Crispy Fish Tacos Slaw

Featured in: Quick Dude Dinners

This dish features golden, crispy white fish fillets fried to perfection and nestled inside warm tortillas. A tangy, fresh cabbage slaw with shredded green and red cabbage, carrot, and cilantro tops the fish for crunch and color. The creamy sauce, combining mayonnaise, lime, and a hint of heat, adds a smooth finish. Easily assembled and perfect for a quick, flavorful meal with a balance of textures and vibrant tastes.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 08:43:00 GMT
Golden, crispy fish tacos overflowing with fresh slaw, ready to be enjoyed with lime wedges. Pin It
Golden, crispy fish tacos overflowing with fresh slaw, ready to be enjoyed with lime wedges. | dudesnack.com

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

The first time I made these crispy fish tacos, my family couldn&t stop raving about how all the flavors came together. The slaw and sauce elevated every bite and every taco disappeared in minutes!

Ingredients

  • White fish fillets (cod, tilapia, haddock): 450 g (1 lb), cut into strips
  • All-purpose flour: 75 g (½ cup)
  • Eggs: 2 large, beaten
  • Panko breadcrumbs: 120 g (1 cup), mixed with 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 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) plus 3 tbsp (for sauce)
  • Greek yogurt: 2 tbsp
  • Lime juice: 1 tbsp (for slaw) plus 1 tbsp (for sauce)
  • Honey: ½ tsp
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
  • Corn or flour tortillas: 8 small, warmed
  • Avocado: 1, sliced
  • Lime wedges: for serving
  • Hot sauce (Sriracha): 1 tsp (for sauce, optional)
  • Garlic powder: ¼ tsp (for sauce)

Instructions

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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 dressing over vegetables, toss well, refrigerate until ready to use.
Set up breading station:
Use 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.
Prepare fish strips:
Pat fillets dry, 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 seasoned panko.
Fry the fish:
Heat about 1 cm (½ inch) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry fish strips in batches 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Make creamy sauce (optional):
Whisk together 3 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp hot sauce, and ¼ tsp garlic powder.
Assemble tacos:
Place crispy fish in each tortilla. Top with slaw, avocado slices, and drizzle of creamy sauce. Serve with lime wedges.
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This recipe brings memories of gathering around the table with my kids, laughing and stacking our tacos high. It&s always a hit for taco night and creates moments 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), and dairy. All dairy can be substituted as needed. Always check product packaging if unsure.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (2 tacos): 490 calories, 22 g fat, 47 g carbs, 26 g protein

A delicious photo of crispy fish tacos: golden fried fish strips and flavorful cabbage slaw. Pin It
A delicious photo of crispy fish tacos: golden fried fish strips and flavorful cabbage slaw. | dudesnack.com
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Let everyone build their own tacos at the table for a fun, customizable dinner that will quickly become a family favorite.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of fish works best for the tacos?

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

Can I bake the fish instead of frying?

Yes, the breaded fish can be baked at 220°C (425°F) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lighter alternative.

How is the cabbage slaw made vibrant and flavorful?

Combining green and red cabbage with julienned carrot, fresh cilantro, and a tangy dressing made of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and honey creates a fresh, colorful slaw.

What gives the creamy sauce its mild heat?

A touch of hot sauce, like Sriracha, combined with lime and garlic powder, adds a gentle spicy kick.

Are there any suggested toppings to enhance the dish?

Avocado slices, lime wedges, pickled onions, or jalapeños add extra flavor and texture to the tacos.

What sides pair well with this dish?

A crisp lager or citrusy white wine complements the flavors and freshness nicely.

Crispy Fish Tacos Slaw

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

Prep Time
25 minutes
Time to Cook
15 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Created by Jake Anderson

Recipe Category Quick Dude Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Mexican-American

Output 4 Portion Size

Diet Preferences None specified

What You'll Need

Fish

01 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, haddock)
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

Slaw

01 2 cups shredded green cabbage
02 ½ cup shredded red cabbage
03 1 medium carrot, julienned
04 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
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 (Sriracha)
04 ¼ tsp garlic powder

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare the slaw: Combine green and 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.

Step 02

Set up breading stations: Arrange three shallow bowls containing flour, beaten eggs, and panko mixed with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Bread the fish: Dredge each fish strip in flour, dip into egg, then coat evenly with the seasoned panko mixture.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Assemble tacos: Fill each warmed tortilla with crispy fish strips, slaw, avocado slices, and drizzle with creamy sauce if desired. Serve with lime wedges.

Gear Needed

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

Allergy Details

Always review all ingredients for allergens before starting. Check with a health specialist if uncertain.
  • Contains fish, eggs, wheat (gluten), and dairy (in slaw and sauce)

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutrition info is for guidance and isn't a substitute for professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 490
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Proteins: 26 g