Coconut Lime Grilled Fish Tacos

Featured in: Hearty Dinners

Succulent white fish fillets are steeped in a coconut milk and lime marinade, grilled to tender perfection, and flaked into warm tortillas. Each bite is brightened with a crunchy slaw of red cabbage, carrots, fresh cilantro, and lime juice. The tangy coconut lime crema made from sour cream, coconut milk, and zest adds a creamy boost. Garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a lively meal that’s ideal for summer feasts. This dish offers options for dairy-free and gluten-free diets, making it a flexible choice for many occasions.

Updated on Sat, 21 Mar 2026 12:14:28 GMT
Fresh, zesty grilled fish tacos marinated in coconut milk and lime, topped with crunchy cabbage slaw and creamy coconut lime crema. Save It
Fresh, zesty grilled fish tacos marinated in coconut milk and lime, topped with crunchy cabbage slaw and creamy coconut lime crema. | sunnyspoonful.com

Bright, zesty, and bursting with tropical flavors, these Coconut Lime Grilled Fish Tacos bring a fresh twist to a Mexican-inspired favorite. Marinated in creamy coconut milk and tangy lime, the fish stays tender and juicy, while a crunchy cabbage and carrot slaw adds the perfect contrast. Finished with a silky coconut lime crema, this dish is an effortless, vibrant option for a summer dinner that feels both light and indulgent.

Fresh, zesty grilled fish tacos marinated in coconut milk and lime, topped with crunchy cabbage slaw and creamy coconut lime crema. Save It
Fresh, zesty grilled fish tacos marinated in coconut milk and lime, topped with crunchy cabbage slaw and creamy coconut lime crema. | sunnyspoonful.com

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Whether you’re a seasoned fish taco fan or trying something new, these tacos are a flavorful way to enjoy a healthy, colorful meal with minimal fuss. The balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures elevates every bite, making them irresistible.

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

1. 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).
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 up to 2 hours if you prefer a more intense coconut lime flavor. Keep the slaw refrigerated while the fish is marinating to meld flavors and maintain crispness. Make the crema just before serving or earlier and keep chilled to keep its fresh tang. To avoid sticking, lightly oil your grill grates before cooking the fish.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

For a dairy-free crema, substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or a plant-based sour cream alternative. Add sliced avocado or pickled onions for extra texture and flavor. Use gluten-free corn tortillas to make the dish gluten-free and adjust seasonings to your spice preference.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these tacos with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus and garnish with fresh cilantro. They pair beautifully with a crisp lager or a citrusy Sauvignon Blanc, making it a perfect meal for casual outdoor dining or entertaining guests.

Save It
| sunnyspoonful.com

With just a handful of fresh ingredients and simple steps, these Coconut Lime Grilled Fish Tacos will become a favorite for summer nights. Their bright flavor and balanced textures offer satisfying bites that will keep you coming back for more.

Recipe FAQs

What type of fish works best here?

Firm white fish like cod, mahi-mahi, or tilapia hold up well on the grill and absorb the coconut lime marinade beautifully.

How long should the fish marinate?

Let the fish marinate at least 30 minutes for flavor, or up to 2 hours for a more pronounced citrus and coconut taste.

Can the crema be made dairy-free?

Yes, substitute coconut yogurt or a plant-based sour cream for a dairy-free version of the coconut lime crema.

Are corn or flour tortillas better for serving?

Both work well, but corn tortillas will keep the dish gluten-free and add a traditional flavor and texture.

What toppings pair well with these tacos?

Try sliced avocado, pickled onions, or extra cilantro. Fresh lime wedges offered on the side add a flavorful finishing touch.

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Coconut Lime Grilled Fish Tacos

Grilled white fish with coconut lime marinade, topped with fresh slaw and creamy citrus crema in warm tortillas.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Duration
30 mins
Authored by Lana Bright

Recipe Type Hearty Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Style Mexican-Inspired

Recipe Yield 4 Serving Size

Diet Preferences None specified

What You'll 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

01 2 cups shredded red cabbage
02 1 cup shredded carrots
03 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
04 2 tablespoons lime juice
05 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 0.5 teaspoon salt

Coconut Lime Crema

01 0.5 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
02 2 tablespoons coconut milk
03 1 tablespoon lime juice
04 0.5 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: Combine coconut milk, lime zest and juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Add fish fillets and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.

Step 02

Prepare the Slaw: In a medium mixing bowl, toss shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and salt until well coated. Set aside to allow flavors to develop.

Step 03

Make the Coconut Lime Crema: Whisk sour cream or Greek yogurt, coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.

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 until opaque and easily flakes with a fork. Let rest briefly, then break into large chunks.

Step 05

Assemble the Tacos: Place generous portions of grilled fish in warmed tortillas. Top with slaw, drizzle with coconut lime crema, and garnish with extra cilantro and fresh lime wedges. Serve immediately.

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Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains fish and dairy (if using traditional sour cream or yogurt).
  • Use corn tortillas and check ingredient labels for a gluten-free preparation.

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

This nutritional data is for reference only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 375
  • Fats: 16 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 32 grams
  • Proteins: 27 grams

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