Introduction
These California-style grilled fish tacos burst with flavor, featuring lime, cumin, and paprika-seasoned fish fillets grilled to perfection. Using the Arteflame grill’s high-heat center grate for an incredible sear, this recipe locks in the juices while the flat cooktop ensures even cooking. Served in charred corn tortillas with a fresh slaw and creamy chipotle sauce, these tacos are a delicious, smoky delight.
Ingredients
- 4 firm white fish fillets (such as cod, mahi-mahi, or halibut)
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (red and green mix)
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill
- Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
- Place the napkins in the center of the grill and stack firewood over top.
- Light the paper napkins and let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the fish
- Pat fish fillets dry and season with lime juice, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Melt butter on the flat cooktop near the center where it's hottest.
Step 3: Grill the fish
- Place fish on the center grill grate to sear for 1-2 minutes per side.
- Move to the flat cooktop to continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 130F, then remove (it'll carry over to 145F).
Step 4: Make the slaw and sauce
- Combine cabbage, cilantro, and red onion in a bowl.
- In another bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, chipotle in adobo, and minced garlic.
Step 5: Char the tortillas
- Place corn tortillas on the flat cooktop until they have slight char marks, flipping as needed.
Step 6: Assemble the tacos
- Place grilled fish in tortillas.
- Top with slaw, creamy chipotle sauce, sliced avocado, and jalapeños.
- Serve with lime wedges.
Tips
- For an extra smoky flavor, use hickory or mesquite firewood.
- Let fish rest for a few minutes before assembling tacos.
- Control tortilla crispiness by adjusting how long you leave them on the grill.
Variations
- Spicy Chipotle Tacos: Add extra chipotle and a dash of cayenne to the sauce for a fiery kick.
- Garlic Lemon Tacos: Swap lime juice for lemon and add minced garlic to the marinade.
- Coconut-Lime Tacos: Brush fish with coconut milk before grilling for a tropical twist.
- Mango Salsa Tacos: Top tacos with fresh mango salsa for a sweet contrast.
- Teriyaki Tacos: Marinate fish in teriyaki sauce and serve with sesame slaw.
Conclusion
California-style grilled fish tacos on the Arteflame grill bring out the best in smoky, charred seafood flavors with a crisp slaw and creamy chipotle sauce. The high-heat sear locks in the fish’s tenderness, while the even cooktop ensures perfection. Try these delicious tacos for your next grilling adventure!
Best pairings
- Grilled pineapple salsa
- Spicy black beans
- Crisp Mexican lager or a citrusy margarita
- Grilled street corn