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Grilled fish tacos with corn salsa served on a rustic wooden board, garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and charred corn

Grilled Fish Tacos with Corn Salsa

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Gas or charcoal grill
  • Wide fish spatula
  • Tongs
  • Cast-iron skillet (optional for corn)
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Instant-read thermometer

Ingredients
  

For the Fish

  • 1.5 lbs mahi-mahi fillets or halibut or cod, patted dry
  • 1.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for brushing the fish

For the Spicy Corn Salsa

  • 3 ears of fresh corn husked, or 2 cups frozen corn thawed and patted dry
  • 1 jalapeño finely diced, seeds removed for less heat
  • 0.5 red onion small, finely diced
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
  • 2 limes juiced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 0.25 tsp chili powder

For Serving

  • 8 small corn tortillas warmed
  • 1 avocado sliced or mashed, optional
  • 0.5 cup sour cream or Mexican crema optional, for drizzling
  • 2 limes cut into wedges for serving
  • fresh cilantro sprigs for garnish
  • hot sauce optional, for serving

Instructions
 

Make the Corn Salsa

  • Preheat your grill to high heat (450-500°F). Brush the ears of corn lightly with olive oil and place directly on the grill grates. Grill, turning occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until the kernels are charred in spots and deeply golden. Remove and let cool for 5 minutes.
  • Cut the kernels off the cob and transfer to a medium bowl. Add the diced jalapeño, red onion, fresh cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and chili powder. Toss well to combine. Taste and adjust salt and lime juice as needed. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the fish.

Season and Grill the Fish

  • In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to make the spice rub.
  • Pat the mahi-mahi fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is important for achieving a proper crust. Brush both sides generously with olive oil, then coat both sides evenly with the spice rub, pressing it gently to adhere.
  • Make sure the grill grates are clean and well-heated. Place the fillets on the grill and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the fish releases naturally from the grates and a crust has formed. Flip carefully with a wide spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 145°F.
  • Transfer the fish to a clean plate and use a fork to break it into large, rustic chunks — don't shred it too finely, you want satisfying pieces in each taco.

Warm the Tortillas and Assemble

  • Warm the corn tortillas directly over the grill grates or over a gas flame for 20-30 seconds per side until soft, pliable, and slightly charred in spots. Keep warm wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.
  • To assemble, place 2 tortillas per serving on a plate. Top each tortilla with a generous spoonful of the spicy corn salsa, followed by chunks of the grilled spiced fish. Add avocado slices and a drizzle of sour cream or crema if desired.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs and serve immediately with lime wedges and hot sauce on the side.

Notes

Make ahead: The corn salsa can be made up to 2 hours ahead and kept at room temperature, or up to 1 day ahead refrigerated. Fish should always be grilled fresh. Storage: Store fish and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat fish in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Corn: If fresh corn is unavailable, frozen corn charred in a very hot cast-iron skillet is a great substitute — get the pan ripping hot and don't stir too much so the kernels develop charred spots. Heat level: For less heat, use only half the cayenne and remove all seeds from the jalapeño. For more heat, add a finely diced serrano chile to the salsa alongside the jalapeño.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 32gFat: 16gSodium: 720mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6g
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