Fish Tacos with Spiced Lime-Glazed Fish and Fresh Salsa Recipe
Introduction
These fish tacos are a vibrant and flavorful meal that brings a fresh twist to a classic favorite. Packed with spiced grilled fish, crisp cabbage salad, and creamy avocado, they’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

Ingredients
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 limes
- 500g white fish fillets, such as cod, haddock, pollack, or tilapia (skin and bones removed)
- ¼ red cabbage
- 2 large tomatoes
- 2 large avocados
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 8 small corn or wheat tortilla wraps
- Small bunch coriander, chopped
- 1 green chilli, finely sliced (optional)
- 100g soured cream
- Chilli sauce, to serve
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt in a large bowl. Add the juice from 1 lime and mix well to form a spiced lime paste. Toss the fish fillets in the paste and set aside while preparing the salad.
- Step 2: Finely slice the red cabbage by hand or use a food processor for a finer texture. Squeeze over the juice from half a lime and season with a little salt. Scrunch the salt and lime into the cabbage and set it aside.
- Step 3: Chop the tomatoes into small pieces. Stone the avocados, scoop out the flesh, and either slice or mash with a little lime juice and salt if very ripe. Keep the cabbage, tomatoes, and avocado separate until serving.
- Step 4: Heat the grill to high. Line a baking tray with foil and brush with some vegetable oil. Place the fish fillets on the tray, pour over any remaining spiced lime paste, and brush with a little more oil. Grill the fish 8–10 minutes until cooked and slightly charred in places. Check by gently pushing a fillet; it should flake easily when done.
- Step 5: Warm the tortillas by holding them over a gas flame with tongs for a charred effect or wrap them in foil and heat in the oven on the shelf below the fish.
- Step 6: To serve, spread a little soured cream over each warm tortilla. Top with cabbage, tomatoes, and avocado. Flake the grilled fish and add it on top, then garnish with chopped coriander, sliced chilli (if using), and a drizzle of chilli sauce.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add a handful of crushed tortilla chips or nuts to the salad.
- Swap the soured cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- If you prefer milder flavors, omit the green chilli or replace it with sweet bell pepper slices.
- Use fresh lime wedges on the side for extra zing at the table.
Storage
Store leftover grilled fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep tortillas and salad ingredients separate to maintain freshness. Reheat the fish gently in a low oven or microwave before assembling tacos. Avoid reheating tortillas too long as they can become tough.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
Yes, frozen white fish fillets can be used. Thaw them fully and pat dry before marinating to ensure the spices stick well and the fish grills nicely.
How can I make these tacos gluten-free?
Choose corn tortillas labeled gluten-free and double-check that all other ingredients, such as sauces, do not contain gluten. The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free apart from the tortilla choice.
Print
Fish Tacos with Spiced Lime-Glazed Fish and Fresh Salsa Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 small tacos 1x
Description
Delicious and vibrant fish tacos featuring spiced grilled white fish fillets served with fresh cabbage, tomato, and avocado salad, all wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with soured cream and chili sauce for a perfect balance of smoky and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Spice Mix & Fish
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 limes (juiced)
- 500g white fish fillets (cod, haddock, pollack, or tilapia), skin and bones removed
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt, to taste
Salad
- ¼ red cabbage
- 2 large tomatoes
- 2 large avocados
- Small bunch coriander, chopped
- 1 green chili, finely sliced (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Juice of half a lime
Other
- 8 small corn or wheat tortilla wraps
- 100g soured cream
- Chili sauce, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the spice paste: In a large bowl, combine the ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, a generous pinch of salt, and the juice of 1 lime. Mix well to create a spiced lime paste. Toss the fish fillets in this paste until well coated. Set aside while you prepare the salad.
- Make the cabbage salad: Finely slice the red cabbage by hand or using a food processor if you prefer it extra fine. Squeeze over the juice from half a lime, add a pinch of salt, and scrunch the cabbage with your hands to combine and soften it. Set aside.
- Prepare the tomatoes and avocado: Chop the tomatoes into small pieces. Stone and slice the avocados, or mash them lightly with a little lime juice and salt if very ripe. Keep the cabbage, tomatoes, and avocado separate on a board for assembling the tacos later.
- Grill the fish: Preheat the grill to high. Line a baking tray with foil and brush it with a little oil. Place the fish fillets on the tray, pour any remaining spiced paste from the bowl over the fillets, and brush with a little more oil. Cook the fish close to the grill for 8-10 minutes until cooked through and slightly charred. To test doneness, gently press a fillet—if it flakes easily, it’s ready.
- Warm the tortillas: If you have a gas hob, warm the tortillas directly over the flames using tongs for a slight char and smoky flavor. Alternatively, wrap the tortillas in foil and warm them in the oven on a shelf just below the fish.
- Assemble the tacos: Spread a little soured cream over each warm tortilla. Layer with cabbage, tomatoes, and avocado slices. Flake the grilled fish and add generous chunks to each taco. Top with chopped coriander, sliced green chili (if using), and a drizzle of chili sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute the white fish with any firm white fish fillets available locally.
- For a spicier kick, add more green chili or use a hotter chili sauce.
- To keep the tortillas warm for longer, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel after warming.
- If you prefer, use flour tortillas instead of corn for a softer texture.
- Adjust lime juice and seasoning according to taste during preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Keywords: fish tacos, grilled fish, Mexican tacos, avocado, cabbage slaw, lime marinade, smoky paprika, quick fish recipe

