Ingredients
For the Fish:
- 1 pound white fish fillets (cod, mahi-mahi, or tilapia), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Slaw:
- 4 cups shredded cabbage (green or red, or a mix)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar (or honey)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) or quinoa
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Optional toppings: black beans, corn, pico de gallo, hot sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Get Started: Prep the Slaw
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to combine. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This is a great make-ahead step!
Cook the Fish: The Heart of the Bowl
- In a medium bowl, toss the fish pieces with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and flaky. Be careful not to overcook it, as it will become dry!
Make the Creamy Sauce: The Flavor Booster
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, cilantro, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I like mine with a little extra lime!
Assemble the Bowls: The Grand Finale
- Divide the cooked rice (or quinoa) among bowls.
- Top with the slaw, cooked fish, and avocado slices.
- Drizzle generously with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with lime wedges and any other desired toppings, like black beans or pico de gallo.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your incredible Fish Taco Bowls!
Why You’ll Obsess Over These Fish Taco Bowls
These aren’t just any Fish Taco Bowls; they’re a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors and healthy eating. As far as Healthy Bowls Recipes go, this one is a winner because it’s packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. I love how customizable they are, too! We’re all looking for quick and easy Fish Dinner Recipes that don’t compromise on taste. This recipe delivers on both fronts. The fish cooks up in minutes, and the slaw can be prepped ahead of time. That means a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights. And let’s be honest, sometimes we crave something light and refreshing, especially during the warmer months. That’s where these bowls truly shine. The cool, crisp slaw, the zesty lime dressing, and the flaky fish create a symphony of textures and tastes that are incredibly satisfying without being heavy. That makes these perfect for Summer Recipes Dinner.Tips and Tricks for Fish Taco Bowl Perfection
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with the fish: While cod, mahi-mahi, and tilapia are great choices, feel free to use your favorite white fish. Shrimp or even grilled salmon would also be delicious!
- Spice it up (or down): Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference. A little bit of jalapeño added to the slaw can also kick things up a notch.
- Get creative with the toppings: The possibilities are endless! Corn, black beans, pico de gallo, pickled onions, crumbled cotija cheese…let your imagination run wild!
- Make it ahead: The slaw and creamy sauce can both be made a day or two in advance. Just store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The fish is best cooked fresh, but you can prep the seasoning mixture ahead of time to save even more time.
- Healthy Bowls are all about balance, so feel free to add other vegetables you love! Diced bell peppers, shredded zucchini, or even some roasted sweet potatoes would be great additions.
Variations to Keep Things Interesting
- Spicy Fish Taco Bowls: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the fish seasoning and a few drops of hot sauce to the creamy sauce.
- Mango Salsa Fish Taco Bowls: Skip the slaw and top with a vibrant mango salsa instead.
- Grilled Fish Taco Bowls: Grill the fish for a smoky flavor.
- Shrimp Taco Bowls: Substitute the white fish with shrimp.
- Vegetarian Taco Bowls: Swap the fish for grilled halloumi or black beans.
Why These Bowls are a Healthy Choice
Besides being incredibly delicious, these Fish Taco Bowls are also a healthy and nutritious meal. Fish is a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health. The slaw provides plenty of vitamins and fiber, while the avocado adds healthy fats and helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. Compared to traditional tacos, these bowls are a healthier option because you’re skipping the tortillas, which can be high in carbs and calories. By serving everything over rice or quinoa, you’re getting a good source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. And because you’re in control of the ingredients, you can customize the recipe to fit your dietary needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for new and innovative Fish Dinner Recipes, or just want to find some new Healthy Bowls Recipes, this one is sure to please. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let’s get cooking! I know you’re going to love these Fish Taco Bowls as much as I do! They are perfect for that warm-weather evening when you just need a quick Summer Recipes Dinner.What kind of fish is best to use for these Fish Taco Bowls?
The recipe suggests using white fish fillets like cod, mahi-mahi, or tilapia. However, you can experiment with your favorite white fish, or even shrimp or grilled salmon.
Can I prepare any of the ingredients ahead of time?
Yes, the slaw and creamy sauce can both be made a day or two in advance and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The fish is best cooked fresh, but you can prep the seasoning mixture ahead of time.
What are some topping variations I can use?
The recipe suggests black beans, corn, pico de gallo, and hot sauce as toppings, but you can get creative with ingredients like pickled onions or crumbled cotija cheese.
How can I make these Fish Taco Bowls spicier?
To make the bowls spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the fish seasoning and a few drops of hot sauce to the creamy sauce. You could also add jalapeño to the slaw.

Best Fish Taco Bowls Ever
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Medium bowl
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound white fish fillets cod, mahi-mahi, or tilapia
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups shredded cabbage green or red, or a mix
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice white or brown
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Optional toppings: black beans, corn, pico de gallo, hot sauce
Instructions
- Prep the Slaw: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to combine. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook the Fish: In a medium bowl, toss the fish pieces with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and flaky.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, cilantro, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice (or quinoa) among bowls.
- Top with the slaw, cooked fish, and avocado slices.
- Drizzle generously with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with lime wedges and any other desired toppings, like black beans or pico de gallo.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
