Coconut Lime Grilled Fish Tacos (Printable Version)

Grilled white fish with coconut-lime marinade, slaw, and crema for a vibrant, easy summer dinner.

# What You Need:

→ Fish & Marinade

01 - 1.5 pounds white fish fillets (cod, mahi-mahi, or tilapia)
02 - 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat or light)
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

# Steps:

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 coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for intensified flavor.
02 - In a medium bowl, toss together shredded cabbage, carrots, chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
03 - Whisk sour cream or Greek yogurt, coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Refrigerate until service.
04 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove fish from marinade and grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until cooked through and easily flaked. Transfer to a plate and allow to rest briefly, then break into large pieces.
05 - Distribute grilled fish among warmed tortillas. Top with prepared slaw, drizzle with coconut lime crema, and garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges. Serve promptly.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This marinade turns simple fish fillets into a tropical treat quickly—no hours of prep required.
  • The slaw adds a crunch that keeps each bite fresh, and the coconut lime crema ties everything together with a bright, silky finish.
02 -
  • Rushing the marinade makes the fish bland—let it sit long enough to absorb those tropical flavors.
  • Warming your tortillas before filling prevents them from cracking and keeps everything together perfectly.
03 -
  • Don’t overcook the fish—watch for just-done flakes and pull it from the grill right away.
  • Zest the lime before juicing; it’s easier and prevents the fruit from squishing.
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