Pescado Tikin Xic (Yucatan Achiote Grilled Fish)
Whole fish or thick fillets painted with sour orange achiote, wrapped with tomato and onion and grilled until just flaking.
Made with Pickled red onions (cebollas encurtidas) and Recado rojo (achiote paste). Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time45 min
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £2.00 a head
- Oven220°C (200°C fan)
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Use your ready made recado rojo (see the base recipe). Mix it with the orange juice, lime juice, salt and olive oil to make a spreadable marinade.
- 2
Pat the fish dry and spread the marinade over both sides. Leave in the fridge for 20 minutes, no longer, or the citrus will start to cook the fish.
20 min - 3
Heat a grill or oven to 220°C (200°C fan). If using banana leaves, pass them briefly over a flame or hot pan until glossy and pliable.
- 4
Put a fillet on each leaf or square of foil. Top with tomato, onion and pepper, then fold into sealed parcels.
- 5
Grill or bake the parcels for 12 to 15 minutes, until the fish flakes easily and is opaque all the way through.
13 min - 6
Open the parcels carefully, away from your face, and serve with your ready made pickled red onions (see the base recipe) and rice or warm tortillas.
Tips
- Pick a firm fish. Delicate fillets can break up when you wrap and unwrap them.
- Do not marinate fish for hours. Citrus turns the flesh chalky if left too long.
- Throw away any marinade that touched raw fish. Do not use it as a sauce.
Storing and freezing
Eat the same day if possible. Cool leftovers within 1 hour and keep in the fridge for up to 1 day, reheating until steaming hot.
Questions
Can I cook tikin xic on a barbecue?
Yes. Cook the parcels over medium hot coals for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once. Unwrapped fish tends to stick, so wrapping is much easier.
Which fish works best?
Sea bass, bream, snapper or hake all work. Whole fish is traditional: slash the sides, rub the marinade into the cuts and add 10 minutes.
Is it spicy?
No, it is mild and tangy. Serve it with a spoon of habanero salsa if you want heat.
More made with pickled red onions (cebollas encurtidas)
Panuchos Yucatecos (Bean-Stuffed Tortillas with Chicken)
DFEFNFTortas de Cochinita Pibil (Pibil Pork Rolls)
DFEFNFTacos de Carnitas con Cebolla Encurtida (Crisp Pork Tacos)
DFEFNFTortas Ahogadas de Carnitas (Drowned Pork Sandwiches)
DFEFNFSee every dish made with pickled red onions (cebollas encurtidas)
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.