Grilled Fish Tacos with Lime Salsa
Fish Tacos are a classic Mexican dish that has made their way to Southern California. This version uses grilled fish and a lime salsa for a bright combo!
Fish Tacos
Fish Tacos come from Baja California, a state in Mexico that borders the US State of California. So, it's understandable that fish tacos have become a staple cuisine in southern California as well.
This region is surrounded by water, so it makes sense that classic Mexican tacos would take on a seafood theme.
Our Grilled Fish Tacos
It is most common to find fish tacos using deep fried fish fillets. However, you will find some vendors who sell grilled fish tacos.
That is the version that we are recreating today.
We've used a skillet to "grill" our fish, but feel free to cook your fish in a grill basket on your grill if you feel so inclined. The extra smokiness from the grill will only add to the flavor!

Lime Salsa and Lime Crema
Two key elements of fish tacos are the salsa and creamy sauce.
We've brightened our fresh salsa (also known as pico de gallo) with lime juice, to really bring the tropical flavors into play.
We've also used a splash lime juice in our crema, bringing a light brightness to the creamy finishing touch to these satisfying seafood tacos.
How do you like your fish tacos? Let us know in the comments below!
Fish Tacos with Lime Salsa
Ingredients
For the Lime Crema
- ½ c sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For the Fresh Lime Salsa (or Pico De Gallo)
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ c red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeno, seeds removed and diced
- 2 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced (roughly 3 tablespoon juice)
For the Fish
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 lb white fish fillets (halibut, grouper, cod), ½-¾ inch thick, skinned
For the Tacos
- 8 (6 inch) corn tortillas
- 1 ½ c cabbage, shredded
Instructions
For the Lime Crema
- Mix ingredients together in a small bowl. Refrigerate for 10 minutes or until ready to use. (Can be made a day ahead of time.)
For the Salsa
- Toss the diced tomatoes with salt. Set in a fine strainer over a bowl and let drain for 15 minutes.
- Place the drained tomatoes into a bowl and add the remaining salsa ingredients. Mix to combine. (Can be made up to 3 days ahead of time)
For the Fish
- Mix the seasonings together in a bowl. Rub the seasoning all over the fish. Let stand 10 minutes.
- Heat a little oil in a medium, non-stick skillet or griddle. Add the fish and cook, uncovered over medium-low heat until firm and flaky, 7-10 minutes.
Serve the Tacos
- Layer a corn tortilla with shredded cabbage, grilled fish, lime salsa, and crema.
Notes
Thanks to Jen from Juanita's Cocina for hosting this weeks Cince De Mayo #SundaySupper. Break out the Mariachi! Let's party!
Cinco de Mayo Appetizers & Sides {Aperitivos}:
- Elote (Mexican Grilled Corn) from Magnolia Days
Cinco de Mayo Main Dishes {Platos Principales}:
- Chicken Enchiladas with Avocado Cream Sauce from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
- Duck Carnitas from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
- Enchiladas with Red Chili Sauce from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
- Oven Baked Beef, Bean, and Cheese Chimichangas from In The Kitchen With KP
- Slow Cooked Carne Asadas from Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Spicy Shredded Beef Chimichangas from Supper for a Steal
- Spicy Steak Fajitas from Cravings of a Lunatic
Cinco de Mayo Desserts {Postres}:
- Fried Ice Cream for a Crowd from Growing Up Gabel
- Paletas de Tamarindo (Tamarind Popsicles) from La Cocina de Leslie
- Peanut Mazapanes from Pies and Plots
Cinco de Mayo Drinks {Bebidas}:
- Mango Aqua Fresca With Chia Seeds from Sue's Nutrition Buzz
This is one of the recipes from the early days of Curious Cuisiniere. We've updated our pictures since we first made it, but we've left the original images here as a fun throwback and shout out to how far we've come. Enjoy!



Sarah founded Curious in 2010 as a way to save her recipe creations and share culinary experiences. Her love for cultural cuisines was instilled early by her French Canadian Grandmother. Her experience in the kitchen and in recipe development comes from over 10 years working in professional kitchens. She has traveled extensively and enjoys bringing the flavors of her travels back to create easy-to-make recipes.





Everything about this sounds delicious. I am curious how you got the shells so perfect!?
Thanks! We baked the shells in the oven so they would keep their shape. We'll be posting a tutorial for them soon!
I love everything about these fish tacos. The cumin scented rice has my mouth watering! Sarah, this is a fabulous version of a dish that I adore!
These look so good, love the salsa!!
Yum, I love that you put some clementine in the salsa!
I love fish tacos and the lime salsa sounds like the perfect accompaniment!
Fish tacos? Sign me up. They look so good!
I like that these aren't battered - delicious, it lets the flavour come through!
The lime salsa sounds fabulous!
Oh, do these fish tacos look amazing! I've never had them with rice, but love the idea! Happy Cinco de Mayo!
That salsa would be good enough to put on anything! And I love fish tacos!
Do you have any idea how much I adore Fish Tacos.... mmmm totally drooling over your beautiful photography!
Fish tacos are one of my all time favorites - yours look absolutely delish...the lime salsa would be such a good complement to the fish!
I love the taco shells you used! I also love you recipe! Looks amazing!!
Beautiful fish tacos, and I love your descriptions of how well the ingredients blend to make your dish delicious. This recipe is a must try for me!
I love all the recipes in this dish! Fish tacos are awesome! Your salsa sounds amazing.