.com (includes a variety of items from Gulf Shrimp to Coho Salmon), but their Halibut is sold in 14 4-ounce pieces that ships flash-frozen on dry ice straight to your door — it would make a nice stash in the freezer!

Are you a fish fan? What’s your favorite catch? What’s the last island you’ve visited? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer

Jerk Halibut with Tipsy Tropical Fruit Salad
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
 
Take your taste buds on a vacation with this easy 30 minute spicy halibut fish recipe served with a cool tropical fruit salad.
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Caribbean
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
For Fish
  • 4 4-oz halibut filets
  • 1 tablespoon allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons avocado oil or other high smoke point oil
for Fruit Salad
  • 1 cup diced mango
  • 1 cup diced pinapple
  • 1/2 cup diced onion, white or red
  • 1 cup diced seeded tomato
  • 1/3 cup green onions, bulbs and tops
  • 1 diced jalapeno pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro leaves
  • 1 large diced avocado don't pick one too ripe, just slightly ripe
for dressing
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 ounce silver tequila
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or EVOO
  • 1 tablespoon agave nectar
  • 2 teaspoons lime zest
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
  1. To prepare fish, unwrap and pat dry with paper towels. Leave skin on underside of halibut if attached.
  2. In small bowl, toss together allspice, cinnamon, brown sugar, red pepper, cloves, cumin, salt and black pepper until combined. Add 2 tablespoons of avocado oil and mix until a paste is formed.
  3. Rub paste over all sides of fish. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of avocado oil (or other high smoke point oil) to large skillet and bring to medium-high heat. Add halibut and sear on each side (front and back or all 4 sides if cut think and long) for several minutes each until spices have formed crust and fish is no longer translucent.
  4. Add all ingredients for fruit salad, except avocado, to bowl. Prepare dressing by whisking together all dressing ingredients in small bowl until combined. Pour dressing over fruit salad. Gently stir in avocados.
  5. To serve, place mount of fruit salad on plate and top with halibut. Season with Sriracha or hot sauce if desired.

Coconut Macadamia Fried Rice Recipe + #MustHaveBox

I don’t eat rice very often, it can be pretty boring (IMO) and really doesn’t fit into my lower-carb protein plan. However, I’m not a NO carb kind of girl – no way, no how. Sometimes I need that precious energy source to propel me through an endurance event, boost my brainpower or just keep me from going bonkers.

Coconut Macadamia Nut Fried Rice

Brown rice, which is a great source of fiber, is a smart and easy-to-make option when it comes to eating healthy, whole grain carbs. Research has shown that brown rice can reduce diabetes risk,  help manage weight, lower cholesterol and reduce the likelihood of getting certain cancers (read more about all this at The Whole Grains Council.)

Easy Coconut and Macadamia Fried Rice is a island-inspired side dish or vegetarian meal filled with healthy fats.

So, to avoid the blah-fest that is plain rice, I decided to up to the flavors with a health take on fried rice – you’re going to go crazy for my Coconut Macadamia Nut Fried Rice! Made with lots of coconut items including coconut water, coconut oil and unsweetened coconut – there is a that wonderful hint of tropical paradise with every bite. The macadamia nuts back up the beach eats vibe – and the whole thing is just loaded with healthy fats and extra protein from the eggs to help you fill filled up for longer.  (get recipe at bottom of post — but below are some great NOW Foods products I used and love)

Also, I have to tell you about the best thing to show up at my door this week (aside from my Fed Ex man who loves to yap about Spartan Race just as much as me):

popsugar box

A box of gifts for me and it’s not even my birthday (yet) or Christmas!  POPSUGAR sent me this Must Have box to try and it totally made my day, my week, my June!  This monthly subscription box is aptly named “must-have” – all the most fabulous, fun things a fit and fashionable girl could want are specially curated and packed into one awesomely exciting box to open.  You never know what each month’s #MustHaveBox will behold – but the surprises never fail to win me over on pure whimsy and major whoohoo!

The June Pop Sugar Must Have Box included:

  • jen pop sugar underarm wipeNeutral Diamonds printed Sarong by HAT ATTACK – I’m packing this easy, breezy cover-up in my weekend bag for my next trip to the beach. It’s perfect for a swim suit cover up, but gorgeous enough to wear as a wrap at the dinner hour.
  • Cheers” Gold Bottle Opener by SISTERS OF LOS ANGELES – A chic and unique upscale beer drinker would never think to use a tacky, cheap promo bottle opener. This sleek , golden opener takes the top off iced cold beverage in chic summer style.
  • Ridley’s Games Room “Who Am I Quiz?” by WILD AND WOLF – Oh, you know game night at my family reunion is going to get rocking with this celebrity-inspired guessing game! How fun!
  • Born on the 4th Nail Laquer by NCLA – So, I know what my toes are wearing on Independence Day! This glittery, glam polish!
  • Are You Ready Compact Mirror by KNOCK KNOCK – This cheeky compact will help me be ready for that next selfie situation.
  • Underarm Deoderat Wipes by PACIFICA – Lightly perfumed and oh-so convenient, this is my favorite item in the box . .. errr, uhhh, cause I stink after working out and running errands all day.
  • Sriracha Snacks by PRESSELS – Less fat and salt than many other snack foods and that spicy kick of Sriracha to boot – a winner!

So, what is your new favorite workout, fashion or food find for this summer? What is your favorite nut? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer 

Coconut Macadamia Fried Rice Recipe + #MustHaveBox
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
 
4 large eggs, whisked 2 tablespoons coconut oil (divided) ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut ½ cup thinly sliced green onions, bulb and tops 1 teaspoon sea salt ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes ½ cup chopped macadamia nuts
Course: Main Dish, Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Caribbean
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 cup organic brown rice
  • 2 cups coconut water
  • 4 large eggs, whisked
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil (divided)
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions, bulb and tops
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
Instructions
  1. Add rice to coconut water and cook on stovetop, in microwave or in rice cooker according to manufacturer’s instructions. Remove rice, spread out on rimmed baking sheet and let cool for 15 to 20 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, add 1 teaspoon coconut oil to large skillet, bring to medium heat and add shredded, unsweetened coconut. Stir continuously for 3 to 4 minutes, or until turning golden brown. Remove from pan and let cool on paper towel.
  3. In same skillet, add another teaspoon of coconut oil and scramble eggs for approximately 5 minutes or until set; scrape into a bowl.
  4. In same skillet, add remainder of coconut oil and bring to medium high heat. Add cooled rice, and stir for 4 to 5 minutes or until hot. Add in green onions, toasted shredded coconuts, scrambled eggs, salt and red pepper flakes. Stir around for another 1 or 2 minutes
  5. Top with chopped macadamia nuts.

Tropical Fusion Salad with Spicy Tortilla Ribbons Recipe

photo by Taste of HomeInspired by southwestern and tropical cuisine, this salad is substantial enough for a meal thanks to the filling black beans and avocado. Overflowing with fresh flavors and a rainbow of colors — orange, yellow, green — that are ready to do your body good!  I created this beautiful salad several years ago and Taste of Home thought it was such a stunner, they put it smack on the front of the magazine. It’s the first time I’ve ever been a cover girl!

Tropical Fusion Salad with Spicy Tortilla Ribbons Recipe

  • 2 cups cubed peeled papaya
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins
  • 2 serrano peppers, seeded and chopped
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground ancho chili pepper, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 corn tortillas (6 inches), cut into 1/4-inch strips

In a large bowl, combine the papaya, beans, avocado, corn, raisins, peppers, cilantro, orange juice, lime juice, vinegar, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon chili pepper, sugar and salt.

Place tortilla strips on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray; sprinkle with remaining chili pepper. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until crisp. Serve with salad. Yield: 4 servings.

Nutritional Facts

1-1/4 cups salad with about 10 tortilla ribbons equals 321 calories, 8 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 380 mg sodium, 58 g carbohydrate, 11 g fiber, 9 g protein.

Originally published in Taste of Home April/May 2010, p53.