A fish pocket, also known as a fish pouch or fish taco pocket, refers to a type of bread or dough that is stuffed with fish fillet and various vegetables and sauces. It forms a pocket or pouch surrounding the fish filling. Fish pockets can make for a fun, portable meal or appetizer when bread dough is used to create a sealed pocket for the filling. They allow you to enjoy the flavors of a fish taco in handheld form. Fish pockets can also be a way to use up leftover fish or try out different taco fillings and flavors in an easy, bite-sized package.
Where Did Fish Pockets Originate?
The exact origins of the fish pocket or fish taco pocket are unclear, but this dish takes inspiration from Mexican tacos and American sandwiches and pockets. Using bread or dough to make sandwiches, subs, pockets, and wraps is common across many cultures. Fish tacos also originate from Baja California in Mexico. Combining the portability of tacos with the fold-over dough or bread concept likely led to the creation of the fish pocket.
This dish can be seen as a variation of the fish taco that takes on a convenient, handheld form. The bread or dough pocket concept allows the fish filling to be neatly contained and eaten without utensils. While the history is uncertain, fish pockets appear to draw inspiration from Mexican and American cooking to create a portable and tasty dish.
Fish Pocket Variations
There are many possible variations of the fish pocket thanks to the variety of doughs, breads, fish fillets, and taco fillings that can be used:
- Bread dough pockets: Common dough choices are naan, pita, pizza dough, biscuit dough, etc. The dough is rolled out, filled, and sealed.
- Wraps or flatbreads: Large wraps like tortillas, roti, or flatbread can be filled, folded, and eaten like a pocket.
- Puff pastry pockets: Sheets of puff pastry dough encase the fillings and bake into a flaky pocket.
- Fish fillet choices: Popular fish fillets are tilapia, cod, haddock, salmon, tuna, etc. The fish can be prepared fried, baked, or grilled.
- Taco fillings: Fillings may include cabbage, avocado, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, salsa, crema, cheese, etc.
There are all kinds of possibilities for dough type, fish, and extras based on preferences and ingredients on hand.
How to Make Fish Pockets
Fish pockets are easy to make at home with just a few simple steps:
Ingredients
- Bread dough, flatbread, or wraps
- Fish fillets of choice (tilapia, cod, salmon, etc)
- Taco seasoning
- Onion
- Tomato
- Cabbage
- Cilantro
- Salsa and crema (or Greek yogurt)
- Cheese
- Oil for cooking fish
Steps
- Season fish fillets with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper and cook through (pan-fry, bake, or grill). Flake into pieces.
- Saute onion, tomato, cabbage, and cilantro with oil over medium heat 2-3 minutes.
- Roll out dough into circles or rectangles. Flatbreads can be kept flat. Add fish, veggies, salsa, crema, and cheese onto half of each dough round.
- Fold dough over filling to seal into a pocket/wrap. Seal edges with fork if needed.
- Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes if using dough pockets until golden brown. warmed flatbread pockets don’t require baking.
- Enjoy fish pockets while hot!
Tips
- Add taco seasoning while cooking for extra flavorinfused into the fish.
- Sauteeing the veggies brings out moisture to prevent a soggy pocket.
- Brush dough with egg wash before baking for extra browning.
- Store baked fish pockets in the refrigerator up to 3 days or freeze.
- Replace dough with tortillas, roti, or any flatbread for quick microwave pockets.
The filling possibilities are endless for customized fish pockets. Use fun dough shapes or mix up the fillings to make them your own.
Common Questions about Fish Pockets
What type of fish is best for fish pockets?
The best fish fillets for fish pockets are those that are mild in flavor, flaky in texture, and not too delicate. Some top options are:
- Tilapia
- Cod
- Haddock
- Halibut
- Mahi mahi
- Snapper
- Catfish
- Salmon
These fish hold up well to cooking and the filling construction process. Oily fish like salmon and tuna also work well. Avoid very delicate fish.
What can I use instead of bread dough?
If you don’t have bread dough, there are several easy alternatives including:
- Flour or corn tortillas
- Roti or flatbread
- Lavash or pita bread
- Wraps like tortilla, naan, etc
- Crescent roll dough
- Biscuit dough
- Pie dough
The wraps or flatbreads will not seal as neatly but simply fold them over the filling. Any dough can be rolled out thin and made into pockets.
How long do baked fish pockets last?
Baked fish dough pockets will typically last 3-5 days refrigerated. The raw dough pockets can be assembled then frozen for longer term storage. Baked or unbaked pockets can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen baked pockets in the oven or microwave until hot.
Can you meal prep fish pockets?
Yes, fish pockets make for great make-ahead meals. You can prep the dough and fillings in advance then assemble and bake as needed throughout the week. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Their handheld size makes them ideal for lunchboxes, snacks, or quick dinners.
Nutrition Information
Here is the approximate nutrition information for a fish pocket made with cod and standard taco fillings in a wheat dough pocket:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 358 |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
The nutrition can vary greatly depending on the size, dough type, cooking method, and filling ingredients used. In general fish pockets provide protein from the fish, carbohydrates from the dough, and vegetables and fiber from the taco fillings.
Cost Analysis
Here is a sample cost analysis for making 4 fish pockets at home:
| Ingredient | Amount | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cod fillet (1/2 lb) | $3.00 | |
| Flatbread (4 pieces) | $1.00 | |
| Onion (1/2) | $0.25 | |
| Tomato (1) | $0.50 | |
| Cabbage (1/2 cup) | $0.15 | |
| Cilantro (1 Tbsp) | $0.10 | |
| Cheese (1/4 cup) | $0.50 | |
| Total | $5.50 |
The cost per fish pocket is about $1.38. This cost can be lowered by buying ingredients in bulk or substituting lower cost fillings. Buying pre-made dough pockets would be more expensive than making them.
Fish Pocket Restaurants and Where to Buy
Fish pockets may sometimes be found at restaurants that offer build-your-own dough pockets or tacos. Some places to find fish pockets include:
- Mexican restaurants
- Seafood restaurants
- Food trucks
- Street fair vendors
You can also make dough pockets and fillings at home for a homemade version. Grocery stores sell flatbreads, pitas, tortillas, and wraps that can easily be turned into pockets.
Some brands offering pre-made dough pockets to stuff at home include:
- Toufayan
- Pillsbury Crescent rolls
- Rhodes
- Flatout or Mission Flatbreads
Use fresh, canned, or frozen fish along with desired taco toppings to fill the pre-made dough. This allows you to create tasty fish pockets without making dough from scratch.
Innovation in Fish Pockets
As fish pockets grow in popularity, there are some interesting innovations happening with the dish:
- New dough recipes – incorporating flavors like chipotle, jalapeño, or cheddar into dough
- Fusion fillings – using Asian, Indian, or Mediterranean spices and sauces
- Plant-based options – making vegan versions with tofu, jackfruit, or banana blossom fish substitutes
- Alternate cooking methods – air frying assembled pockets for a healthier version
- Meal kits – pre-portioned kits with dough, sauces, and proteins to assemble fish pockets at home
Creativity with flavors, formats, and cooking techniques will continue to drive new trends in the fish pocket space. Their versatility lends well to innovation to satisfy changing tastes and needs.
Fish Pocket Recipe Ideas
Beyond the classic taco-style fish pocket, there are endless recipe ideas you can try with different dough, protein and flavor combinations. Some ideas include:
1. Buffalo Chicken Pockets
Use pita or flatbread dough, filled with shredded buffalo chicken, blue cheese, and hot sauce.
2. Reuben Pockets
Make with rye dough, corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing.
3. Mediterranean Pockets
Try a whole wheat pita pocket with salmon, feta cheese, spinach, and tzatziki sauce.
4. Tandoori Pockets
Make naan dough pockets filled with tandoori chicken, onions, cucumber raita.
5. Breakfast Pockets
Fill biscuit dough with scrambled eggs, ham, and cheddar cheese for a handheld breakfast.
The possibilities are endless for creative and convenient fish and flavor pocket recipes!
Conclusion
Fish pockets are the perfect way to enjoy tasty fish tacos or sandwiches in a convenient handheld version. They bring together dough, breads, or wraps enveloping delicious fillings of fish and vegetables inspired by flavors from around the world. You can purchase fish pockets from restaurants or food trucks, make them at home with store-bought dough, or create dough and fillings entirely from scratch. These flexible pockets can be filled with classic tacos or more innovative ingredients for the perfect portable meal or snack any time of day.