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Sooo…
Can we just talk about real life here for second?
Nothing sugar-coated, just truly what’s going on in my head.
When I started this blog I always said I would never be a real “photographer”. I just figured I would probably never be any good at it, or for that matter even like it. But the thing is, I have fallen in love with food photography.
The problem? ME!
Like most people, I am my hardest critic. Like beat it down, till I just can’t beat it anymore, but it is only because I truly just want to be the best I can be. With my photos I am always looking to improve them. The thing is? No matter what I do, it’s never good enough for me.
And before I ramble on anymore, I am not writing all this because I want you all to leave nice comments and make me feel more confident. Actually I try to avoid writing posts like this because, while I do LOVE the nice comments (they mean the world to me) they also make me a little embarrassed because well, I am me and I am totally shy and awkward. It’s been this way my entire twenty years.
So basically, don’t feel sorry for me, or even like you have to say anything.
I decided to write about this today because I think it is something a lot of people can relate to. The whole “I am never good enough, someone is always better” thing.
For me, the photos are something I struggle with daily. While I am absolutely in love with photography and growing in my knowledge, it’s my self-doubt, second guessing, over thinking and overly critical mind that I absolutely hate. Some days I end the day and I am beyond excited about what I just created. Other days, I am beyond bummed and a re-shoot is in order because I am a total perfectionist when it comes to anything involving this site.
That was yesterday for me, which is why you are hearing about it today. I just needed a good vent and to let you all know that even though the perfect picture can sometimes get painted, it is only temporary. Around here, nothing is perfect. Far from it actually.
But on to these bowls, because THEY are close to perfect. I may not love the photos, but I love the food and that should be what matters most anyway. I mean, this is a food blog after all.
These bowls are heavy on the tropical Mexican flavors and YOU GUYS? They are so good, super healthy and the best dinner. I served these to my Dad and we both loved them. The salsa makes the dish.
Oh and the colors. It’s like a fiesta!
Chipotle Mahi Mahi Burrito Bowls with Coconut Cilantro Lime Rice + Spicy Strawberry-Mango Salsa.
Ingredients
Mahi Mahi
- 1 pound wild-caught, skin on, Mahi Mahi
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 whole chipotle chiles, finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt + pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- a pinch of salt and pepper
Cilantro Lime Rice
- 1 1/2 cup uncooked jasmine or basmati rice
- 1 cup light, canned coconut milk
- 2 cups coconut water, or water
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened, flaked coconut
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Spicy Strawberry Salsa
- 1 medium size ripe mango, peeled, pitted + diced
- 1 1/2 cups strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded + chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- pinch of cayenne pepper
- pinch of salt
To serve
- 4 [tortilla bowls | https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/crockpot-carnitas-tortilla-burrito-bowl/]
- 4 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 1/4 cups cooked black beans
- 2 ears of corn on the cob [grilled corn | https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/exactly-how-i-grill-my-corn-chipotle-lime-and-cotija-cheese-butter/], kernels removed from ears
- 1 cup guacamole
- greek yogurt or sour cream
- shredded cheddar + crumbled cajita cheese
- fresh cilantro
Instructions
- In a medium bowl combine the olive oil, chipotle chiles, garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper and onion powder. Whisk to combine. Add the mahi mahi and toss well. Cover and place in the fridge while you start the rice.
- Add the coconut milk and coconut water to a medium size pot. Bring to a low boil and then add the rice, salt, unsweetened coconut and coconut oil. Stir to combine, then place the lid on the pot and turn the heat down to the lowest setting possible. Allow the rice to cook ten minutes on low and then turn the heat off completely. Let the rice sit on the stove, covered for another 20 minutes (don't take any peeks inside!). After 20 minutes remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Add the cilantro and lime juice, toss well. Keep warm.
- Meanwhile make the salsa. Add the diced mango, chopped strawberries, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, pinch of cayenne and a pinch of salt to a medium bowl. Toss well, cover and keep in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Once the grill is hot, add the mahi mahi, skin side facing up. Cook about 4-5 minutes and then flip and cook another 4-5 minutes or until crisp and mostly cooked through. Remove from the grill. Remove the skin and either flake with a fork or chop into chunks. This can also be done in a skillet if desired.
- To assemble the bowls divide the rice among 4 tortilla bowls or regular bowls. Add the lettuce, black beans and corn. Divvy up the fish and then top each bowl with salsa, cheese, and a dollop of greek yogurt or sour cream. Eat!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
And Thursday just seemed like a great day to break out those vibrant fiesta colors!
Do you think ahi tuna would taste good with this recipe/flavor?
Hi Karley,
Yes, I think that would work nicely for you! I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try!
I tried this recipe with tuna steaks and it was delicious! Thank you!!
Awesome! Thanks so much, Karley!
Omg… I made this for dinner tonite. Fabulous!!! Next time I may marinate the fish a little longer but otherwise fantastic! Super easy. Very flavorful. This will be a staple go to for me. Thank you!
(I wish I could add a pic so you could see!)
Hey Layla,
Thanks a bunch for giving this recipe a try, I am delighted that it was enjoyed! Have a wonderful week:) xTieghan
Delicious and my husband said it should be part of the regular rotation. Thank you!
Hey Mana,
Thanks so much for making the recipe, I am delighted it was enjoyed! Have a great weekend:) xTieghan
Big hit at my house! I will definitely make this again and individual aspects of it separately…Coconut lime rice, mango strawberry salsa and the mahi mahi are all amazing additions to my recipe box!
Thank you Stephanie!! xTieghan
Hi, I was just wondering what fish you can substitute Mahi Mahi with please?
Hi Maddi! I would recommend using a fish you love, salmon, tilapia, or even shrimp would all be great! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Could I bake this in the oven? In college currently and trying to avoid using my cheap electric stove as much as possible (plus no good pans)
HI! I Am sure baking the fish will be just fine! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Ok, this one was awesome!!! I LOVED this receipe
Thank you so much Sophie!
I think you know what I think of your photography
?
Hi there! Do you have nutritional information? If only for the fish and mango salsa?
Hi! I am so sorry but I do not calculate the nutritional information for my recipes! I find that online calculators work great, just make sure to divid by the serving size after you add it all in! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Your photos are always gorgeous! They are inspiring as well. I want to make this recipe for sure but one little thing. I don’t eat fish. I don’t like fish. What would be the next best thing to substitute? Chicken? I’ve been following you for quite sometime. I love all that you do and thank you for sharing it with all of us!
Hey Rachel! First, thank you!! You are so kind!! Yes, I would use chicken, that will be great! 🙂
How do you take such fantastic photography?! In your “about” section, I fully expected you to be a professional photographer! LOVE it all – inspiring!
Haha! Thank you so much, means a lot! Hope you had a great day and thanks again for the kind words, Courtney!