These Grilled Fish Tacos are made with tender flakey white fish, a simple spice rub, crunchy coleslaw, and corn tortillas. This dish is easy, delicious, and healthier than fried fish tacos, perfect for a light summer weeknight dinner.

Grilled Fish Tacos Recipe

First time I ever had fish tacos was in San Diego about 15 years ago. I wasn’t a fish lover at the time, like I am now, and the idea of fish in a taco sounded so unappealing. But I’m so glad I listened to my friends, because they were one of the best foods I had ever eaten. Granted, the fish was deep fried – and we all know that everything deep fried is awesome – but I consider it, dare I say, a pivotal moment in my young culinary life.

Because, you guys, fish tacos are amazing – fried or grilled – and have been one of my favorite things ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Fish Tacos Recipe

• The fish. You can use whatever fish you have on hand or is readily available at your local market – cod, tilapia, mahi mahi, or even halibut.
• The seasoning and coleslaw. The simple spice rub and crunchy kicked-up coleslaw, along with soft, flavorful corn tortillas, are balanced out perfectly with a mellow white fish. Summer grilling perfection!
• Healthier than deep fried fish tacos. These grilled fish tacos are a fantastic alternative to the traditional deep fried version. Easier, healthy, but still incredibly delicious.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you need to make these fish tacos.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)

• Fish – For fish tacos, you want to use lean and flakey white fish fillets such as tilapia, halibut, mahi mahi, snapper, or cod.
• Dry rub – A combination of salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and ground coriander season the fish
• Olive oil – For richness and moisture and helps the seasonings stick to the fish.
• Slaw – Tri-colored undressed coleslaw, mayonnaise, chili garlic sauce, lime juice, and salt.
• Corn tortillas – I use our homemade corn tortillas recipe for these, but store bought is totally fine, just make sure they’re really good quality.
• Cilantro – For topping. If you hate cilantro, you can use fresh chopped parsley instead or simply just omit.

How to Make Grilled Fish Tacos

It’s so easy to make this fish tacos recipe, all you need is 25 minutes!
(Scroll down to the printable recipe card below for details and measurements.)

1. Make the slaw. In a medium bowl, combine the coleslaw, mayo, chili garlic sauce, lime juice, and pinch of salt. Set aside.
2. Season the fish. Combine the salt, garlic powder, paprika, and coriander. Pat the fish dry and rub both sides with some oil and the spice mixture.
3. Grill the fish. Prepare an indoor or outdoor grill for high heat. Thoroughly coat the grill grates with nonstick spray or oil. Place fish on the grill and cook for approx. 3 minutes per side, depending how thick each filet is, until the fish is cooked and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
4. Warm tortillas. About a minute before the fish is done, place tortillas on the grill to lightly toast (keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!)
5. Assemble and enjoy. Assemble the tacos by dividing the fish and slaw among the tortillas. Sprinkle some cilantro on top of each and an extra spritz of lime. Serve immediately.

Can I Make Grilled Fish Tacos in the Oven?

Yes! If you don’t have a grill (or it’s too cold outside), you can bake the the fillets in the oven at 350 degrees F for 12-15 minutes (depending on the type of fish, size, and thickness), or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

What to Serve with Fish Tacos

These fish tacos are good on their own, but to round out the meal, some of my suggested sides include Spanish Rice, Cilantro Lime Rice, Mexican Street Corn Salad, and Restaurant Style Salsa to drizzle on top.

Proper Storage

Fish tacos are best served immediately after they’re assembled. You can however cook the fish the day before and make the slaw up to 2 days ahead of time. Keep both stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Gently reheat the fish in the microwave drizzling the fish with a bit of olive oil or lime juice to prevent it from drying out too much.

More Fish Recipes To Try

• Tuscan Butter Salmon
• Honey Glazed Salmon
• Salmon Patties
• Creamy Baked Halibut
• Fish Piccata
• Sheet Pan Cod

I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!