Crispy Fish Tacos Slaw (Printer View)

Golden crispy fish with vibrant cabbage slaw and creamy sauce nested in warm tortillas.

# What you'll need:

→ Fish

01 - 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock)
02 - ½ cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs
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, about ½ inch depth

→ Slaw

10 - 2 cups shredded green cabbage
11 - ½ cup shredded red cabbage
12 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
13 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - 2 tbsp mayonnaise
15 - 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
16 - 1 tbsp lime juice
17 - ½ tsp honey
18 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Assembly

19 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
20 - 1 avocado, sliced
21 - Lime wedges for serving

→ Creamy Sauce (Optional)

22 - 3 tbsp mayonnaise
23 - 1 tbsp lime juice
24 - 1 tsp hot sauce (e.g., Sriracha)
25 - ¼ tsp garlic powder

# Method:

01 - 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. Toss dressing with vegetables and refrigerate until serving.
02 - Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko mixed with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Pat fish fillets dry and cut into strips approximately 1 by 3 inches.
04 - Dredge each fish strip in flour, dip in egg, and then coat evenly with seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
05 - Heat vegetable oil to medium-high, about ½-inch deep, and fry fish in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels.
06 - Whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce, and garlic powder until smooth.
07 - Place crispy fish strips in warmed tortillas. Top with cabbage slaw, avocado slices, and a drizzle of creamy sauce if using. Serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy to make, ready in under an hour
  • Packed with vibrant flavors and contrasting textures
02 -
  • This recipe contains fish, eggs, wheat (gluten), and dairy; substitutions are possible for gluten-free and dairy-free versions
  • For a lighter meal, bake breaded fish at 220°C (425°F) for 12–15 minutes, flipping once
03 -
  • Pat fish very dry before breading for extra crispiness
  • Double the slaw for a crunchy salad side
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