Name: Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 mahi mahi fillets; 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon cumin; 2 poblano peppers or jalapeños; Jalapeños (for topping, quantity to taste); 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1/4 cup cilantro; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 tortillas (charred); 1/3 cup fish slaw; 1 avocado, sliced; 2 tablespoons cilantro (for garnish)

If you're craving a fresh, flavorful meal that's both quick and satisfying, you've got to try this Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Recipe. With tender, perfectly seasoned fish and a creamy, zesty sauce, these tacos are a serious crowd-pleaser.

A woman's hand is holding a small grilled tortilla taco that is open at the top, showing three visible layers inside. The bottom layer is a piece of lightly charred white fish with a rough texture. Above that, there is a mix of fresh green lettuce and slices of cucumber, with shiny and smooth surfaces. The top layer consists of shredded white cabbage and thin orange carrot strips, adding a crunchy texture. The taco is held above a grey wooden surface. In the background, there is a blurred wooden board with pieces of grilled fish and some green garnish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love how easy and delicious these fish tacos come together. They’re perfect for weeknights when you want something fresh but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, the flavors? Totally addictive!

Quick and Easy: Prep and cook in just 25 minutes, great for busy evenings.
Fresh Flavors: The cilantro lime sauce adds a bright, tangy kick that pairs perfectly with mahi mahi.
Texture Delight: A crunchy fish slaw and creamy avocado slices give every bite variety.
Customizable Spice: Use poblano or jalapeños depending on how much heat you want.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this mahi mahi tacos recipe, look for fresh, firm mahi mahi fillets, and don’t skimp on the fresh cilantro—it really makes the sauce sing. Char your tortillas right before serving for that smoky touch that ties everything together.

Flat lay of fresh, thick mahi mahi fillets with clean white skin, two whole green poblano peppers, a ripe sliced avocado with bright green flesh, a small pile of fresh cilantro sprigs, a neat stack of four lightly charred corn tortillas, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy sour cream, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of bright green lime juice, a small white bowl of mixed red and green fish slaw, and whole uncracked brown eggs placed symmetrically, all ingredients fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Mahi mahi fillets: This firm, mild fish holds up beautifully in tacos and absorbs spices well.
Olive oil: For searing the fish to a crisp, golden finish.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle but necessary savory note to the seasoning.
Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing all other flavors.
Oregano: Brings a lovely herbaceous warmth to the fish seasoning.
Chili powder: Gives a gentle smoky heat that complements the mahi mahi.
Cumin: Deepens the overall flavor profile with earthy undertones.
Poblano peppers or jalapeños: For added spice, depending on your heat preference.
Sour cream: Forms the creamy base of the cilantro lime sauce.
Lime juice: Brightens the sauce and is great for a finishing drizzle on the fish.
Cilantro: The star herb of this recipe, fresh cilantro adds vibrancy and freshness in the sauce and as a garnish.
Tortillas (charred): Charring adds that smoky depth and soft texture that makes the taco irresistible.
Fish slaw: Provides a crunchy contrast to the tender fish and creamy sauce.
Avocado: Adds smooth creaminess and balances the spices perfectly.
Jalapeños (for topping): Optional, for a fresh kick of heat.
Cilantro (for garnish): Fresh leaves for that final burst of herbaceous aroma.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Recipe is wonderfully versatile—feel free to tweak it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Whether you like to spice things up or keep it mild, these tacos welcome your personal touch with open arms!

Swap the Peppers: I love using poblano peppers for their mild smokiness, but if you prefer more heat, jalapeños work perfectly both in the cooking and as a fresh topping. Just adjust the quantity depending on how spicy you like it.
Make It Dairy-Free: For a lactose-free twist, swap out the sour cream in the cilantro lime sauce for a creamy avocado base or coconut yogurt. It still offers that cooling, tangy kick without the dairy.
Extra Zest: Sometimes I squeeze in a bit more fresh lime juice or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra tangy or spicy punch. Play around with what makes you smile at every bite!
Fresh Garnishes: Beyond cilantro, fresh diced tomatoes or pickled onions add a delightful pop of flavor and color, perfect for when you want to mix things up seasonally.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Recipe

The image shows four fish tacos arranged in a slightly overlapping row on a white marbled surface. Each taco has a soft yellow corn tortilla shell as the base. The first layer inside the taco is a spread of light green guacamole, topped with a layer of purple shredded cabbage. Next, there are chunks of white, grilled fish with some char marks, spread unevenly on the cabbage. On top of the fish, there is a colorful mix of chopped red tomatoes, white onions, and green jalapeño slices, with some chopped fresh green herbs sprinkled all over. There are some lime wedges and bits of the tomato mixture scattered around the tacos on the surface. The whole scene looks fresh and vibrant with a bright, natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Give the Fish a Flavor Boost

Start by seasoning your mahi mahi fillets evenly on both sides with garlic powder, salt, pepper, oregano, chili powder, and cumin. I like to press the seasonings gently into the fish—this helps the flavors stick and really soak in. You’ll notice the lovely aromas coming alive right away, promising something delicious ahead.

Step 2: Sear to Perfection

Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in your skillet or indoor grill until shimmering—this signals it's hot and ready. Carefully lay the seasoned mahi mahi fillets in the pan. Let them sear undisturbed for 7 to 8 minutes. You’ll see a beautiful golden crust forming on the bottom; that’s flavor locked in! The aroma will fill your kitchen and get your appetite going.

Step 3: Flip and Finish Cooking

Gently flip the fish to the other side and cook for about 7 more minutes. The mahi mahi will turn opaque and should flake easily with a fork when done—perfectly cooked and juicy inside. Be careful not to overcook to keep it tender and flaky.

Step 4: Slice and Add Freshness

Transfer the cooked fillets to a cutting board and slice them into strips. To heighten the brightness, drizzle a little fresh lime juice over the fish and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. This fresh pop of citrus and herbs really elevates the taco flavors.

Step 5: Blend Your Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce

While the fish cooks, blend together sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the magic touch—light, tangy, and packed with fresh cilantro goodness that ties all the taco ingredients together beautifully.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos

Grab your charred tortillas (char them directly over a gas burner or hot skillet for that authentic smoky flavor). Start layering with the sliced mahi mahi, then add a spoonful of crunchy fish slaw, fresh avocado slices, and jalapeños to taste. Finish with a generous drizzle of that luscious cilantro lime sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos immediately while warm, and get ready to savor every fresh, flavorful bite. These tacos are a perfect weeknight winner—quick, easy, and full of satisfying textures and vibrant flavors that are sure to become a regular in your rotation.

Top Tip

These tips will make your Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Recipe come together effortlessly and taste absolutely incredible every single time.

Season Generously: Press the spice mix firmly into the mahi mahi fillets to ensure the flavors really soak into the fish. This step makes a big difference in taste.
Perfect Searing: Use a hot skillet or indoor grill and cook the fish undisturbed for the full 7-8 minutes per side. Flipping too early can cause the fish to stick and lose its beautiful crust.
Char Your Tortillas: Don’t skip charring your tortillas directly over a gas burner or hot skillet to add that authentic smoky flavor that complements the fresh, creamy ingredients perfectly.
Fresh Cilantro Is Key: Use fresh cilantro both in the sauce and as a garnish. Dried herbs won't deliver the same bright, lively flavor you want in this recipe.

How to Serve Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Recipe

A soft white tortilla lies open on a white marbled surface, topped with a piece of grilled chicken showing dark brown grill marks. On top of the chicken, there is a small pile of shredded light-colored cabbage mixed with thin carrot slices. Beside the chicken, thick green slices of avocado and one slice of green jalapeño are visible. A wooden spoon held by a woman's hand is pouring a thick pale green sauce over the toppings. The scene is well lit, highlighting the textures and colors of the ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your tacos with thinly sliced jalapeños for an extra kick or add a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco for a creamy, salty touch. A wedge of lime on the side is perfect for those who love an extra burst of citrus. Don’t forget a handful of fresh cilantro leaves for that final burst of color and flavor!

Side Dishes

These tacos pair beautifully with warm Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh corn and tomato salad. A light cucumber and jicama slaw also adds a refreshing crunch on the side. For something simple, serve with tortilla chips and guacamole or salsa to keep the meal fun and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover mahi mahi fillets and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days, allowing you to enjoy quick taco nights another day without sacrificing freshness.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, place cooked fish fillets in a freezer-safe container or bag with as much air removed as possible. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. However, the sauce and fresh toppings are best made fresh and shouldn’t be frozen.

Reheating

Reheat leftover mahi mahi gently in a skillet over low to medium heat to avoid drying out the fish. Covering the pan helps retain moisture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the fish tough. Reheat tortillas separately on a dry skillet or gas flame for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use another type of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While mahi mahi is ideal for its firm texture and mild flavor, you can substitute with other firm white fish like cod, halibut, or snapper. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

How spicy are these fish tacos?

The spice level is moderate thanks to the combination of chili powder and jalapeños. You can adjust heat by using more or fewer jalapeños or swapping poblanos for a milder pepper.

Can I make the cilantro lime sauce dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt or mayonnaise alternative, and the sauce will still be creamy and flavorful without lactose.

What’s the best way to char tortillas?

The most authentic method is placing the tortillas directly over an open gas flame for a few seconds on each side until you see light charring. If you don’t have a gas stove, use a hot dry skillet or grill pan.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce—the perfect blend of smoky, tangy, creamy, and fresh that makes every bite a delight. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend supper, these tacos come together in just 25 minutes and always leave everyone craving more. Give this recipe a try, add your personal touch, and enjoy that satisfying feeling of sharing a delicious homemade meal with those you love.