Coconut Lime Grilled Fish Tacos

Featured in: Simple Comfort Dinners

Savor flaky white fish marinated with coconut milk and zesty lime, then grilled to perfection and served in warm tortillas. Each taco is layered with a colorful slaw of red cabbage, carrots, and cilantro tossed in lime, then finished with a smooth coconut-lime crema. Enjoy a burst of tropical freshness in every bite, complemented by tangy, creamy, and crunchy textures. Ideal for warm weather gatherings or a simple vibrant dinner, this dish pairs well with light beverages and can be customized for dairy-free or gluten-free diets.

Updated on Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:58:22 GMT
Fresh grilled fish tacos with coconut lime marinade, topped with crunchy cabbage slaw and creamy crema in warm tortillas. Save
Fresh grilled fish tacos with coconut lime marinade, topped with crunchy cabbage slaw and creamy crema in warm tortillas. | ivorycrumb.com

Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with these Coconut Lime Grilled Fish Tacos. Tender white fish fillets soak up a luscious marinade of creamy coconut milk and bright lime zest before hitting the grill. Each bite is complemented by a crunchy red cabbage and carrot slaw, tossed in fresh lime juice and cilantro. Finished with a tangy coconut lime crema, these tacos offer a perfect balance of zest, creaminess, and texture, making them an effortless yet impressive main dish for any occasion.

Fresh grilled fish tacos with coconut lime marinade, topped with crunchy cabbage slaw and creamy crema in warm tortillas. Save
Fresh grilled fish tacos with coconut lime marinade, topped with crunchy cabbage slaw and creamy crema in warm tortillas. | ivorycrumb.com

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Perfectly balanced and bright, these tacos invite customization and pair wonderfully with refreshing drinks. Whether a casual dinner or a festive gathering, they bring the fresh flavors of Mexican-inspired coastal cuisine to your table.

Ingredients

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  • Fish & Marinade
    1½ lbs (680 g) white fish fillets (such as cod, mahi-mahi, or tilapia)
    1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk (full-fat or light)
    Zest and juice of 2 limes
    2 tbsp olive oil
    2 garlic cloves, minced
    1 tsp ground cumin
    1 tsp chili powder
    ½ tsp sea salt
    ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Slaw
    2 cups (140 g) shredded red cabbage
    1 cup (70 g) shredded carrots
    ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro
    2 tbsp lime juice
    1 tbsp olive oil
    ½ tsp salt
  • Coconut Lime Crema
    ½ cup (120 g) sour cream or Greek yogurt
    2 tbsp coconut milk
    1 tbsp lime juice
    ½ tsp lime zest
    Pinch of salt
  • Assembly
    8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
    Lime wedges, for serving
    Extra cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Fish Marinade
In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine coconut milk, lime zest and juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the fish fillets, turning to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for stronger flavor).
Make the Slaw
In a medium bowl, toss together shredded cabbage, carrots, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Set aside to let flavors meld.
Prepare the Crema
In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream (or Greek yogurt), coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, and salt until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Grill the Fish
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove fish from marinade and grill for 3–4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and easily flaked with a fork. Transfer to a plate and let rest for a few minutes, then break into large chunks.
Assemble the Tacos
Place grilled fish in warmed tortillas, top with slaw, drizzle with coconut lime crema, and garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Marinate the fish for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply, but no longer than 2 hours to prevent the citrus from cooking the fish. Warming tortillas just before serving keeps them pliable and enhances the taco experience.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt or a plant-based sour cream alternative in the crema. Add sliced avocado or pickled onions to the tacos for extra creaminess and zing.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these fresh grilled fish tacos with lime wedges for squeezing and a side of crisp lager or citrusy Sauvignon Blanc to complement the bright flavors.

Save
| ivorycrumb.com

This easy and flavorful recipe showcases the magic of combining tropical and Mexican-inspired ingredients. Whether for a casual summer dinner or an impressive gathering, these Coconut Lime Grilled Fish Tacos deliver fresh, bold, and satisfying tastes every time.

Recipe FAQs

What type of fish works best for this dish?

White fish fillets like cod, mahi-mahi, or tilapia grill well and hold up to the marinade’s flavors.

How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the grill?

Preheat the grill and oil the grates lightly before placing the marinated fish on them. Handle gently with tongs.

Can I make the slaw ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the slaw a few hours ahead and refrigerate to let the flavors meld, then toss before serving.

What are possible dairy-free alternatives for the crema?

Use coconut yogurt or any plant-based sour cream alternative to keep the crema dairy-free and creamy.

How can I add extra flavor or toppings?

Add sliced avocado, pickled onions, or a splash of hot sauce for more taste and color.

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Coconut Lime Grilled Fish Tacos

Grilled fish marinated in coconut and lime, topped with crisp slaw and creamy coconut-lime sauce in warm tortillas.

Prep time
20 min
Cook time
10 min
Total duration
30 min
Created by Nora Ellington


Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Mexican-Inspired

Makes 4 Serves

Diet details None specified

What You'll Need

Fish & Marinade

01 1 1/2 pounds white fish fillets (cod, mahi-mahi, or tilapia)
02 1 cup coconut milk
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 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
09 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Slaw

01 2 cups shredded red cabbage
02 1 cup shredded carrots
03 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
04 2 tablespoons lime juice
05 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 1/2 teaspoon salt

Coconut Lime Crema

01 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
02 2 tablespoons coconut milk
03 1 tablespoon lime juice
04 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
05 Pinch salt

Assembly

01 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
02 Lime wedges, for serving
03 Extra cilantro, for garnish

Directions

Step 01

Marinate the Fish: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, mix coconut milk, lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Add the fish fillets, ensuring they are fully coated. Refrigerate covered for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.

Step 02

Prepare the Slaw: Combine shredded red cabbage, carrots, chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and salt in a medium bowl. Toss until well mixed and set aside to allow flavors to meld.

Step 03

Make the Coconut Lime Crema: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt, coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Chill until serving.

Step 04

Grill the Fish: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove fish from marinade and grill 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Let rest briefly, then break into large pieces.

Step 05

Assemble and Serve: Fill each warmed tortilla with grilled fish, top with slaw, drizzle with coconut lime crema, and garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.

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Tools needed

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergen details

Be sure to review the ingredients for possible allergens and speak to a healthcare provider when uncertain.
  • Contains fish and dairy (if using regular sour cream or yogurt); substitute with plant-based alternatives for dairy-free. For gluten-free preparation, use corn tortillas and verify all ingredient labels.

Nutrition info per dish

Details here are just for reference. They don't replace health or nutrition advice.
  • Calories: 375
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 27 g

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