Crispy Fish Tacos Slaw

Featured in: Dinner Crunch

These golden, crispy fish fillets are coated in seasoned panko, fried to perfection, and placed inside warm tortillas. A vibrant cabbage slaw, made from shredded green and red cabbage with carrot and fresh cilantro, adds a refreshing crunch, while a creamy lime-infused sauce ties the flavors together. Avocado slices and lime wedges complete this bright, satisfying meal ideal for a quick and flavorful lunch or dinner.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 12:30:00 GMT
Golden, crispy fried fish tacos with vibrant slaw, a fresh and delicious Mexican-American favorite. Save
Golden, crispy fried fish tacos with vibrant slaw, a fresh and delicious Mexican-American favorite. | kookycrunch.com

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

The first time I made these crispy fish tacos was for a summer dinner with friends. They were a huge hit and have quickly become a family favorite for weeknight meals.

Ingredients

  • White fish fillets: 450 g (1 lb) (such as cod, tilapia, or haddock)
  • All-purpose flour: 75 g (½ cup)
  • Large eggs: 2
  • 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 for slaw, 3 tbsp for sauce (optional)
  • Plain Greek yogurt: 2 tbsp
  • Lime juice: 1 tbsp for slaw, 1 tbsp for sauce (optional)
  • Honey: ½ tsp
  • Salt and pepper: to taste (for slaw)
  • Corn or flour tortillas: 8 small, warmed
  • Avocado: 1, sliced
  • Lime wedges: for serving
  • Hot sauce: 1 tsp (optional, e.g., Sriracha)
  • Garlic powder (for sauce): ¼ tsp

Instructions

Prepare the Slaw:
In a large bowl, combine green and 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 Station:
Set out 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 Fish:
Pat fish fillets dry and cut into strips (about 2.5 x 8 cm (1 x 3 inches)).
Bread Fish:
Dredge each fish strip in flour, dip in egg, then coat in seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
Cook 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 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Make 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.
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My kids love building their own tacos and adding extra lime. These tacos bring us together at the table for a delicious meal everyone enjoys.

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 all ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional Information

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

Close-up of fully assembled crispy fish tacos, showing flaky fish, cool slaw, ready to eat. Save
Close-up of fully assembled crispy fish tacos, showing flaky fish, cool slaw, ready to eat. | kookycrunch.com

Serve these crispy fish tacos fresh for the best texture. Enjoy with your favorite cold beverage for a perfect meal.

Recipe FAQ

What type of fish works best for this dish?

White fish fillets like cod, tilapia, or haddock are ideal due to their mild flavor and flaky texture.

How can I make the fish extra crispy?

Coat the fish strips in seasoned flour, dip in beaten eggs, then cover in panko breadcrumbs before frying until golden.

Can the slaw dressing be adjusted for different tastes?

Yes, the mayo and Greek yogurt base can be swapped or complemented with lime juice, honey, and seasonings to suit your preference.

Is there a healthier cooking alternative for the fish?

Baking the breaded fish at 220°C (425°F) for 12–15 minutes offers a lighter option with a crispy finish.

What are some optional toppings to enhance flavor?

Pickled onions, jalapeños, or avocado slices add extra zest and creaminess to the assembled tacos.

Crispy Fish Tacos Slaw

Golden crispy fish paired with vibrant slaw and creamy sauce on warm tortillas for a fresh meal.

Prep duration
25 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Jake Peterson


Skill level Easy

Heritage Mexican-American

Output 4 Portions

Diet considerations None specified

Components

Fish

01 1 lb white fish fillets (e.g., cod, tilapia, 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

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

Phase 01

Prepare the Slaw: Combine green and red cabbage, julienned carrot, and chopped cilantro in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss dressing with vegetables and refrigerate until serving.

Phase 02

Set Up Breading Stations: Arrange 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.

Phase 03

Prepare Fish: Pat fish fillets dry and cut into strips approximately 1 x 3 inches.

Phase 04

Bread the Fish: Dredge each fish strip in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat evenly with seasoned panko breadcrumbs.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Prepare the Creamy Sauce (Optional): Whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce, and garlic powder until smooth.

Phase 07

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component carefully for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about any ingredient.
  • Contains fish, eggs, wheat (gluten), and dairy

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 490
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Proteins: 26 g