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An Overwhelming amount of Cinco de Mayo Recipes.
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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. Â 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.
Servings: 4 Bowls
Calories Per Serving: 695 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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!
And Thursday just seemed like a great day to break out those vibrant fiesta colors!
I can relate to what you’re saying, I’m really trying to improve my photography and constantly compare myself to other bloggers who have been doing this for years. My biggest struggle is with light room, I just go round and round in circles. Bla. I think your photos are amazing, in fact, your photos are the kind I aspire to take some day!
Comparing is the worst and I am so guilty of it!
Thanks Denise!!
I hear ya! I’ve been like that more than usual lately and need to make some decisions on where to go w my blog. I think your posts & site are wonderful! Very inspiring.
Thanks Gwen! Hope you the best!
These bowls look so flavorful and vibrant, perfect for Cinco de Mayo! I really appreciate this post and your honesty – I’m a total perfectionist and my own worst critic as well, so I can totally relate. Hope you have a great Thursday! 🙂
Thanks Laura!! Your photos are always gorgeous!
Is food porn a compliment? I hope so because that’s how I feel about your site. The rusticness (totally aware that’s not a word) is part of the beauty. You have this beautiful fresh food with these gorgeous pieces of table, counter or whatever. It’s edgy hominess (I looked it up – this is a word).
Ha! Thank you so much, Linda! 🙂
I can completely relate to your feelings on photography. I have a hard time posting pictures because I always find little bitty things I don’t like that probably nobody else would notice. Your photos are great though! I don’t eat fish but you’ve made me want to try these bowls. Looks delicious!
I do the same thing. It’s no fun.
Thanks so much for you kind words!! Have a great weekend!
I totally get it! I am a perfectionist myself, but it causes a lot of pain. SO sometimes I just deal with it and tell myself every shoot will not be the best shoot ever. You cannot ALWAYS do your best work. You may be rushed, your may have self doubt clouding your judgement. BUT the reason so many of us follow you is your consistently amazing work we aspire to! XOXO!!
Thanks so the kind and encouraging words, Sophia!!
Thanks for your daily comments and kind words!! Have a great weekend!
I know exactly how you feel. Blogging is hard. I always feel like someone is doing something bigger, better and more creative than me. And the pics! I always look at mine so critically – totally get how you feel. However, these bowls look awesome and I think the pictures are great.
Blogging is hard. You hit it on the spot!
Thanks Liz!
Great idea for Cinco de Mayo – I love taco bowls. And mahi mahi is my favorite fish!
Thanks Ali! Have a great weekend!
Thank you for being honest and real. I love food photography so much but at the same time it brings me so much stress! Like right now, I am waiting for the dish to come out of the oven and the thought of styling and shooting it is making me so nervous. I can absolutely relate to never feeling like it’s good enough. What brings me assurance is looking back at my earlier photos and seeing the progress which means I will only keep moving forward. Your food photography along with incredible creativity is what keeps brining me to your site, Tieghan. You are so talented! I think that feeling of dissatisfaction is what drives us to improve. 🙂
Such a nice comment! I love that part about looking back, I need to do the same!
Thanks Julia! Have a great weekend!
Your photos and recipes are so incredible..they are true works of art. I love how you’ve been sharing more and more of yourself in your writing it really allows us a chance to get to know you and realize just how alike we all really are. Keep doing exactly what you’ve been doing…you and your blog are AWESOME!!!
Thank you so much!! 🙂
That means a lot!
I think I pin a photo from your site every morning. Keep it up!!
Same here! We are all our toughest critics. All you can do is your best, so focus on giving photography your all and knowing that that’s what matters most!
Agree. Thanks Darcie!!
YA! Thanks!
Your photos are stunning……they just suck me into your site.
Looks like a party in my mouth =)
Thanks Laura!! Have a great weekend!
Tieghan, sorry, but I do need to gush about your photography for a moment, because it is really gorgeous. As a new food blogger, I so relate to your struggles and self-doubt with photography… It has been my biggest challenge by far – the weakest link in my endeavor… Thanks for sharing your post, as it’s somehow comforting to know someone so hugely talented, who makes photography look effortless struggles too! Oh, by the way, the recipe looks insanely good 🙂
It was SO hard for me at first too, don’t worry you will get it over time!!
Thank you so much for your kind words!
Tieghan I think you know what I think of your photography! (I emailed you asking for advice!) I love it! We all need a little reassurance every now and then – you’ve got it from me – keep up the fantastic work you do!
Thank you so much, Kathy!! Means a lot!
I always look forward to your posts because of the effort you put into your writing, photos, and recipes. You’re doing a great job! 🙂
Thank you so much, Liz!