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WHAT’S WAHOO’S CO-FOUNDER WING LAM GIVING UP FOR LENT?

He’s certainly not giving up “flavor,” thanks to a menu of family-friendly fish options for Fridays during Lent.

By Kimberly A. Porrazzo     2/18/2015

He once gave up sweets for Lent. Another year, he said goodbye to alcohol. Then there was the time he swore off of carbs. This year, Wing Lam says he’ll be giving up bread and, of all things, tortillas for Lent. Don’t worry about Lam, though. The co-founder of Orange County-based Wahoo’s Fish Taco won’t be lacking for delicious Friday dining options. From wild-caught salmon to shrimp to fresh Wahoo or mahi mahi-filet tacos, there’ll be lots for him and other Orange County Catholics to choose from in any of the popular eatery’s 30 locations in O.C.

“We see a natural spike [in customer visits] during Lent,” Lam said yesterday while taping a cooking demonstration for Orange County Catholic in the kitchen of the Christ Cathedral Cultural Center. “At our price point, we’re one of the few who don’t deep fry fish.”

Famous for its grilled fish tacos, Wahoo’s is, according to Lam, the only area Mexican restaurant that serves tofu tacos, an alternative that he says vegetarians love. Add a side of Citrus Slaw instead of rice (for those giving up carbs) and Wahoo’s menu has something for everyone.

Traveling outside of California during Lent? No worries. Wahoo’s has 70 locations in all, including restaurants in Colorado, Texas, Nebraska and even Japan.

Lam shares his recipes for Lenten dining options below.

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KALE KAI SALAD

Ingredients include:

  • Organic baby Kale
  • Mixed field greens
  • Roasted corn and black bean salsa
  • Serve with any type of protein. Lent-friendly items include grilled fish, shrimp or tofu. Our demonstration included the shrimp with a Polynesian marinade, sautéed.

This salad is served with fresh pico de gallo, sprinkled with a chili lime spice, sliced avocado, crunchy tortilla strips and a choice of dressing.

FISH TACO COMBO #1

One fish taco, white rice and black beans

Ingredients include:

  • Fresh Wahoo or mahi mahi filets
  • Garlic salt to taste
  • Canola Oil for brushing grill grate
  • Corn tortillas
  • Finely shredded cheese (mix of jack and cheddar)
  • Finely shredded green cabbage
  • Fresh pico de gallo salsa
  • Lime wedges
  • Famous White Rice (butter, black pepper, parsley)
  • Black beans (oregano, white salt and black pepper)

 

FISH TACO COMBO #2

This all-time favorite comes with your choice of two tacos, Wahoo’s famous rice and beans. Our demo included fresh fish and Polynesian tofu tacos.

Ingredients include:

  • Fresh Wahoo filets or mahi mahi filets
  • Garlic salt to taste
  • Canola Oil for brushing grill grate
  • Corn Tortillas
  • Finely shredded cheese (mix of jack and cheddar)
  • Finely shredded green cabbage
  • Fresh pico de gallo salsa
  • Lime wedges
  • Famous White Rice (butter, black pepper, parsley)
  • Black beans (oregano, white salt and black pepper)

Fish tacos can be served as an alternative to chicken or beef during Lent and are delicious when accompanied by Wahoo’s our healthy Citrus Slaw (cabbage, onion, carrots, lime juice).

SALMON BOWL

Polynesian-grilled wild caught salmon on a bed of white rice and black beans. Also served with Citrus Slaw mix (cabbage, onion, carrots, lime juice)

Ingredients include:

  • Wild caught salmon
  • Famous White Rice (butter, black pepper, parsley)
  • Black beans (oregano, white salt and black pepper)