If you're looking for a flavor-packed, no-fuss summer recipe that brings the heat of the Gulf Coast straight to your backyard, these Cajun Grouper Tacos are a must-try. They’re smoky, spicy, buttery, and balanced with a cool, creamy slaw and a punchy chipotle crema that takes things to the next level.

I took fresh grouper filets, seasoned them up with my Cajun Creole Garlic Butter Rub, and cooked them hot and fast on the Traeger Flatrock Griddle. Piled high on charred flour tortillas with homemade lime slaw and a zesty chipotle sauce, these tacos hit all the right notes: tender fish, crispy edges, and bold Cajun flavor with every bite.

Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just spicing up your weeknight dinner, these tacos are guaranteed to impress.

Cajun Grouper Tacos with Chipotle Crema and Crunchy Slaw | Heath Riles BBQ

These tacos are a true Southern coastal classic with a BBQ twist. The grouper is buttery and flaky with a bold Cajun crust. The slaw adds crunch and tang. And that homemade chipotle crema? It brings just the right amount of creamy heat to tie it all together. Every component is easy to prep, and you can customize the spice level to suit your crowd.

It’s fresh, fast, and full of flavor—and it’s all done in under an hour.

The Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make these bold, flavor-packed Cajun Grouper Tacos:

Grouper. About 1.5 to 2 pounds of fresh grouper filets, cut into strips or chunks. Grouper is a firm, mild white fish that holds up well on the grill and takes on flavor beautifully.

Seasoning. I used my Heath Riles Cajun Creole Garlic Butter Rub for that perfect balance of savory heat, butter, and bold Cajun spices. It’s the star seasoning in both the fish and the slaw. For the slaw, I also added a little Heath Riles Garlic Jalapeño Rub to bring a pop of garlic flavor and just the right touch of heat. Together, they give these tacos a flavorful kick that’s anything but boring.

Oil. A drizzle of olive oil helps the seasoning stick and prevents the fish from drying out on the grill.

Butter. A couple of pats of butter thrown on the griddle add richness and help keep the fish juicy while cooking.

Tortillas. I like soft flour tortillas for these tacos—they’re easy to char on the griddle and hold all the fillings without falling apart.

Slaw Mix. One 10 oz bag of angel hair coleslaw makes the perfect crunchy base. The thin strands soak up flavor without getting soggy.

Veggies. You’ll need four green onions (white and green parts) and half of a red onion, sliced paper thin. These give the slaw its bite and add fresh, sharp contrast to the rich fish.

Lime Juice. The juice of limes adds acidity and brightness to both the slaw and the chipotle crema.

Mayo. About ⅓ cup of mayo brings the slaw together with creamy texture and just a touch of richness. You can swap for avocado oil or olive oil if you prefer.

Chipotle Salsa. I used two generous spoonfuls of chipotle salsa for the crema. It adds smoky heat and deep flavor without the need for blending up peppers.

Mexican Crema. Half a container of crema creates a silky, tangy base for the sauce. You can sub in sour cream if that’s what you’ve got on hand.

Pro Tip: Let your seasoned fish sit in the fridge while the grill heats up—this gives the rub time to penetrate and helps the fish hold its shape when it hits the griddle.

Grill Setup

I cooked these tacos on the Traeger Flatrock Griddle for even heat and a perfect sear. You can also use a cast iron skillet or a flat-top grill. Keep it at medium-high heat and use a little oil to keep the fish from sticking. A digital thermometer is handy to make sure your grouper hits that perfect 145°F internal temp.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Slaw

Start by dumping your angel hair slaw into a large mixing bowl. Add in lime juice, mayo, Cajun Creole Garlic Butter Rub, Garlic Jalapeño Rub, green onion, and thinly sliced red onion. Use tongs to toss everything together until well-coated. Let it chill in the fridge while you prep the rest—this helps the flavors marry and keeps the cabbage crisp.

Pro tip: Don’t overdo the mayo. The salt and lime will naturally draw out moisture from the cabbage, so start light—you can always add more at the end.

2. Prep the Grouper

Slice your grouper into taco-friendly pieces. Drizzle with olive oil and toss with plenty of my Cajun Creole Garlic Butter Rub. It’s got the perfect balance of butter, garlic, and Cajun spice—without blowing out your taste buds.

Let the seasoned fish marinate in the fridge while you make the sauce and get the grill hot.

3. Make the Chipotle Crema

In a blender, combine the crema, lime juice, and chipotle salsa. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust with more lime or chipotle if needed. You want a bold, smoky, slightly spicy sauce that balances out the fish and slaw.

4. Grill the Fish

Fire up your griddle or skillet to medium-high and add a little oil. Once hot, lay out the grouper and let it cook undisturbed until it starts to blacken. Flip, add a pat of butter, and let it finish cooking through. The fish should flake easily and reach an internal temp of 145°F.

5. Warm the Tortillas

While the fish rests, toss your flour tortillas on the griddle just long enough to get some light char and make them pliable. Keep them warm in a tortilla holder or wrapped in a towel.

6. Assemble the Tacos

To build your tacos, layer slaw on each tortilla, then add a few pieces of blackened grouper. Drizzle with chipotle crema and serve with lime wedges. That’s it—Cajun taco heaven.

The Final Result

These tacos came out absolutely loaded with flavor. The grouper was flaky with a savory Cajun crust. The slaw was crisp and tangy with just the right touch of heat. And that chipotle crema? It tied everything together with a smoky, creamy punch that made each bite pop.

You could throw these down at any backyard BBQ, tailgate, or beachside bash and they’d be gone in minutes.

Perfect Pairings

These Cajun Grouper Tacos are bold, buttery, and bursting with flavor—which means they pair perfectly with other fresh, vibrant sides. Here are a couple of my favorite recipes to round out your taco night:

Simple Pico de Gallo & Guacamole – This duo of fresh tomato salsa and creamy guacamole is the perfect complement to the spicy, blackened grouper. Serve it with chips or spoon it right on top of your tacos.

Grilled Corn with Citrus Lime Butter – Sweet corn on the cob, kissed with smoke and slathered in a zesty lime butter. It’s a bright, buttery side that plays perfectly with the Cajun heat.

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got extra fish, slaw, or sauce, store them separately in airtight containers. The fish will keep for 2–3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently in a skillet or on the griddle. Slaw is best eaten fresh but will keep for a day or two.

Final Thoughts

These Cajun Grouper Tacos are fresh, bold, and ready for the spotlight at your next cookout. They come together fast, taste like something you’d get at a beachside grill shack, and they showcase just how versatile a great rub and a few fresh ingredients can be.

Try them out and let me know what you think—tag me in your cook and show off those taco builds. I can’t wait to see how you make them your own.

Equipment and Tools

Traeger Flatrock Griddle, Mixing bowls, Blender or food processor, Tongs, Spatula, Thermoworks Thermapen ONE, Tortilla warmer