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Irresistible Grilled Fish Tacos with Spicy Mayo That Will Ignite Your Taste Buds - Featured Image

Irresistible Grilled Fish Tacos with Spicy Mayo That Will Ignite Your Taste Buds

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Learn how to make delicious Grilled Fish Tacos with Spicy Mayo. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod, mahi-mahi, or halibut), skin removed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded green cabbage or napa cabbage
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • For the Spicy Mayo:
    • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (feel free to use vegan mayo if preferred)
    • 12 tablespoons sriracha or your favorite hot sauce (adjust to taste)
    • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
    • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • Pinch of salt

Substitution tips: If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or chili powder works well. For a lighter mayo alternative, Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of olive oil can brighten the sauce without losing creaminess. Corn tortillas add a nice authentic touch, but flour tortillas are a great option if you prefer.

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan inside, make sure it’s hot before you start cooking to get those beautiful grill marks.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over the fish fillets, then rub the spice mixture evenly on both sides of each piece.
  3. Place the fish on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook—it should remain tender and juicy.
  4. While the fish is grilling, warm your tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds per side, just until pliable and slightly charred. You can keep them wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to stay warm.
  5. To make the spicy mayo, mix together mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the heat or acidity as you like. This sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  6. Once the fish is done, let it rest for a minute before gently flaking it into bite-sized pieces using a fork.
  7. Assemble the tacos: start with a warm tortilla, add a handful of shredded cabbage, top with flaked fish, drizzle generously with spicy mayo, and finish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
  8. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of textures and flavors!

One tip from my travels along the Spanish coast: don’t rush the resting step after grilling. Letting the fish sit for just a moment retains juiciness and makes it easier to break apart without falling apart too much. It’s a small detail but makes a big difference in every bite.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International