Fish Taco Bowls with Avocado Slaw

These Fish Taco Bowls with Coleslaw and Avocado are basically the best fish tacos without the tortilla. They are full of flavor and it's one of our favorite low carb Mexican options along with this Slow Cooker Beef Machaca and Easy Healthy Carnitas.

There is nothing I love more than tacos. But, from time to time, I find myself needing to modify the taco to suit my dietary needs, and that's just what I did for this Fish Taco Bowl recipe. I need a low-carb option and this was the perfect solution.

I like to refer to this recipe as being just like a fish taco without the "taco" part. Many times when I am out to eat and looking for a lighter option, I look for tacos. Then to lighten things up, I'll skip the tortillas and simply eat all the yummy fillings.

Today's recipe is my own homemade version of that with deliciously spiced fish, slaw, and some creamy avocado. It's a perfect dish to cook on the grill or can just as easily be made in the broiler. These Low Carb Shrimp Tacos are another great option.

Now, just because I took out the tortilla doesn't mean you have to do the same. By all means, make this recipe as-is and add baked tostadas, tortilla chips, or some warm corn tortillas. 

Build the Best Fish Taco Bowl

• Fish: You can make a fish taco bowl with any kind of fish you like including salmon, halibut, haddock, tilapia, snapper, or swordfish. It would also work with shrimp.
• Taco seasoning:  This recipe uses a blend of chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.  You could swap in this fish taco seasoning, blackening seasoning, or Cajun seasoning.
• Colelsaw: To make a quick slaw for the base, this recipe uses a combination of coleslaw, cilantro, lime juice, mayonnaise, and a touch of Stevia. You can swap in any shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix. Use mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt to add creaminess. The lime juice balances the flavor and the cilantro makes things pop. Make sure to season it well with salt and pepper.
• Avocado: To balance the spice in the fish and add healthy fats, avocado is the perfect option. Feel free to swap in guacamole or leave it off.
• Additions: There are so many delicious things to add to this fish taco bowl. Add a base of brown rice, quinoa, or cilantro lime cauliflower rice. Add salad greens, diced tomatoes, or fajita veggies. Consider adding some black beans or corn salsa. Get creative with the toppings and additions like pico de gallo, creamy chipotle sauce, or avocado hummus. 

Recipe Ideas and Variations

• You can also use lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas if you're watching your carb consumption, but prefer to eat this like a traditional taco. 
• Turn this into a delicious fish taco salad by serving it on a bed of greens.
• Make the blackened fish in this blackened fish taco recipe for a spicy and smoky option.
• Skip the cabbage and swap it out with broccoli slaw. 
• Add more heat by topping the bowl with sliced jalapenos or adding some ancho chili powder to the spice rub.
• Make these bowls with shrimp using this Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Slaw recipe.
• Take this in Asian directions and turn them into sushi bowls.
• Add fish taco slaw and fish taco sauce.

Side Dishes Ideas

Since I skipped the carbs in this dish, my suggestions for side dishes will also be low-carb in sticking with the theme. Try one of the following as a side dish for your taco bowl.

• If you love a zesty, tangy lime flavor as much as I do, try this Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice. 
• Put the fish right on top of this Mexican Chopped Salad with Honey Lime Dressing if you prefer. 
• This Black Bean and Corn Salad are so tasty, you might not share. You can also pile it right into your bowl.
• While you're at the grill, might as well throw on some cauliflower and grill it up as I did in this Grilled Cauliflower recipe. 
• Watermelon and Avocado Salad rounds out this low-carb meal quite nicely. 

Ways to Serve Fish Taco Bowls

If you're not feeling the no-carb thing, don't worry, there are PLENTY of ways to add in your favorite tortillas or wraps. In addition to using a typical taco shell or tortilla, you could also try: 

• Adding the fish to lettuce for a low-carb taco "shell" that still feels like a taco.
• Make yummy Mexican-themed rice bowls with the fish, plus salsa, beans, cheese, jalapenos, and corn. Any of your favorite ingredients will work. 
• Place the fish right inside a nice, toasty roll or bun and top it with some hot sauce and your favorite slaw. 
• Make fish taco mini "bites" by using tortilla chips that are bowl- or shell-shaped. 

How Much Fish Do You Need for Fish Tacos? 

This recipe calls for 1.33 pounds of cod for four servings. If you're skipping the shell, then I think you're entitled to a little more fish per serving, don't you? Take out the carbs, add some extra protein. Pile high with all the "extras." This serving size allows for about a third of a pound of fish per person. If you were to add the tortillas, I'd cut it down to about a quarter pound of fish per person (keeping in mind I usually consider two tacos a serving).