Coconut Lime Grilled Fish Tacos (Printable Version)

Zesty grilled fish with coconut lime marinade, slaw, and crema, perfect for warm evenings and easy gatherings.

# What You Need:

→ Fish & Marinade

01 - 1.5 lbs 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 - 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
09 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

→ Slaw

10 - 2 cups shredded red cabbage
11 - 1 cup shredded carrots
12 - 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
13 - 2 tablespoons lime juice
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
15 - 0.5 teaspoon salt

→ Coconut Lime Crema

16 - 0.5 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
17 - 2 tablespoons coconut milk
18 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
19 - 0.5 teaspoon lime zest
20 - Pinch of salt

→ Assembly

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

# How to Make:

01 - Combine coconut milk, lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Add fish fillets and turn to ensure even coating. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
02 - Toss shredded red cabbage, carrots, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and salt in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly and set aside to allow flavors to blend.
03 - Whisk sour cream or Greek yogurt, coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth. Refrigerate until ready for use.
04 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Remove fish from marinade and grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and easily flaked. Transfer to a plate and let rest, then break into sizeable pieces.
05 - Fill each warmed tortilla with grilled fish, top with slaw, generously drizzle coconut lime crema, and garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The coconut-lime marinade makes the fish taste like a vacation, and you won't believe how fast it comes together.
  • This recipe saved my summer dinner plans when I needed something light, flavorful, and easy for a crowd.
02 -
  • Don’t rush the marinating—if you skip, the fish tastes flat and the texture gets tough.
  • Grilling the tortillas adds flavor and prevents them from breaking, a trick I stumbled on after too many torn tacos.
03 -
  • Letting grilled fish rest before breaking it into chunks keeps it juicy and prevents steam from wilting the slaw.
  • Always taste the marinade before adding fish—you can adjust citrus or spice to surprise your guests.
Go Back