30+ Mouthwatering Mexican BBQ Fish Recipes for Your Next Cookout

When it comes to BBQ season, nothing quite compares to the fresh, vibrant flavors of grilled fish with a Mexican twist.

Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or simply looking to add a little spice to your cookout, Mexican BBQ fish recipes offer an exciting array of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.

From smoky chipotle-marinated mahi-mahi to tangy Veracruz-style trout, these recipes combine the rich culinary traditions of Mexico with the perfect grilling technique.

With over 30 different recipes to explore, there’s a dish for every occasion, from casual backyard cookouts to festive family gatherings.

In this post, we’ll guide you through a selection of mouthwatering Mexican BBQ fish recipes, each designed to bring bold, fresh, and smoky flavors to your grill.

Whether you prefer mild fish like tilapia or a heartier option like mahi-mahi, you’ll find the perfect recipe that suits your tastes.

So fire up the grill, grab your favorite fish, and get ready to enjoy a flavorful fiesta!

30+ Mouthwatering Mexican BBQ Fish Recipes for Your Next Cookout

Mexican BBQ fish recipes are the perfect way to elevate your grilling game.

With their unique blends of spices, citrus, and smoky heat, these dishes offer something for everyone—whether you love tangy salsas, rich butter sauces, or zesty lime garnishes.

The diversity of flavors, from the fiery chipotle to the refreshing cilantro-lime, means there’s always a new recipe to try.

So, the next time you fire up your BBQ, make it a flavorful Mexican-inspired experience.

With these 30+ recipes in hand, you’ll have a repertoire that will impress your guests and make your grill the star of the show!

Grilled Red Snapper with Garlic-Lime Butter

This vibrant dish features the delicate flavor of red snapper infused with the bold zest of garlic-lime butter. A perfect blend of citrus and spice, this recipe will transport you to a coastal fiesta with every bite. Ideal for a summer barbecue, it pairs wonderfully with fresh salsa and grilled vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 2 whole red snappers, cleaned and scaled
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 limes, juiced and zested
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Score the fish on both sides, creating shallow cuts. Brush generously with the butter mixture, ensuring it seeps into the cuts.
4. Place the fish directly on the grill or in a fish basket. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

This grilled red snapper recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for those who love a blend of citrus and smoky flavors. The garlic-lime butter adds a rich depth, making each bite irresistibly flavorful. Pair with a cold margarita for a complete Mexican-inspired feast.

Spicy Chipotle Grilled Mahi-Mahi

This smoky and spicy dish combines the bold heat of chipotle peppers with the mild, flaky texture of mahi-mahi. This recipe is perfect for spice enthusiasts looking for a hearty, satisfying BBQ meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 mahi-mahi fillets
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix olive oil, chipotle, garlic, honey, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
2. Marinate mahi-mahi fillets in the mixture for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
4. Grill the fillets for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and charred at the edges.
5. Serve with grilled corn and avocado slices.

This chipotle mahi-mahi recipe brings the perfect balance of spice and sweetness to your plate. The smoky flavor makes it a standout dish at any barbecue. It’s a great choice for adventurous eaters.

Veracruz-Style Grilled Trout

Inspired by the traditional flavors of Veracruz, this recipe features trout seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs, then grilled and topped with a zesty tomato-based sauce. A light yet flavorful option for fish lovers.

Ingredients:

• 4 trout fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup capers
• 1 jalapeño, diced
• Juice of 1 lime

Instructions:

1. Rub trout fillets with olive oil, garlic, oregano, and lime juice. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Preheat grill to medium heat and oil grates.
3. Grill fillets for 4-5 minutes per side, until cooked through.
4. In a saucepan, simmer tomatoes, olives, capers, and jalapeño for 5 minutes.
5. Serve trout topped with the warm sauce.

This Veracruz-style trout is a sophisticated yet simple dish that highlights the beauty of Mexican coastal cuisine. The combination of olives, capers, and tomatoes adds a tangy richness that complements the grilled fish.

Baja-Style Fish Tacos

These grilled fish tacos bring the vibrant flavors of Baja California to your BBQ. Fresh fish seasoned with a smoky rub and served in warm tortillas with zesty slaw and creamy chipotle sauce make this dish unforgettable.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb white fish (cod or tilapia)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp chipotle sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. Mix olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub over fish fillets.
3. Grill fish for 3-4 minutes per side.
4. In a bowl, mix cabbage, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chipotle sauce.
5. Serve grilled fish in tortillas with slaw and additional chipotle sauce.

Baja-style fish tacos are a festive and flavorful option for your barbecue. Their fresh ingredients and bold seasoning make them a hit at any gathering.

Grilled Tilapia with Mango Salsa

This light and fruity recipe combines perfectly grilled tilapia with a refreshing mango salsa, offering a tropical twist on Mexican BBQ cuisine. It’s a delightful choice for warm-weather gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 4 tilapia fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1/4 red onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium heat and oil grates.
2. Season tilapia fillets with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill fish for 3-4 minutes per side, until cooked through.
4. In a bowl, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro.
5. Serve tilapia topped with mango salsa.

This grilled tilapia with mango salsa is a light yet flavorful dish that balances the smoky spice of the fish with the sweetness of fresh mango. It’s a refreshing addition to any barbecue spread.

Grilled Fish with Avocado-Cilantro Salsa

This refreshing recipe features grilled fish topped with a smooth avocado-cilantro salsa. The creamy texture of the avocado pairs perfectly with the smoky fish, and the cilantro adds a fresh herbal note. It’s an ideal dish for a summer barbecue.

Ingredients:

• 4 firm white fish fillets (such as halibut or sea bass)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
2. Season the fish fillets with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill fish for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the flesh flakes easily.
4. In a bowl, combine avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil. Toss gently to combine.
5. Serve the grilled fish topped with the avocado-cilantro salsa.

Grilled fish with avocado-cilantro salsa brings a refreshing and creamy contrast to the smoky grilled fish. The salsa adds brightness and flavor, making this dish both light and satisfying.

Grilled Fish Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

These grilled fish tacos are a tropical delight. The sweetness of fresh pineapple salsa complements the grilled fish, creating a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a casual BBQ with friends and family.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb white fish (such as tilapia or mahi-mahi)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
2. Rub the fish fillets with olive oil, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill the fish for 3-4 minutes per side, until cooked through.
4. In a bowl, mix pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice to make the salsa.
5. Serve the grilled fish in warm tortillas, topped with pineapple salsa.

These grilled fish tacos with pineapple salsa are a festive and fun dish that combines the smoky flavor of the fish with the sweetness of fresh fruit. Perfect for a summer BBQ or Taco Tuesday.

Mexican-Style Grilled Bass with Lime and Chili

This recipe offers a zesty twist on grilled bass, featuring a bold lime and chili marinade that infuses the fish with a vibrant flavor. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals.

Ingredients:

• 4 bass fillets
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 limes, juiced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
2. Marinate the bass fillets in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
4. Grill the fish for 4-5 minutes per side, until it flakes easily with a fork.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

Mexican-style grilled bass with lime and chili offers a perfect balance of smoky heat and tangy citrus. The chili powder and cayenne pepper bring warmth to the fish, making this a bold and flavorful dish that’s perfect for spice lovers.

Grilled Fish with Mexican Corn and Lime Butter

This recipe pairs perfectly grilled fish with a creamy, tangy lime butter sauce served alongside smoky, grilled corn. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that showcases the best of Mexican BBQ flavors.

Ingredients:

• 4 fish fillets (preferably cod or grouper)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 ears of corn, husked
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season the fish fillets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill the fish for 4-5 minutes per side.
4. While the fish grills, place the corn on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred.
5. In a bowl, mix melted butter, lime zest, lime juice, and chili powder.
6. Serve the fish with grilled corn on the side, drizzling the lime butter sauce over both. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Grilled fish with Mexican corn and lime butter brings a satisfying and flavorful twist to your barbecue. The charred corn adds a smoky touch, while the lime butter elevates both the fish and corn with a burst of citrusy richness.

Salsa Verde Grilled Fish

Salsa verde, made with tangy tomatillos and fresh herbs, is the star of this dish. Grilled fish topped with this flavorful sauce provides a light yet robust meal, with just the right amount of heat. Perfect for those who love fresh, herbal flavors.

Ingredients:

• 4 white fish fillets (such as snapper or cod)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup tomatillos, husked and chopped
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
2. Rub the fish fillets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill the fish for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. To make the salsa verde, combine tomatillos, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice in a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth.
5. Serve the grilled fish topped with fresh salsa verde.

Salsa verde grilled fish is a vibrant and fresh dish that combines the smoky flavor of grilled fish with the tangy, herbal richness of tomatillos. It’s a light yet flavorful dish that will become a new favorite at your BBQ.

Grilled Fish with Chipotle-Lime Butter

This recipe features the smoky, spicy flavor of chipotle peppers combined with the zesty freshness of lime. The chipotle-lime butter adds richness and heat to the grilled fish, making it an irresistible BBQ favorite.

Ingredients:

• 4 white fish fillets (like tilapia or bass)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce, minced
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
2. Season the fish fillets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill the fish for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
4. In a bowl, mix softened butter with chipotle in adobo, lime juice, and minced garlic.
5. Once the fish is off the grill, top with the chipotle-lime butter and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Grilled fish with chipotle-lime butter is a bold and flavorful dish with just the right amount of spice. The smoky chipotle adds depth while the lime balances it with brightness, creating a perfectly harmonious BBQ meal.

Grilled Fish with Roasted Tomato and Jalapeño Sauce

A savory dish that pairs the rich flavors of roasted tomatoes and jalapeños with grilled fish. This simple yet vibrant sauce is the perfect topping for fish, adding a smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy kick.

Ingredients:

• 4 fish fillets (such as snapper or grouper)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 ripe tomatoes
• 1 jalapeño pepper
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp lime juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Rub the fish fillets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. While the fish grills, roast the tomatoes and jalapeño over the open flame for 4-5 minutes until they’re slightly charred.
4. In a blender, blend roasted tomatoes, jalapeño, onion, cilantro, and lime juice until smooth.
5. Serve the grilled fish topped with the roasted tomato-jalapeño sauce.

Grilled fish with roasted tomato and jalapeño sauce is a deliciously tangy dish that showcases the depth of roasted vegetables. The smoky, slightly spicy sauce elevates the fish, making each bite memorable and full of flavor.

Grilled Fish with Mango-Habanero Salsa

This spicy and sweet salsa pairs perfectly with grilled fish, offering a kick of heat from the habanero pepper combined with the sweetness of ripe mangoes. It’s a bold dish that adds excitement to any BBQ meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 white fish fillets (such as mahi-mahi or cod)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1 habanero pepper, minced (or less to adjust heat)
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
2. Season the fish fillets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. In a bowl, combine diced mango, red onion, habanero, cilantro, and lime juice. Toss gently to combine.
4. Serve the grilled fish topped with mango-habanero salsa.

Grilled fish with mango-habanero salsa is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. The fiery heat of the habanero is tempered by the tropical sweetness of mango, making this a standout dish for those who enjoy bold flavors.

Grilled Fish with Cucumber and Tomato Salad

This light and refreshing recipe features grilled fish paired with a cooling cucumber and tomato salad. It’s an excellent option for those looking for a healthy and fresh addition to their BBQ spread.

Ingredients:

• 4 fish fillets (such as tilapia or flounder)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
2. Season the fish fillets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. While the fish is grilling, combine cucumber, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Toss well to combine.
4. Serve the grilled fish with a side of the cucumber-tomato salad.

Grilled fish with cucumber and tomato salad is a fresh and healthy BBQ option. The salad adds a cool, crisp contrast to the smoky fish, making it an ideal dish for warm weather or lighter meals.

Grilled Fish with Cilantro-Lime Rice

This dish pairs perfectly grilled fish with fragrant cilantro-lime rice, making it a comforting and flavorful meal. The bright, citrusy rice complements the fish, creating a well-rounded dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 4 fish fillets (such as cod or grouper)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups water or broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
2. Season the fish fillets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill the fish for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
3. In a saucepan, cook the rice with water or broth according to package instructions.
4. Once the rice is cooked, stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro.
5. Serve the grilled fish over a bed of cilantro-lime rice.

Grilled fish with cilantro-lime rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that balances the smoky fish with the refreshing, zesty rice. It’s a great option for a complete and delicious BBQ meal, perfect for both casual and special occasions.

Note: More recipes are coming soon!