Grilled Fish Tacos are easy to make, super healthy, and full of great flavor! Citrus marinated fish is grilled to perfection and topped with a grilled corn, cabbage slaw, and Avocado Crema. This is the best fish tacos for an easy and flavorful meal.
This taco recipe makes a great weeknight healthy dinner or entertaining dinner on the weekend.
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We’re a little obsessed with tacos around these parts. I’m pretty sure I eat tacos for lunch at least 5-6 days a week. It’s also our go-to use for any leftover meat, like these recipes for brisket tacos, ribeye tacos, or pulled pork tacos.
Recipe Highlights
- Whether a gas grill or a charcoal grill this is an easy recipe to adapt to your style of grill.
- You can use any white fish filets from mahi mahi to cod.
- The secret to flaky fish is a hot grill and clean grates or just using this for your leftover fish.
We’re a little obsessed with tacos around these parts. I’m pretty sure I eat tacos for lunch at least 5-6 days a week. It’s also our go-to use for any leftover meat, like these recipes for brisket tacos, ribeye tacos, or pulled pork tacos.
It’s not hard to make great grilled fish tacos. If it’s your first time then here is what you need:
- A simple marinade for your fish
- Not overcooking your fish
- A delicious cabbage slaw
- Avocado crema
- Tasty toppings
Ingredients
- Start with a good savory marinade. Ours focuses on savory flavors and some heat.
- The main ingredient is white fish fillets Many white fishes, like Mahi-Mahi, Cod, and even Halibut are rich in texture and work great for grilled fish tacos, as long as you add a little flavor with a marinade.
- Instead of a traditional coleslaw mix we opt for a grilled corn version.
- Top with an avocado crema more along the line of a Baja California taco.
Chef’s Tip: Look for thicker cuts of fish for better grilling. Tilapia for example is pretty thin and dries out when grilling. We don’t want to dry out our fish!
It doesn’t take long to grill fish, so don’t walk too far from the grill. It will be done in around 8-10 minutes, total.
Preparation
While it may seem like a few steps to accomplish this recipe, I can assure you this dish so EASY and quick to make. Many of the ingredients are used in all three steps, so you are really just reusing several components. Pay attention to the ingredient list to see where the same ingredients are use 2-3 times.
The best part of this dish is that it is healthy, yet filling, and jam-packed citrusy-spicy-creamy deliciousness. Meat-lovers rejoice!
The Marinade
Since we are using a white fish, it can definitely benefit from added flavor or seasoning. So to make the fish full-flavored, we marinate it for 30-60 minutes. The fish marinade ingredients are:
- Savory flavors with garlic and shallots.
- Citrus with freshly squeezed meyer lemon juice.
- Bite with cayenne, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and kosher salt.
Grilled Corn Slaw
If you see corn on the cob at your local market then throw a couple ears on the grill for the slaw while the fish is cooking. Adding this second layer of grilled flavor really takes these fish tacos over-the-top. Once the corn is cooked, remove the kernels and combine it with finely shredded cabbage, shallots, diced jalapeño, fresh lime, salt and pepper.
Avocado Crema
I love this part of the fish taco. The mixture of avocado and Greek yogurt adds a nice cooling counterpart to the jalapeño and cayenne pepper in this recipe. It’s super simple, but adds great creaminess to the finished tacos.
Related Recipe: You can swap the corn slaw for a mango salsa.
Grilling
White fish cooks quickly so do not leave the grill unattended and be sure you have a good instant read thermometer like the Thermoworks Thermapen One to make sure you don’t overcook it. The cook times will depend on the thickness of the fish.
- The key is a hot grill using the direct cooking method and 500 degrees Fahrenheit in the cooking chamber. Be sure the grill grate is clean. For gas grills this would be medium-high heat.
- Place fish over the direct heat and grill for 3-4 minutes.
- Flip fish and grill additional 3-4 minutes.
- Remove and rest.
Alternatively you can use a grill basket for fish. The timing is about the same.
Building the Tacos
Start with a warmed corn tortilla, lay down a base layer of Avocado Crema, top that with the grilled fish, next add the crunchy grilled corn slaw, and finish with a little more Avocado Crema. The rest is up to you… do you want a fresh squeeze of lime, maybe a little cilantro, or Cotija cheese? Whatever you add, it is sure to be delicious!
Wine Pairing for Grilled Fish Tacos
You’ve got some spice from the marinade, some char from the grill, more spice and herbs from the coleslaw, and a creamy cooling effect from the cream sauce. The only real rule I like to follow is to avoid red wines! Red wines and white fish with lots of citrus flavors (like in these tacos) is a hot mess waiting to happen.
Stick to fresh, light to medium-bodied, citrusy white wines for this. You could go for a Sauvignon Blanc if you’re feeling zippy. Vinho Verde if you’re feeling for something light, super refreshing, and low alcohol. Grüner Veltliner can work well with its herbal flavors, complimenting the coleslaw and cream sauce. Even a nice Pinot Gris (Grigio) can cool the palate if you chose to make these spicy.
Me? For some reason I’m always drawn to Spanish white wines with fish tacos. The fresh fruity flavors of Albariño for example stand up so well to the multitude of flavors in these tacos.
More Delicious Taco Recipes
- Pulled Pork Tacos
- Smoked Brisket Tacos
- Spicy Grilled Chicken Tacos
- Chipotle Honey Grilled Chicken Tacos
- Carne Asada Skirt Steak Tacos
- Grilled Cauliflower Tacos
If you like this recipe we’d truly appreciate it if you would give this recipe a star review! And if you share any of your pics on Instagram use the hashtag #vindulge. We LOVE to see it when you cook our recipes.
This recipe was originally published in January of 2016 and updated August of 2022 with more recipe details, guided steps, and specifics on the marinade. The recipe remains the same.
Grilled Fish Tacos Recipe with Citrus Marinade
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1 pound thick white fish (cod, mahi mahi, or halibut)
- ¼ cup Meyer lemon, juices About 3 Meyer lemons
- 2 tablespoons shallots, diced (about ½ medium sized shallot)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed and finely diced
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped (you will use more cilantro in the cream sauce and to top the tacos)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon jalapeño, finely diced, about ¼ medium jalapeño (save the rest for the coleslaw)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Fresh ground pepper just a couple twists
For the Grilled Corn Slaw
- 1 ear of corn, grilled (can use ½ cup warmed up frozen corn if you don't have any fresh in season)
- 2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup shallots, chopped (4 tablespoons, or approx 1 medium shallot)
- 1 tablespoon jalapeño, finely diced (about ½ medium jalapeño)
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice, approximately ½ a lime (save the other half for the Avocado Cream Sauce)
- salt and pepper, to taste
For the Avocado Cream Sauce
- ½ avocado (save the other half for topping the tacos)
- ½ cup thick Greek yogurt (could also use sour cream or Crème fraîche)
- ¼ cup cilantro
- The juice of ½ a lime + more for preferred flavor
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tablespoon red wine vinegar
- A couple dashes of hot sauce (optional)
For the Tacos
- 6-8 corn tortillas
- Optional Toppings: avocado slices, Cotija cheese, lime wedges, more cilantro
Instructions
For the Marinade
- Place the fish and all marinade ingredients in a large bowl (or large freezer bag). Place in refrigerator for 30-60 minutes.
Grill
- On a charcoal grill preheat coal and then set for direct cooking.
- Add ears of corn over direct heat, turning quarter turn every few minutes. You are looking for a charred exterior but not burnt. If the heat is too hot, then move to indirect to soften corn, and then finish over direct heat, turning the corn frequently. When done, allow to cool enough to handle, then remove the corn kernels (and save for the coleslaw).
- Remove fish from marinade and discard the marinade while corn is cooking.
- Over the direct heat, along side the corn, cook the fish for approximately 5 minutes on one side, or until you can pull the fish away from the grill without it sticking to the grill grates.
- Flip the fish to other side and cook for another 3 – 5 minutes, then remove.
- You’ll know the fish is done when the fish is white all the way through but still moist.
Cole Slaw
- Toss all coleslaw ingredients (including the grilled corn) together in a large bowl. Taste and adjust flavors to your preference.
For the Avocado Cream Sauce
- Place all ingredients (except hot sauce) into a food processor. Pulse until well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust flavors. Add a couple dashes of hot sauce if you feel so inclined!
Assemble the Tacos
- Heat up a corn tortilla. Layer the taco with about 1 tablespoon of the Avocado Cream Sauce, grilled fish, coleslaw, top with more cream sauce, and add preferred toppings (avocado slices, Cotija cheese, squeeze of lime, more cilantro).
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Aarika says
This recipe screams all sorts of YUMMY! Your pictures are absolutely stunning. I LOVE grilled fish tacos, and your recipe has so many delicious ingredients that I never think to add to tacos. Thanks! I can’t wait to make fish tacos this weekend.
Mary says
I think we outdid ourselves with those tacos. I’m still thinking about them. I think they’re going to become a weekly taco Tuesday staple!
Kim Olson says
I’m going to try to trick my husband into eating fish by making these. lol. I also just shared your blog on my timeline. Everyone knows I’m picky about even trying a recipe I find on the internet. Yours, though, I trust. 🙂
Mary says
Haha! Good luck tricking your husband 😉 Mine had NO problem downing three of these in a row!!!
And thanks so much for sharing the post on your timeline!!! 🙂
grace says
these couldn’t look more lovely, mary! they’re beautiful and even more importantly, must taste amazing!
Mary says
Thanks so much 🙂 And yes, they’re pretty darn tasty!!
Erin @ Platings and Pairings says
The fish tacos look amazing and I can definitely dig the pairing with Vinho Verde!
Erin says
I am also a big fan of fish tacos, I usually have them a bunch in the summer but love the idea of doing them in winter. Why not?! And that avocado cream sauce?! YUM!
Mary says
Exactly, WHY NOT?! Plus, we’re grilling freaks around here and grill rain, shine, or snow! So any excuse to heat up the grill.
And with fish, it’s nice to make some summery foods from time to time and pretend that sunny warm weather isn’t so far away!
I like to make ceviche in the dead of winter sometimes while drinking mojitos (and pretend it’s warm out!).
A gal can dream can’t she?! 😉
Marlynn @ UrbanBlissLife says
This looks so beautiful! I love how colorful these fish tacos are. I bet the avocado cream is amazing with this!
Mary says
Yes, the avocado cream sauce is the icing on the cake! Made everything creamy and come together. It’s so good that I like to dip chips in it with any leftovers the next day. It’s like guacamole, but smooth and creamier.
Ashley says
Looks delicious! We’ve recently adopted the taco Tuesday trend in our house and I need some more variety (and a little bit healthier versions). Trying this out soon.
Mary says
I’m the same way, we get stuck making the same kinds of tacos week after week (mostly to appease the picky 5 yr olds!!), but this was a fun way to mix it up. And they loved it! Hallelujah 😉
Pech says
Love the use of the grilled corn slaw and avocado cream to add that extra smoothness but in a healthy way!
Mary says
Yes, exactly! And if you use Greek yogurt for the avocado cream sauce it ends up rich, yet healthy. Win-win!!
Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says
Wow, I know what will be added to our dinner menu this week! I just bought some cod and was wondering what to do with it..Can’t wait!
Mary says
Ohh yes, great use for cod! That’s what I used for these photos (though other fish work just as well).
Catherine says
These are gorgeous! Now that I’m eating some meat again, I want to cook more fish. This is the perfect inspiration. Adding to my recipes!
Mary says
Thanks! I hope you get a chance to make it. It’s super tasty! Welcome back to the meat world 😉
Meredith {MarthaChartreuse} says
Yummy recipe and a great wino recommendation!
Mary says
Thanks 🙂
Melinda says
My kids love tacos…maybe I could actually get them to eat fish with this recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Mary says
Thanks! And good luck w/the kids! My kids devoured them. They, of course, picked around the slaw (“what is that purple stuff, mom?”) but they enjoyed the fish and the sauce! I’m okay with that 😉