Fish Taco Bowls

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These flavorful Fish Taco Bowls are a veggie-packed version of traditional fish tacos, plus they’re extra loaded with all the toppings. They’re naturally gluten-free and lower in carbs than regular tacos, but all fresh flavor. There’s a hint of spicy, sweet juicy mango, and creaminess from the chipotle aioli. You’ll also find our favorite variation in the recipe to add a bit of fresh steamed rice to the mix for a more filling meal.

Fish Taco Bowls on a blue background with cilantro and lime wedges on the side.

This recipe has been a huge hit since I first published it in 2018, and we’ve made it countless times ever since! It’s one of my go-to’s whenever I have company because it’s such a crowd-pleaser and everyone can customize their own bowl.

You can also make this with 50/50 chicken and fish for anyone at the table who doesn’t care for fish. All in all, it’s super easy to customize to your family’s taste. And it’s absolutely loaded with fresh flavor and veggies. Yet no one ever seems to realize they’re eating a healthy dinner with all the yummy flavor!

Side view of two fish taco bowls topped with lime wedges and cilantro on the side.

Watch how to make these Fish Taco Bowls

Ingredients & Substitutions

Chipotle aioli, mangos, green onion, red onion, cabbage, cilantro, limes, fish fillets, and jalapeno in small bowls on a wood cutting board.
  • Fish fillets – any white-fleshed fish will work here, I like cod and halibut which are widely available. But I’ve also enjoyed using Rockfish which is usually an affordable choice. If you don’t like fish, or have someone at the table who doesn’t like it, try cooking some chicken or pork instead for these bowls. Shrimp also work great with these flavors.
  • Spices – a little smoked paprika, onion and garlic powders, and cumin add a touch of flavor to the fish fillets and it’s perfect for chicken too. If you have truly fresh spectacular fish, try this recipe without any of the spices just sea salt and the oil for grilling to let the fish flavor shine through.
  • Cabbage – I prefer to use softer cabbage like Napa or Savoy, but regular cabbage works great here as well, it’s just a bit crunchier. I often use regular cabbage even though it’s my 2nd choice because that’s what’s available most often.
  • Mango Salsa – for a shortcut you can use a store-bought mango salsa you love. However, nothing can ever beat fresh! I love using Champagne also called Ataulfo mangos because they have a silky smooth less fibrous texture. You can see them pictured above with the yellow skin. But regular ripe mangos work here as well. If you can’t find mangos, try my Caramelized Pineapple Salsa instead.
  • Cilantro Lime Dressing – comes together quickly in the blender with just a handful of ingredients and makes up all the flavor for the slaw.
  • Chipotle Aioli – you can shortcut this step as well by using good quality store-bought mayo, or you can make your own by referring to my Curried Mango Chicken Salad which has a homemade mayo recipe in it. You can also use my Sriracha Mayo here in place of the chipotle aioli.

How to make this recipe step by step

Cilantro Lime Dressing in a blender container.

Step 1: Start by blending the cilantro lime dressing in a blender and set it aside while you chop the cabbage.

We make this dressing so much that it’s has it’s own recipe over at Cilantro Lime Dressing where you’ll find extra ideas for how to use it in other recipes.

Cilantro lime dressing tossed with the chopped cabbage.

Step 2: Next toss the dressing together with the finely chopped cabbage and green onions. Set the cabbage slaw aside while you finish the recipe. You can also prep the slaw ahead a few hours and refrigerate until dinner time.

Time saver: use a coleslaw mix to avoid chopping!

Notes about cabbage: The recipe calls for Savoy cabbage, but Napa cabbage works well too. Both of these types of cabbages are softer in texture which makes for a nicer slaw. Regular cabbage will work too, but you might find yourself exhausted from all the chewing with normal super crunchy cabbage. But a mix with some red cabbage is nice and colorful.

Fish Taco Slaw Bowls with Mango Salsa and Chipotle Aioli | Get Inspired Everyday!

Step 3: Dice/mince all the ingredients for the mango salsa and mix it together. Set the salsa aside to allow the flavors to develop while you finish the recipe.

Save some time by buying your favorite mango salsa!

Fish fillets with the spice mixture smeared on top in a white baking dish.

Step 4: When you have everything else prepped, season the fish fillets and bake just until the fish begins to flake apart.

Finished Fish Taco Bowls with lime wedges and cilantro sprigs around the bowls.

Step 5: Serve everything family style so each person can customize their own taco bowl.

Close macro view of this Fish Taco Bowls topped with Chipotle Aioli and a lime wedge.

Ways to serve this

FAQ’s

What can I use if I hate fish?

Chicken works perfectly in this recipe, pork and shrimp are also great here as well.

What kind of fish is best in fish taco bowls?

Cod is great for flavor and budget-friendly as well. Rockfish is another budget-friendly option that’s super tasty. Halibut is perfect for a treat and Mahi Mahi or any kind of seared tuna could also be subbed in. Another favorite we like to make is to use Salmon. It’s an unusual choice to be sure, but very tasty.

How can I speed up this recipe?

You can make the slaw hours or even 1 day ahead of time. You could also pre-chop the cabbage, make the dressing, then refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. The same goes for the mango salsa and chipotle aioli. This recipe is all about freshness and requires a bit more prep work than I normally do, but I promise it’s worth it! Also as I mentioned in the tips, if you’re an experienced cook, you will find most of this recipe can be made without being too careful with the measurements.

Storing leftovers

  • To store – place any leftovers into separate airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. The slaw gets more watery and softer as it sits, but you can drain off any excess liquid.
  • Reheat – it’s really hard to reheat fish without totally wrecking it, so if I have any leftovers I just flake it over the top of my bowl cold.
  • Freeze – this recipe is all about freshness and doesn’t freeze well.
Straight down view of fish taco bowls with cilantro springs on the side.

Tips & Tricks

  • I like to place the Chipotle Aioli in a squeeze bottle so it’s easy to serve. It’s also how you get the ‘neat’ and tidy lines across the top of the finished taco bowl.
  • Our favorite variation of these bowls is to add some freshly steamed rice which is such a good flavor pairing.
  • This recipe looks long at first glance, but each part is super simple. So simple in fact that if you’re used to cooking, you barely need to measure most of it.
  • And to shortcut things, try chopping the cilantro for both the dressing and the mango salsa at the same time. If you’re an experienced cook, you don’t need to worry too much about perfect measuring. If you’re new to the kitchen, follow the recipe and the measurements will make sure everything turns out just right!
Straight down close macro view of fish taco bowl with cilantro sprigs on the side.

I really hope you enjoy these Fish Taco Bowls! If you do get a chance to make this recipe, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. And if you’re looking for more fresh meals, try my 70 Light Summer Dinner Ideas.

Finished Fish Taco Bowls with lime wedges and cilantro sprigs around the bowls.

Fish Taco Bowls


5 from 22 votes
Author: Kari Peters
Total Time 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Course: Dinner

INGREDIENTS  

Cilantro Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup cilantro - roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup lime juice - freshly squeezed
  • 1 clove garlic - minced
  • 1 tsp sea salt - or to taste
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 cup avocado oil - or neutral tasting oil of your choice

Slaw:

  • 8 cups savoy cabbage - shredded, 1 pound, or regular cabbage
  • 2 cups shredded purple cabbage - 5 ounces
  • 1/2 cup green onions - thinly sliced

Mango Salsa:

  • 4 cups mango - diced, from 4 Champagne mangos, 2 pounds
  • 1/4 cup cilantro - chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion - minced
  • 1-3 tsp jalapeno - minced, or to taste
  • 2 tbsp lime juice - freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt - or to taste

Chipotle Aioli:

  • 1 egg - room temperature, see notes
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tbsp lime juice - freshly squeezed
  • 2 tsp chipotle powder
  • 3/4 cup avocado oil

Grilled Fish:

  • 2 pounds fish fillets - or 6 white fleshed fish, see notes
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp sea salt - or to taste
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil

Toppings:

  • Lime wedges
  • 1-2 ripe avocados - sliced
  • Extra chopped cilantro

INSTRUCTIONS 

  • For the cilantro dressing, place all the ingredients except the oil in a blender. Blend starting on low and increasing to medium speed as you add the oil. Blend just until the oil has been added and the dressing is emulsified.
  • Toss the dressing together with all the slaw ingredients, and set the finished slaw aside.
  • For the mango salsa, stir together all the ingredients until combined. Season to taste with sea salt, and set the salsa aside.
  • To make the chipotle aioli, place the egg into a blender along with the sea salt, lime juice, and chipotle powder. Start blending on low, and drizzle the avocado oil in a thin steady stream, increasing the speed as you go.
  • Keep blending while you continue to add the oil until the chipotle aioli has become quite thick. Transfer the aioli from the blender to a container to refrigerate while you finish the recipe. I like to place mine in a squeeze bottle for convenience and for presentation.
  • Next make sure you have your toppings prepared, and heat the grill over medium high heat until it reaches around 400ºF. Or preheat the oven to 400ºF.
  • While the grill heats, mix together all the spices for the fish with the avocado oil. Then evenly coat the fish with the spice mixture. When the grill is preheated, place the fish fillets on the grill and lower the heat to medium to maintain a temperature between 350º-400ºF.
  • Grill just until the fish loosens from the grill before turning. My fillets were about 1/2" on the thin side and 1" on the thickest part. They took 4-5 minutes for the first side, and 2-3 for the second. The cooking time will vary depending on thickness of fillet.
  • Or you can bake the fish in the oven until it begins to flake on the edges and is just done in the center, about 15 minutes. Timing varies depending on the thickness of the fillets and type of fish chosen.
  • When the fish is finished cooking, serve with the slaw, mango salsa, chipotle aioli, and toppings of choice.
Bonus StepIf you made this recipe, please leave a rating/comment. Ratings really help us continue to bring you high-quality free recipes. Rate This Recipe!

NOTES

This recipe contains raw egg which is not considered suitable for certain people. If this is of concern to you, use your choice of mayo, about 3/4 cup with the lime juice and chipotle powder mixed in in place of the homemade aioli.
My favorite fish for fish tacos in order are, halibut (awesome but pricey), Alaskan cod, and rockfish. Ono, any type of tuna, and mahi mahi are all great as well.
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Fish Taco Bowl Healthy, Fish Taco Bowls with Mango Salsa, Grilled Fish Taco Bowls

nutrition facts

Calories: 625kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 30g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 1026mg | Potassium: 1299mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 4154IU | Vitamin C: 125mg | Calcium: 140mg | Iron: 3mg
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Tag @get.inspired.everyday on Instagram or hashtag #getinspiredeveryday

This recipe was originally published in 2018, but has been update with nutritional information, new photos, more tips and helpful information in 2022.

50 thoughts on “Fish Taco Bowls”

  1. 5 stars
    Wow! These are amazing! I used Mahi Mahi, and made the slaw with a pre-chopped Asian cabbage salad mix to save some time. I also added some cooked jasmine rice to the bowl to soak up the juices. I’m definitely making these again, but I might substitute the rice with cauliflower rice and mix a little of the cilantro dressing in with it. Other than that, I love how light this is!

    Reply
  2. 5 stars
    This was excellent! I used Mahi. Made everything fresh except I opted for mayo instead of a raw egg. My family said it was restaurant worthy!!

    Reply
  3. 5 stars
    I shortcutted the mango salsa by using prepared, (but the nice chunks of fresh mango in this recipe salsa would have been better). But even so, this was a delicious, easy recipe! I also added a bit of lime cilantro rice and shredded cheddar. Big hit with the hubby, and I’m thinking of family and friends to make it for. So many layers bursting with flavor!

    Reply
    • I’m so glad you both enjoyed it and thanks so much for the cilantro lime rice and cheese ideas, sounds delish!

      Reply

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