Rubio’s Salmon and Mahi Mahi Offer Options to “The Original Fish Taco”

When I think of Rubio’s, one thing comes to mind: Fish tacos.

I recall some of the first fish tacos I’d ever had coming from the Rubio’s in Manhattan Beach near the corner of Sepulveda Blvd and Marine Ave. The tastes and textures of that experience set the bar for the other fish tacos I’d come across in the future, few of them better than Rubio’s beer-battered Pollock, topped with a white sauce, mild salsa, and crispy cabbage.

Recently, though, I’ve come to find that there’s more to the menu than “the usual”.

Swimming into the Menu with Salmon and Mahi Mahi Tacos

Along with their signature white-fish, Rubio’s also features sustainable Atlantic Salmon and Pacific Mahi Mahi. These alternatives – served grilled – provide a slighty lighter option when compared to the original taco (see below) but stand up to the champ in flavor.

Table with quick comparison of calories, fat, and proteins in Rubio’s tacos. Information sourced from http://www.rubios.com/menu

I tried* the salmon taco and was pleased. The salmon was grilled to perfection and was firm enough to not get squashed when biting into the corn tortilla (wheat tortillas are available if requested).

The onions and cilantro were par for the course and the red cabbage garnish was a nice change from the standard white cabbage served in the original fish taco. The red cabbage offered a different kind of “bite” to the taco. Of course, I was inspired to bite back.

Go Big. Go Burrito

All of the seafood options are available as burritos too. Along with the taco ingredients, the burrito prep adds rice, black beans, and sour cream to the fish, wrapping everything up in a toasted flour or corn tortilla.

The burritos are more substantial than the tacos and it shows in the calorie count. Again, the grilled salmon and the mahi shave a few calories from the beer-battered and fried Pollock. Details are listed in the table below, with the information coming from Rubio’s menu web pages.

If you’re wanting your fish taco fish and really want to cut some calories, the Health Mex Mahi is a great catch: it weighs in at just 530 calories and 12 grams of fat. The reduction is likely due to the wrap being dairy free, minus any white sauce and sour cream.

Table with quick comparison of calories, fat, and proteins in Rubio’s burritos. Information sourced from http://www.rubios.com/menu

For the burrito, I tried the mahi mahi – yes, the regular one, not the low-cal option. Like the salmon taco, it also had red cabbage versus white cabbage for a nice tangy, crunchy bite.

Having the fish grilled instead of fried also made a difference; the burrito finished light. I love the food coma that comes from enjoying a fried fish burrito and a beer but the grilled fish (and water) is a much more sensible option for frequent fish burrito consumption.

A New Original Fish Taco?

I’m glad I had the opportunity to try the salmon and mahi tacos and burritos at Rubio’s. Its good to know that I can get my fish taco fix with options that are a bit lighter without losing any flavor.

But don’t worry, original fish taco! You’ll always be my favorite.

There are several Rubio’s located in the South Bay. Check the Rubio’s website to find the one closest to you.

• Atlantic Salmon and Pacific Mahi Mahi Tacos and Burritos at Rubio’s
  
  • http://www.rubios.com

* Some items mentioned in this article were provided on a complimentary basis for the purpose of this review. Prices and menu items mentioned are subject to change without notice. This story was accurate when it was published and reflects the uninfluenced opinions of the reviewers.