There’s nothing better than biting into a perfectly grilled fish taco. The smoky, seasoned fish paired with zesty jalapeño corn slaw, warm tortillas, and fresh toppings creates a meal full of flavor and freshness. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, Grilled Fish Tacos bring a sense of fun and relaxation to your table.
Imagine the aroma of smoky paprika and chipotle spices wafting through the air as your fish grills to perfection. Add in fresh, crunchy slaw, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime, and you’ve got a dish that’s both simple and satisfying. Let’s dive into this recipe and learn how to make these irresistible tacos.
Why You’ll Love These Grilled Fish Tacos
- Light and Healthy: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables.
- Bursting with Flavor: A smoky-spiced fish paired with tangy toppings.
- Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Customizable: Adjust spice levels and toppings to fit your preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for Taco Tuesday, family meals, or entertaining guests
Ingredients for Grilled Fish Tacos
| Category | Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| For the Fish | Cod or similar fish (e.g., halibut or mahi-mahi) | 1 pound |
| Kosher salt and pepper | To taste | |
| Smoked paprika | 1 teaspoon | |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon | |
| Ground cumin | ¼ teaspoon | |
| Chipotle chili powder | ¼ teaspoon | |
| For the Tacos | Flour or corn tortillas | Your choice |
| Pickled onions | For topping | |
| Crumbled cotija cheese | For topping | |
| Fresh cilantro | For topping | |
| Fresh lime wedges | For spritzing | |
| For the Jalapeño Corn Slaw | Green cabbage, thinly sliced | 1 small |
| Grilled corn (cut from 2–3 ears) | 2–3 ears | |
| Jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced and seeds removed | 2 | |
| Chopped cilantro | ⅓ cup | |
| Freshly squeezed lime juice | 2 tablespoons | |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | |
| Kosher salt and pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~300 kcal |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | ~350mg |
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilled Fish Tacos
1. Gather and Prepare Ingredients
Make sure all your ingredients are ready. Thinly slice the cabbage, chop the cilantro, and season your fish with the spice blend.
2. Season the Fish
Pat the fish dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle both sides with kosher salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and chipotle chili powder.
3. Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Fish
Place the fish on the grill and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the grill and set aside.
5. Grill the Corn and Warm the Tortillas
Grill the corn until it’s slightly charred, rotating occasionally (about 5–7 minutes). Warm the tortillas on the grill for about 20–30 seconds per side until soft and pliable.
6. Make the Jalapeño Corn Slaw
In a large bowl, combine thinly sliced cabbage, grilled corn kernels, jalapeño slices, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste, then toss everything together.
7. Assemble the Tacos
Lay a tortilla flat. Add a portion of the grilled fish in the center, followed by a generous scoop of jalapeño corn slaw. Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese, pickled onions, and fresh cilantro on top. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the tacos immediately with extra lime wedges and your favorite side dishes.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Fish Tacos
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh fish, crisp cabbage, and bright lime juice make all the difference in flavor.
2. Don’t Overcook the Fish
Fish cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. Overcooked fish can become dry and lose its flakiness.
3. Prep Ahead
Make the slaw and toppings in advance to streamline assembly when it’s time to serve.
4. Customize the Heat
For a spicier taco, leave seeds in the jalapeños or drizzle hot sauce over the assembled tacos.
5. Experiment with Toppings
Add avocado slices, spicy crema, or roasted salsa to take your tacos to the next level.
Serving Suggestion
Pair these Grilled Fish Tacos with a variety of sides and drinks for a complete meal
- Mexican Rice: A flavorful side to complement the tacos.
- Black Beans: Seasoned black beans add protein and texture.
- Chips and Guacamole: Perfect for dipping and snacking.
- Margaritas: A classic drink that pairs beautifully with the tacos.
Common Variations of Grilled Fish Tacos
1. Blackened Fish Tacos
Cook the fish in a skillet with a blackened spice mix for a smoky, crusty exterior.
2. Battered Fish Tacos
Batter and fry the fish for a crispy Baja-style taco.
3. Shrimp Tacos
Swap the fish for shrimp. Grill or sauté them with the same seasoning blend.
4. Vegetarian Tacos
Replace the fish with grilled portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu for a plant-based option.
5. Mango Salsa Tacos
Top the tacos with fresh mango salsa for a tropical twist.
FAQs About Grilled Fish Tacos
1. Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, just thaw the fish completely and pat it dry before seasoning and grilling.
2. Which tortillas are best?
Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas are softer and more pliable. Use whichever you prefer.
3. How do I prevent fish from sticking to the grill?
Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled. Avoid moving the fish until it releases naturally.
4. Can I cook the fish without a grill?
Yes, cook it in a skillet or bake it in the oven at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.
5. What other toppings can I use?
You can add avocado slices, spicy crema, salsa verde, or pickled jalapeños for extra flavor.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover fish and slaw in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Make These Grilled Fish Tacos Tonight
Grilled Fish Tacos are the perfect combination of light, smoky, and flavorful. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself to a quick dinner, this recipe will impress every time. With fresh ingredients and simple preparation, it’s an easy way to elevate your next meal.
So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate taco experience.
Grilled Fish Tacos: A Flavorful, Fresh, and Healthy Meal
Ingredients
For the Fish:
- 1 pound cod or similar fish like halibut or mahi-mahi, kosher salt and pepper to taste, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon ground cumin, ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
For the Tacos:
- Flour or corn tortillas your choice, pickled onions (for topping), crumbled cotija cheese (for topping), fresh cilantro (for topping), fresh lime wedges (for spritzing)
For the Jalapeño Corn Slaw:
- 1 small green cabbage thinly sliced, 2–3 ears of grilled corn (kernels cut from the cob), 2 jalapeño peppers (thinly sliced, seeds removed), ⅓ cup chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, kosher salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Thinly slice the cabbage, chop the cilantro, and mix the spices for the fish.
- Season the Fish: Pat the fish dry and sprinkle with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, and chipotle chili powder.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Fish: Cook the fish for 3–4 minutes per side, or until it flakes easily with a fork. Set aside to rest.
- Grill the Corn and Tortillas: Char the corn on the grill for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally. Warm tortillas on the grill for about 20–30 seconds per side.
- Make the Slaw: Combine sliced cabbage, grilled corn kernels, jalapeño slices, and chopped cilantro in a large bowl. Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine.
- Assemble Tacos: Place grilled fish in a tortilla, add a generous scoop of jalapeño corn slaw, and top with crumbled cotija cheese, pickled onions, and fresh cilantro. Squeeze lime over the top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with extra lime wedges and your favorite sides.