Hey y’all! If you’re craving the ultimate fresh and flavorful dinner, these Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos hit all the right notes. With tender, flaky mahi mahi and crunchy slaw loaded onto warm tortillas, every bite is a burst of zesty, vibrant goodness. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday, a backyard BBQ, or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe will wow your guests and spice up your table. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos Recipe
- The mahi mahi is naturally mild, allowing the zesty seasonings and lime crema to shine.
- Ready in under 30 minutes for a quick and easy dinner option.
- Colorful crunchy slaw adds texture, freshness, and flavor.
- It’s a lighter alternative to fried or beef tacos—perfect for health-conscious eaters.
- Versatile for parties, meal prep, or family weeknights.
Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos Ingredients
- 1 lb mahi mahi fillets, skin removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 lime (zested and juiced)
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 jalapeño, diced (optional)
- Sliced avocado and extra lime wedges, for serving
How to Make Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos
Step 1: Season the Mahi Mahi
Pat mahi mahi fillets dry and brush with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub spice mix evenly over both sides of the fish.
Step 2: Cook the Fish
Heat a large nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook mahi mahi fillets for 3-4 minutes per side, or until opaque and easily flaked with a fork. Remove from heat and rest for 2 minutes, then break into large chunks.
Step 3: Prepare the Slaw & Lime Crema
In a medium bowl, toss shredded cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using). In a separate small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, and honey until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a flame for 20-30 seconds per side until lightly charred and pliable. Wrap in a kitchen towel to keep warm.
Step 5: Assemble Your Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos
Layer a scoop of slaw and mahi mahi onto each tortilla. Drizzle with lime crema and top with sliced avocado and extra cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Notes for the Best Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos
- Fresh mahi mahi yields the best texture and flavor. If only frozen is available, thaw fully and pat dry before seasoning.
- For a smokier flavor, grill your mahi mahi outdoors instead of pan-searing (see grilling tips).
- Try homemade tortillas for an extra special touch—get inspired by this corn tortilla guide.
Tasty Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos Variations
- Baja-Style: Dip fish in a light beer batter and fry until golden before assembling tacos.
- Spicy Mango Salsa: Swap slaw for a chunky mango salsa with diced mango, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
- Low-Carb: Use lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a gluten-free, keto option.
Equipment You’ll Need for Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos
- Large nonstick skillet or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife
- Zester or microplane
- Tongs
Storage Instructions for Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos
Store leftover cooked mahi mahi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep slaw and crema separated from fish and tortillas. For best flavor, reheat fish gently in a skillet before assembling tacos—do not microwave tortillas as they may dry out.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions for Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos
- Serve with classic sides like black beans, cilantro-lime rice, or roasted corn.
- Perfect with icy margaritas, crisp lagers, or sparkling water with lime.
- For extra crunch, add thinly sliced radishes or pickled red onions (here’s a pickled onion recipe).
Pro Tips for Perfect Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos
- Don’t overcook the mahi mahi—remove from heat as soon as it’s opaque and flakes easily (more cooking tips here).
- Patting fish dry before seasoning ensures crispy, caramelized edges.
- Warm tortillas just before serving to keep them soft and flexible.
Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos FAQ
- Can I use frozen mahi mahi?
- Yes! Thaw it completely and pat it very dry before cooking for the best texture.
- How spicy are these Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos?
- They’re mildly spiced as written; increase or decrease jalapeño or chili powder to adjust heat.
- Can I make Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos in advance?
- You can prep the slaw and crema ahead, but cook the fish and warm tortillas just before serving for the freshest tacos.
Time & Nutrition Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb mahi mahi fillets, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
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1Pat mahi mahi fillets dry and slice into strips. In a bowl, toss strips with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
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2Place flour in a shallow dish. Dredge seasoned mahi mahi strips in the flour, shaking off excess.
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3Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mahi mahi strips and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
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4In a bowl, mix shredded cabbage, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for the slaw.
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5Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Spread a little sour cream on each tortilla, add cooked mahi mahi, top with cabbage slaw, sliced avocado, and another squeeze of lime.
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6Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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