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Grilled Fish Tacos with Slaw


  • Author: Jessica

Ingredients

Scale

Here is everything you will need to create this fresh and flavorful meal, broken down into components for easy preparation.

For the Grilled Fish:

  • 1 ½ pounds firm white fish fillets: Use thick fillets like mahi-mahi, halibut, cod, or snapper. They should be about 1-inch thick to hold up well on the grill.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil provides a rich base for the marinade and helps prevent the fish from sticking.
  • 1 lime, juiced: The fresh juice of one large lime adds a bright, citrusy acidity that cuts through the richness of the fish.
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder: A classic taco seasoning that provides a deep, earthy warmth and beautiful color.
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This adds a wonderful layer of smoky flavor that complements the char from the grill.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Cumin offers a nutty, savory flavor essential to any taco seasoning blend.
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a savory, aromatic base without the risk of burning fresh garlic on the high heat of the grill.
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle, sweet, and savory depth to the marinade.
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the marinade.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground for the best, most pungent flavor.
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like a little extra kick of heat.

For the Creamy Lime Slaw:

  • 4 cups shredded cabbage mix: A pre-shredded mix of green and purple cabbage with carrots is a great time-saver, offering color and crunch.
  • ½ cup mayonnaise: Use a good quality mayonnaise for the creamiest, most flavorful dressing base.
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous, and slightly peppery note that is classic in Mexican cuisine.
  • 1 lime, juiced: More fresh lime juice brings the dressing to life with its vibrant acidity.
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar: A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the lime and the tang of the mayonnaise.
  • 1 jalapeño, finely minced (optional): Remove the seeds for a milder heat or leave them in for a spicier slaw.
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt: To season the dressing and draw moisture from the cabbage.

For Assembling the Tacos:

  • 1216 corn or flour tortillas: Use your preference. Corn tortillas offer a more authentic flavor, while flour tortillas are softer and more pliable.
  • Optional Toppings: Sliced avocado, crumbled cotija cheese, pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced radishes, your favorite hot sauce.

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfectly grilled fish and a delicious, crunchy slaw. The key is to prepare the slaw first to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Lime Slaw

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage mix, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeño (if using).
  2. In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, honey (or agave), and salt until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
  3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture. Use tongs or a large spoon to toss everything together until the cabbage is evenly coated.
  4. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial; it allows the cabbage to soften slightly and the flavors of the dressing to fully meld and develop.

Step 2: Prepare the Fish and Marinade

  1. Pat the fish fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is a critical step to ensure the marinade adheres properly and you get a good sear on the grill.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, juice of one lime, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). This will form a thick, paste-like marinade.
  3. Place the fish fillets in a shallow dish or a large zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the fish, using your hands or a brush to ensure every surface of the fillets is evenly coated.
  4. Let the fish marinate at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Avoid marinating for longer, as the acid in the lime juice can start to “cook” the fish (like ceviche) and alter its texture.

Step 3: Grill the Fish

  1. Preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F (200-230°C).
  2. It is essential to have clean grill grates to prevent sticking. Use a grill brush to scrub the grates thoroughly. Once clean, use a paper towel dipped in a high-smoke-point oil (like canola or avocado oil) and, holding it with tongs, wipe the grates generously.
  3. Carefully place the marinated fish fillets directly on the hot, oiled grates.
  4. Grill for approximately 3-5 minutes per side. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. The fish is done when it is opaque all the way through and flakes easily when gently prodded with a fork. You should see beautiful char marks on both sides.
  5. Once cooked, carefully remove the fish from the grill using a wide spatula and transfer it to a clean cutting board. Let it rest for a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

  1. While the fish is resting, you can warm the tortillas. You can do this by placing them directly on the grill for about 15-20 seconds per side until they are warm and slightly toasted.
  2. Alternatively, you can wrap a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 30-45 seconds, or heat them one by one in a dry skillet over medium heat.

Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos

  1. Using two forks, gently break the rested fish fillets into large, bite-sized flakes.
  2. To assemble, take a warm tortilla and place a generous portion of the flaked fish down the center.
  3. Top the fish with a heaping spoonful of the chilled creamy lime slaw.
  4. Add any of your desired optional toppings like sliced avocado, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, a dollop of pico de gallo, or an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 550