Go Back
Delicious grilled fish tacos topped with fresh cabbage slaw

Grilled Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

Bright lime, crisp cabbage, and flaky grilled fish come together in these comforting tacos, perfect for spring and summer but satisfying year-round.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Seafood
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Fish Ingredients
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds fish fillets (such as tilapia or mahi-mahi) Firm and mild fish recommended.
  • 1 to 1.5 tablespoons taco seasoning Adjust for heat according to taste.
  • 8 to 12 pieces corn tortillas Warm before serving.
  • 3 cups cabbage (shredded) Green, purple, or a mix.
  • 2 to 3 limes lime (juiced) Plus wedges to serve.
  • ¼ to ½ cup cilantro (chopped) To taste.
  • 1 to 2 pieces avocado (sliced) Ripe.
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt Can be thinned with a tablespoon of lime juice.
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

Method
 

Prepare the Fish
  1. Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with taco seasoning, a pinch of salt, and a little black pepper. If you have 30 minutes, let the fish rest in the fridge to let the spices settle; otherwise cook right away.
  2. Tip: For a citrusy boost, rub a little lime zest on the fillets before seasoning.
Preheat the Grill
  1. Heat your grill to medium-high (about 375–425°F / 190–220°C) and oil the grates lightly.
  2. If using a skillet or grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil until shimmering.
  3. Tip: An instant-read thermometer is handy — fish is done at 145°F (63°C) but many cooks remove it at 135–140°F (57–60°C) for moistness.
Grill the Fish
  1. Place the fillets on the grill and cook for about 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until grill marks form and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  2. Tip: Resist flipping too soon — let the fish form a crust so it releases cleanly.
Make the Cabbage Slaw
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, lime juice, chopped cilantro, a pinch of salt, and 1–2 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt if you want creaminess. Toss until evenly coated.
  2. Tip: If you prefer a creamy slaw, blend a tablespoon of sour cream with lime juice, a splash of olive oil, and a pinch of cumin for a quick dressing.
Warm Tortillas
  1. Place corn tortillas on the hot grill for 15–30 seconds per side, or warm them in a dry skillet. Keep them wrapped in a towel or foil to stay soft until serving.
  2. Tip: For charred, smoky flavor, warm directly on the grill until small black spots appear.
Assemble the Tacos
  1. Break the grilled fish into large flakes and place on warm tortillas.
  2. Top with a generous spoonful of cabbage slaw, avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
  3. Tip: Serve with lime wedges and extra cilantro.
Serve
  1. These tacos are best eaten fresh while the fish is warm and the tortillas are soft.

Notes

Store components separately in the fridge for 2–3 days.