Spicy Fish Tacos with Grilled Corn Slaw & Avocado-Coriander-Lime Sauce – summery and healthy with fresh, vibrant flavours. Put together in half an hour! Jump to Recipe
Today was my last day of university for the semester!
I can’t decide whether that is a good or a bad thing. On the negative side, it signals that exams are just a short week of studying away, said week of studying is hardly ever a fun place to be, and I have a WHOLE lot of material to cover in that timeframe. It feels like the end of the year is rushing upon us like a tsunami that you can’t escape from – end of year functions are starting, schools and universities are winding down, and Christmas decorations are already appearing in shops (I’m sure every year they seem to arrive earlier!). It is one of the times that I would appreciate a ‘pause’ button on life. A chance to not feel like a hamster on a treadmill of increasing speed for a few days, to regather my thoughts and senses. I guess that is what our mid-semester break last month was for – but it already seems like the distant past.
But there are also a whole lot of reasons for it to be a good thing. The portend of summer is one: those long, stretched out, warm days filled with beach trips and, knowing me, being supremely busy but not actually having many responsibilities or things that have to be done (though I do need to find a job. ASAP.). Moving out of college (for the final time!) and having a kitchen again is another reason – I am already dreaming of ice cream concoctions (thoughts on vanilla bean ice cream with raspberries, passionfruit curd swirl and meringue shards?) and layer cake combinations (lemon, coconut & berries need to find themselves together somehow).
These spicy fish tacos with grilled corn slaw & avocado-coriander-lime sauce remind me of those lazy summer days, though they would be perfect for a busy weeknight too. Flaking white fish is coated in a warm spice mix, full of paprika, garlic, a hint of chili and brown sugar, and paired with a grilled corn slaw – crunchy and fresh, the slightly charred and caramelized sweetcorn kernels hold up against the sharp coriander and lime dressing. On top goes a vibrantly green avocado sauce, creamy and tangy with lime, a smidge of buttermilk (seriously, it works), coriander and garlic. The hands-on aspect of tacos is the best part – all the fillings are piled inside fresh corn or flour tortillas and everyone can get messy!
I made them for the first time on holiday, which is probably why they aren’t as complex as some recipes that appear on here. With an ingredient list that isn’t too tricky, the tacos are easy to throw together in the half hour before dinner, or double or triple for an outdoor barbecue. I can’t imagine the fresh, zingy flavours and the crunchy slaw contrast with smooth avocado sauce without getting visuals of summer, freshly caught fish and lengthly day-light savings evenings – those warm memories that make me smile stupidly at the computer screen as I type this.
AND they are one of the rare fish recipes (the only other is these Vietnamese Cha Ca bowls) that my youngest brother will consume without a second thought – which means they must be pretty freaking good. He is not a fish person, so anything that gets it eaten is an achievement in our house. The mahi mahi was bought at the markets in Noosa, almost as fresh as it gets, but any other white fish would work well too. I couldn’t help but break out the camera to capture the colourful stalls of fresh produce, which were our source of avocados and corn for this recipe.
Whether you are in the northern hemisphere heading into winter and need a final reminder of summer, or are getting ready to welcome it with open arms and need recipe ideas, you need to give these tacos a try! PLUS they are healthy, so #noregrets when you eat them all, I swear.
- corn or flour tortillas/soft tacos (link to blog), heated for serving
- 800 g mahi mahi or other white fish
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons oregano
- 2 cloves garlic , crushed
- 1 red chilli , finely chopped or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- salt and pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cobs of corn
- 4 cups green cabbage , finely sliced
- 1 cup coriander leaves , roughly chopped
- 1/2 small red onion , finely diced
- finely grated zest and juice of 2 limes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 1 medium avocado
- 1/2 cup coriander , roughly chopped
- zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (you could also use plain yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons water
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In a small bowl, combine the paprika, oregano, garlic, chilli, brown sugar, a generous grind of salt and pepper and a couple of tablespoons of olive oil, stirring to roughly combine. Add the fish and rub the marinade in, coating the fish thoroughly
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Combine all of the ingredients for the avocado sauce in a food processor or blender, and pulse until well combined and smooth. Set aside.
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Cut the kernels off the corn cobs with a sharp knife. Heat a medium saucepan over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the corn kernels, season with salt and pepper and sauté until golden and charred at the edges, about 5-10 minutes.
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Tip the cooked corn into a large bowl. Add the finely sliced cabbage, coriander, red onion, lime zest and juice, and olive oil. Toss to thoroughly combine. Taste to adjust seasoning.
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Heat a tablespoon or two of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated mahi mahi (or other white fish) and cook for a 4-5 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Remove from the pan and cut into chunks.
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Meanwhile, heat your tortillas in the microwave or one at a time in a hot pan.
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Fill with fish, corn slaw and avocado sauce. Devour!
Sometimes I find it so strange to read blogs from NZ or Australian bloggers, it’s like I’m either reading some old posts or that I’m a bit ahead. The difference in seasons and academic years (here is just starting and you are on the end) it’s really interesting. Btw, I love everything about this tacos.
Hahaha I find the same when I am reading Northern Hemisphere blogs – I’m like ‘what, why is there all this pumpkin?!!’. I have to save them all up for a few months time when I will suddenly be very envious of your summer berries and stonefruit as we head into winter! Thanks so much Kristina! X
What wonderful flavors (not to speak colors) you unite in that taco shell! I guess I never had seafood that way – what a wonderful recipe. Thank you, Claudia. Greetings from autumnal Paris! Sabine.
Thank you Sabine! Tacos are one of my favourite ways to eat seafood, so would highly recommend – very fun to eat too! Paris in autumn must be absolutely beautiful – it is one of the places I would love to visit or live in one day, at least for a while.
Claudia x
Wooohooo! Congrats on your last day of school! Fish tacos are such a fresh easy meal and I don’t know why I’ve never made them at home, but your recipe looks absolutely beautiful. Pinned!
Thank you!! and worth making at home for sure x
I’ve never been a huge fan of fish tacos, but your version sounds so flavorful. Grilled corn slaw and avocado coriander lime sauce are the perfect toppings. I could certainly enjoy these!
Thanks Jen! That must be the sign of a good fish taco – that it can convert someone who isn’t normally a fan! That is what happened to my brother when I served these, anyway!
Congrats on the last day of school! Woot Woot!! I’m sure you are going to nail it on all your exams! I have faith in ya! It is SO weird because I woke up craving tacos and now here you are with some FABULOUS looking fish tacos! Fish tacos happen to be my all time favorite, probably because they are light and I feel like I can eat about 12 more of them vs. other varieties of tacos! I love the corn slaw and the avocado-lime sauce! I’m totally drooling, and now I have to send Boy to the store because I am NEEDING these tacos for dinner! Pinned! Cheers, my dear! <3
Aw thank you Cheyanne, I hope so too!! Definitely ready for the exams to be over haha.
And I completely agree re fish tacos – and without anything like sour cream or cheese, they are extra light and healthy! (I must admit that I have a soft spot for pulled pork tacos too though…but who doesn’t?!).
Thanks so much for stopping by, would love to know what you think if you give them a go <3
Omg, this is too funny – I seriously just made something very similar the other day! Great minds…right? 😉
Your tacos are just GORGEOUS! I love all of the vibrant colors and flavors! Fish tacos are one of my favorite dishes, looks like I’m going to have to make them again with your recipe.
Btw, good luck on exams!
Hahaha definitely great minds – because tacos are the best!! I love how they suit almost any flavour combinations as toppings. Would love to know how it goes if you try these fish ones though!
Thanks so much Kathleen! X
These remind me of the barramundi burrito I always get at Guzman y Gomez except 1000000x better!!! (wait, do you have GYG in Melbourne?) I should try this! I love fish + mexican flavours together!
I hope you have an amazing summer back home! xx
I just looked and apparently we do have it in Melbourne – I have just never heard of it!! Worth a visit??
And would love to know what you think if you do give it a go – nice and light for the heat of Brisbane too!
Thanks so much Hannah!! X
good luck on your finals! it’s so weird for me to think of the school year ending- mine just began a month ago! anyways, these tacos sound amazing! they sound really fresh, and i love the sound of that grilled corn slaw.
Thank you Heather! The difference between Australia/NZ and the US is so strange – I can never quite get my head around it! And the freshness is one of my favourite aspects of these tacos – so light but heaps of flavour too 🙂
Beautiful! I especially love the seasoning on your fish! Once I had salmon tacos at a restaurant. I was a bit hesitant, but they were fabulous as well!
Thanks Mimi! Salmon tacos are one of my other favourite taco combinations – I have a recipe on here for them with a corn-avocado salad and tomato salsa – so perfect for summer!! X
Ug… I hated exams…. Thank god that part of my life is over… But then I still miss school much much. So yeah enjoy the present even if it’s exam time. Weirdly, you’ll want to relive it in the future. Gahhhhhh… I want those tacos naw.
Hahah I’m sure I will miss it at some point when life and responsibilities come along (not ready to adult yet!!). Thanks Ai 🙂
These look amazing, Claudia!! Wow! So fresh and vibrant! I’m such a lover of tacos…I mean, I guess it’s obligatory as a Californian, but still, that also means I know a good taco when I see one, and this is a GREAT taco! I love all the fixings…the lime sauce sounds so yummy. I also love that the fish has a kick – yum! So glad you decided to celebrate your last day of school by making these and sharing them with us <3
Thank you Beeta!! That means a lot coming from someone who really knows her tacos 🙂 and yes the avocado-lime was a great creamy balance against the spicy fish! I love how tacos can be so individualised – it is one of those rare meals that you can truly do almost anything you want with the flavours x
Ummm… fish tacos are one of my ALL TIME FAVS! I’d have to agree with Beeta, it’s mandatory as a Californian to love them, and yours look as good as any served around here! Congrats on the end of your semester!
Thanks Jessica!! Californian tacos are something I need to experience though – I’m sure it must be home to some of the best in the world! X
I love to make tacos at home! These look amazing Claudia. Such mouthwatering pictures too! Love the combination of flavours and ingredients you used, especially in the avocado sauce. Delicious!
Me too, I just love how customisable they are! I hardly ever find tacos at restaurants that can top them. Thanks so much Harriet! X
OH YES! Tacos are one of my favorites. And I love that you didn’t hold back on the spice!!! Well done lady 🙂
Also, I saw your comment and YES WE TOTALLY ARE LIKE TWINS hahaha. Much love for this site, so glad I found it!!
hahaha so RANDOM but also cool to have a twin blogger on the other side of the world – I guess great minds think alike? Thanks Erica!! 🙂
Gorgeous post Claudia! Those tacos have me wishing we were heading into summer in England! They look and sound stunning. Good luck on your exams! 😃
Thanks Debs! I must admit that I am a teeny bit envious of all the seasonal apple, pear and pumpkin comfort food you guys are into over in the Northern Hemisphere – but I think it is one of those cases where the grass is always greener! <3
These fish tacos are exactly what I need to remind me of the long days of summer. I’ll have to make them and pretend as if it isn’t October and rainy.
Aw at least it can be a vibrant and colourful meal for you, even if it is a bit dreary outside! Thanks Nicole 🙂
Fish tacos are my weakness! Yours look absolutely fantastic! I am loving that avocado lime sauce!!
haha thanks Kelley!! X
claudia these tacos are damn beautiful! and your photography is so captivating, the produce looks excellent! congratulations on the finish of the semester. we love fish, though only consume it occasionally – this looks like the perfect way to enjoy our next helping. the spices on the fish and the freshness of the slaw is not to be missed! xo
oh thank you so much Danielle, so kind! The photography is definitely a work in progress but I love that I can already look back at my first months of blogging and see a difference 🙂 fish tends to be a once a week meal in our house, so I love finding new ways to cook it! Would love to know what you think if you give it a go <3 <3
This is so perfect for the coming summer here! Love this recipe
Thanks Raymund!
I love fish tacos! These look amazing, Claudia. The colours and flavours are beautiful – so fresh! The avocado sauce sounds great, too! 😀
Thanks Jess! The avocado sauce is one of my favourite parts – just brings it all together! 🙂
I literally have had fish tacos on my mind for several days now, and I think this is a sign I should be making them. They are always so refreshing and these look amazing!! I think I’m going to have to make these this week (i’ll have to instagram the results and regram/tag you as the source.) Yummy!
Aw thank you Julia!! I would love to see a picture if you give them a go so definitely tag me! <3
The fact that your semester is nearly ending is awesome but I can completely understand how it must feel knowing that exams are looming and are around the corner! Yikes! I will be starting school again next year to study for my Masters and I know I am going to go through the exact same emotions very soon!!!
I love how you will be enjoying Summer now but one thing we have in common is the fact that all the beautiful berries are available in the markets during this time here as well so that’s a big plus of winter here! I absolutely LOVE these tacos! Like you brother, I am not much of a fish fan either but give it to me in a taco with that super – amazing avocado sauce and I can gobble up 2-3 at a time! Love this!
Thanks so much Samina! Good luck for next year – getting back into studying is never easy after holidays or just time out of that uni environment! I’m sure you will kill it though. Your markets sound incredible – definitely somewhere I would love to visit one day. X
Oh my do these fish tacos look incredibly delicious! Lovely photos too…
Thanks Marissa <3 they did go down well in our house!
ooo this looks amazing!
Thanks Bec!
I don’t care what season it is. I will devour these fish tacos EVERY day of the year!
haha thanks Meagan!! That is a GOOD attitude 🙂
Yum! My mouth was watering just scrolling through this post. I’m going to have to give these a shot soon 🙂
Aw thanks Sophie! Would love to know what you think if you give it a go 🙂
What an amazing dish. Used lemon sole (dusted with seasoned flour) and cooked in mixture of olive oil and butter. The avocado dressing was a revelation. I’ve also never cooked corn that way before. So easy and delicious. All so quick. This is a definite keeper!
Oh that sounds fantastic! So glad you enjoyed it, thank for letting me know!