Crispy Fish Tacos Slaw

Featured in: Seasonal Treats

This dish features golden, crispy white fish fillets coated in seasoned panko and fried until crunchy. They're nestled in warm tortillas and topped with a fresh, tangy cabbage slaw made from green and red cabbage, carrot, and cilantro dressed with a lime-infused creamy dressing. Optional creamy sauce adds a spicy lime kick, while sliced avocado offers smoothness. Perfect for a quick, flavorful meal. Baking option available for a lighter version.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 13:57:00 GMT
Golden, crispy fish tacos with vibrant slaw offer a delicious, flavorful Mexican-American cuisine experience. Pin
Golden, crispy fish tacos with vibrant slaw offer a delicious, flavorful Mexican-American cuisine experience. | cinnamonnest.com

Golden, crispy fish fillets nestled in warm tortillas, topped with a vibrant cabbage slaw and creamy sauce: perfect for a fresh and flavorful meal.

When I first made these crispy fish tacos, my family fell in love with the savory fried fish and zesty slaw combo. Now, it's our go-to meal when we crave something wholesome yet fun.

Ingredients

  • White fish fillets: 450 g (1 lb), such as cod, tilapia, or haddock
  • All-purpose flour: 75 g (½ cup)
  • Eggs: 2 large
  • Panko breadcrumbs: 120 g (1 cup)
  • Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
  • Garlic powder: ½ tsp
  • Salt: ½ tsp
  • Black pepper: ¼ tsp
  • Vegetable oil: For frying
  • Green cabbage: 200 g (2 cups), shredded
  • Red cabbage: 50 g (½ cup), shredded
  • Carrot: 1 medium, julienned
  • Fresh cilantro: 2 tbsp, chopped
  • Mayonnaise: 2 tbsp (plus 3 tbsp for sauce, if using)
  • Plain Greek yogurt: 2 tbsp
  • Lime juice: 1 tbsp (plus 1 tbsp for sauce, if using)
  • Honey: ½ tsp
  • Salt and pepper: To taste
  • Corn or flour tortillas: 8 small, warmed
  • Avocado: 1, sliced
  • Lime wedges: For serving
  • Hot sauce: 1 tsp (e.g. Sriracha, for sauce)
  • Garlic powder: ¼ tsp (for sauce)

Instructions

Prepare the slaw:
In a large bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, carrot, and cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the vegetables, toss well, and refrigerate until ready to use.
Set up breading stations:
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Prep the fish:
Pat fish fillets dry and cut into strips (about 2.5 x 8 cm / 1 x 3 inches).
Bread the fish:
Dredge each fish strip in flour, dip in egg, then coat in the seasoned panko.
Cook the fish:
Heat about 1 cm (½ inch) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry fish strips in batches for 2, 3 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Mix the creamy sauce (optional):
Whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce, and garlic powder.
Assemble tacos:
Place a few pieces of crispy fish in each tortilla. Top with slaw, avocado slices, and a drizzle of creamy sauce. Serve with lime wedges.
Pin
| cinnamonnest.com

I remember serving these during a summer picnic and the kids couldn't stop asking for seconds. It was a meal everyone enjoyed together outside under the sun.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowls, shallow bowls for breading, large skillet, tongs, paper towels, sharp knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains: Fish, Eggs, Wheat (gluten), Dairy (in slaw and sauce, can be substituted). Always check ingredient labels for allergens if unsure.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 490, Total Fat: 22 g, Carbohydrates: 47 g, Protein: 26 g (per serving, 2 tacos)

Close-up of freshly made crispy fish tacos, showing golden fried fish and colorful slaw filling. Pin
Close-up of freshly made crispy fish tacos, showing golden fried fish and colorful slaw filling. | cinnamonnest.com

These crispy fish tacos with slaw are sure to bring color and flavor to your dinner table. Enjoy every crunchy, creamy bite!

Recipe FAQ

What type of fish works best for this dish?

White fish fillets such as cod, tilapia, or haddock are ideal for their mild flavor and flaky texture.

How can I make the fish extra crispy?

Coat the fish strips thoroughly in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and fry in hot oil until golden brown on both sides.

Is there a way to prepare this dish without frying?

For a lighter option, bake the breaded fish at 220°C (425°F) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What ingredients are used in the cabbage slaw?

The slaw combines shredded green and red cabbage, julienned carrot, fresh cilantro, and a creamy lime dressing made with mayonnaise and Greek yogurt.

How can I add extra flavor to the creamy sauce?

Mix mayonnaise with lime juice, a touch of hot sauce such as Sriracha, and garlic powder for a zesty finish.

What are good serving suggestions for this dish?

Serve with warm corn or flour tortillas, sliced avocado, lime wedges, and consider pairing with a crisp lager or citrusy white wine.

Crispy Fish Tacos Slaw

Golden crispy fish fillets with fresh cabbage slaw and creamy sauce in warm tortillas.

Prep duration
25 min
Cooking duration
15 min
Total duration
40 min

Category Seasonal Treats

Difficulty Easy

Origin Mexican-American

Yield 4 Servings

Dietary requirements None specified

Ingredients

Fish

01 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock), cut into strips
02 ½ cup all-purpose flour
03 2 large eggs, beaten
04 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
05 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 ½ tsp garlic powder
07 ½ tsp salt
08 ¼ tsp black pepper
09 Vegetable oil, for frying (approximately ½ inch deep)

Slaw

01 2 cups shredded green cabbage
02 ½ cup shredded red cabbage
03 1 medium carrot, julienned
04 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
05 2 tbsp mayonnaise
06 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
07 1 tbsp lime juice
08 ½ tsp honey
09 Salt and pepper, to taste

Assembly

01 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
02 1 avocado, sliced
03 Lime wedges, for serving

Creamy Sauce (Optional)

01 3 tbsp mayonnaise
02 1 tbsp lime juice
03 1 tsp hot sauce (e.g., Sriracha)
04 ¼ tsp garlic powder

Directions

Step 01

Prepare the slaw: Combine green cabbage, red cabbage, carrot, and cilantro in a large bowl. Whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Pour dressing over vegetables, toss well, and refrigerate until needed.

Step 02

Set up breading stations: Place flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in another, and mix panko with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a third bowl.

Step 03

Prepare fish strips: Pat fish strips dry. Dredge each piece in flour, dip into eggs, then coat evenly with the seasoned panko mixture.

Step 04

Fry the fish: Heat vegetable oil to medium-high temperature in a skillet with ½ inch depth. Fry fish strips in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

Step 05

Make the creamy sauce (optional): Whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce, and garlic powder until smooth.

Step 06

Assemble tacos: Place several pieces of crispy fish onto each warmed tortilla. Top with slaw, avocado slices, and drizzle with creamy sauce if desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Necessary tools

  • Large mixing bowls
  • Three shallow bowls for breading
  • Large skillet
  • Tongs
  • Paper towels
  • Sharp knife and cutting board

Allergy information

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain.
  • Contains fish, eggs, wheat (gluten), and dairy (may substitute for dairy-free options).

Nutritional information (per serving)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 490
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Carbs: 47 g
  • Protein: 26 g