Coconut Lime Grilled Fish Tacos (Printable Version)

Grilled fish marinated in coconut lime, served with crisp slaw and tangy crema for a refreshing summer meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish & Marinade

01 - 1½ pounds white fish fillets (cod, mahi-mahi, or tilapia)
02 - 1 cup coconut milk
03 - Zest and juice of 2 limes
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
08 - ½ teaspoon sea salt
09 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Slaw

10 - 2 cups shredded red cabbage
11 - 1 cup shredded carrots
12 - ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
13 - 2 tablespoons lime juice
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
15 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Coconut Lime Crema

16 - ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
17 - 2 tablespoons coconut milk
18 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
19 - ½ teaspoon lime zest
20 - Pinch of salt

→ Assembly

21 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
22 - Lime wedges
23 - Extra cilantro, for garnish

# How To Make It:

01 - Combine coconut milk, lime zest and juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, sea salt, and black pepper in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Add fish fillets and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for intensified flavor.
02 - Toss shredded red cabbage, carrots, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
03 - Whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt, coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
04 - Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove fish from the marinade and grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until cooked through and easily flaked. Transfer to a plate, allow to rest briefly, then break into large chunks.
05 - Place grilled fish in warmed tortillas, top with slaw, drizzle with coconut lime crema, and garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The coconut and lime whisk together for a marinade that makes the fish melt-in-your-mouth tender—trust me, it took me years to get fish this tasty.
  • It's easy enough for busy weeknights but feels like something you'd crave at a breezy seaside cantina.
02 -
  • If you skip warming the tortillas, they tear apart—learned after taco disaster number three.
  • Letting the fish rest off the grill keeps it juicy so it doesn't dry out before you assemble.
03 -
  • Don't crowd the grill—fish needs space to cook evenly and keep the char just right.
  • Layer the slaw right onto the taco so it catches all the juices and flavor with every bite.
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