Fish Tacos (Mexico)

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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These Fish Tacos are a delightful fusion of spices and textures that bring a taste of coastal Mexico right to your kitchen. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual weekend gathering, they're sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients for Fish Tacos (Mexico)

White fish fillets like cod or tilapia are ideal for their mild flavor and flaky texture, providing a perfect base for the spices. Olive oil helps to keep the fish moist and adds a subtle richness. Ground cumin and smoked paprika bring warmth and a hint of smokiness that elevate the dish. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning, enhancing the natural flavors of the fish. For the slaw, shredded cabbage adds crunch, while chopped fresh cilantro offers a burst of freshness. The mayonnaise and lime juice create a creamy, tangy dressing, complemented by the zest of minced garlic. Finally, the corn tortillas provide a traditional base, and lime wedges for serving add a final zing of flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, marinate the fish in the spice mixture for 15-30 minutes before grilling.
  • If you don't have a grill, a stovetop grill pan or broiler works just as well.
  • Use a food processor for quick shredding of the cabbage if you're short on time.
  • Double the slaw recipe if you love extra crunch — it keeps well in the fridge for a day.

Serving Suggestions

These fish tacos pair wonderfully with a side of black beans or a fresh corn salad. For a refreshing drink, consider serving with a chilled glass of limeade or a light Mexican lager. Add some sliced avocado or a scoop of your favorite salsa for even more flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, any mild, flaky white fish like halibut or mahi-mahi would work well.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply use a dairy-free mayonnaise substitute for the slaw.
What if I don't have smoked paprika?
Regular paprika will work, but you might miss out on the smoky undertone. Add a dash of liquid smoke if you have it.

Fish Tacos (Mexico) Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the fish cooks evenly and quickly. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use this mixture to brush on both sides of the fish fillets, making sure they're well-coated. Place the fish on the grill, and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You'll know it's done when it flakes easily with a fork.

While the fish is grilling, prepare the slaw. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, mayonnaise, lime juice, and minced garlic. Toss everything together until the cabbage is well-coated and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Once the fish is ready, warm your corn tortillas on a skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. This step adds a nice pliability and slight toastiness to the tortillas, making them perfect for wrapping around your fillings.

To assemble your tacos, place a portion of the grilled fish into each tortilla. Top it off with a generous scoop of the cabbage slaw. Serve with lime wedges on the side, letting each person squeeze fresh lime juice over their taco for an extra burst of flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy preparation — ready in about 30 minutes.
  • A burst of fresh, vibrant flavors that are perfect for any season.
  • Light and healthy, yet satisfying and packed with flavor.
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings and salsas.

Ingredients

1 lb white fish fillets (like cod or tilapia)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
8 small corn tortillas
2 cups shredded cabbage
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
Lime wedges for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush the fish fillets with this mixture.
3. Grill the fish for 4-5 minutes on each side or until cooked through and flaky.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, mayonnaise, lime juice, and minced garlic to make the slaw.
5. Warm the corn tortillas on a skillet for about 30 seconds on each side.
6. Assemble tacos by placing grilled fish in the tortillas, top with cabbage slaw, and serve with lime wedges.

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