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Best Grilled Fish Tacos with Creamy Slaw (Easy Recipe)

Grilled Fish Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb white fish fillets cod, tilapia, or snapper, about 1-inch thick
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil for oiling grill grates
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded green cabbage
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed is best!
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
  • 8 flour tortillas 6-inch
  • lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Oil the Grates and Heat the Grill: Start by setting your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature between 400-450°F. While it's heating up, take your 2 tbsp vegetable oil and lightly oil the grill grates. You can do this by dipping a paper towel in the oil, holding it with tongs, and carefully wiping down the hot grates. This step is essential for preventing the fish from sticking.
  • Coat Fish with Olive Oil and Spices: Pat your 1 lb white fish fillets very dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear and prevents steaming. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt until well combined. Using a brush or your hands, brush this seasoned oil mixture evenly over both sides of the fish fillets. Make sure every part of the fish is covered for maximum flavor.
  • Toss Cabbage with the Creamy Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup shredded red cabbage and 1 cup shredded green cabbage. Add the dressing ingredients: 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Toss everything together until the cabbage is well coated with the creamy sauce. Give it a taste and adjust lime or salt if needed. Set this aside—it's ready to go when the fish is cooked.
  • Grill the Fish to 145°F: Once your grill is hot and the grates are oiled, carefully place the seasoned fish fillets directly onto the preheated grates. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side. The cooking time will depend slightly on the thickness of your fillets. You're looking for the fish to flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking. The fish should lift easily from the grates when it's ready to flip.
  • Warm the Tortillas and Assemble: While the fish is finishing up on the grill, warm your 8 flour tortillas (6-inch). You have a few options: On the grill: Place them directly on the grates for about 30 seconds per side until warm and slightly pliable. In the microwave: Wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds. In a dry skillet: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and warm tortillas for 15-20 seconds per side. To assemble your tacos, place a portion of the warm grilled fish onto a warm tortilla. Break the fish into chunks with a fork if desired. Top with a generous amount of the creamy cabbage slaw. Serve your delicious tacos immediately with the lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness.