Crispy Fish Tacos Slaw

Featured in: Fresh & Seasonal

Enjoy golden, crispy fish fillets coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs, fried to perfection. Nestled in warm tortillas, they are topped with a vibrant slaw of shredded green and red cabbage, julienned carrot, and fresh cilantro, all dressed in a tangy mayonnaise and Greek yogurt dressing. A creamy lime-infused sauce adds a bright, spicy kick. This dish balances crunchy textures with fresh, zesty flavors, ideal for a quick and satisfying meal.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 16:57:00 GMT
Golden, crispy fish tacos overflowing with fresh slaw, ready for a flavorful bite. Save
Golden, crispy fish tacos overflowing with fresh slaw, ready for a flavorful bite. | berrycottage.com

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

I first made these crispy fish tacos for a weekend dinner and they quickly became a family favorite for their crunch and fresh toppings.

Ingredients

  • White fish fillets (cod, tilapia, haddock): 450 g (1 lb), cut into strips
  • All-purpose flour: 75 g (½ cup)
  • Large eggs: 2, beaten
  • Panko breadcrumbs: 120 g (1 cup)
  • Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
  • Garlic powder: ½ tsp
  • Salt: ½ tsp, plus to taste for slaw
  • 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
  • Plain Greek yogurt: 2 tbsp
  • Lime juice: 1 tbsp plus 1 tbsp for sauce
  • Honey: ½ tsp
  • Corn or flour tortillas: 8 small, warmed
  • Avocado: 1, sliced
  • Lime wedges: For serving
  • Hot sauce (e.g. Sriracha): 1 tsp, for sauce (optional)
  • Garlic powder: ¼ tsp for sauce

Instructions

Prepare the Slaw:
In a large bowl, combine green and red cabbage, carrot, and cilantro. Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Pour the dressing over vegetables, toss well, and refrigerate until ready to use.
Create the Breading Station:
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 seasoned panko mixture.
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, until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Make 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.
Warm, griddled tortillas holding delicious crispy fish tacos and a creamy slaw topping. Save
Warm, griddled tortillas holding delicious crispy fish tacos and a creamy slaw topping. | berrycottage.com

This recipe brings back memories of lively family dinners, everyone building their own taco just the way they like.

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). Check all ingredient labels for potential allergens if unsure.

Nutritional Information

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

A close-up of beautifully plated crispy fish tacos, perfect for a satisfying meal. Save
A close-up of beautifully plated crispy fish tacos, perfect for a satisfying meal. | berrycottage.com

Serve immediately for optimum crunch and freshness. These tacos are sure to brighten up your next meal.

Recipe FAQ

What type of fish works best for this dish?

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

Can the fish be baked instead of fried?

Yes, baking at 220°C (425°F) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, offers a lighter alternative while keeping crispness.

How is the slaw dressing prepared?

The dressing combines mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper, tossed with shredded cabbage and carrot for freshness.

What gives the slaw its vibrant color and crunch?

The mix of green and red cabbage along with julienned carrot provides both vivid color and crisp texture.

Is there a recommended beverage pairing?

A crisp lager or a citrusy white wine complements the fresh and crispy flavors beautifully.

Crispy Fish Tacos Slaw

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

Prep duration
25 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Lily Anderson


Complexity Easy

Heritage Mexican-American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary 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 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 (e.g., Sriracha)
04 ¼ tsp garlic powder

Directions

Direction 01

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

Direction 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.

Direction 03

Prepare fish strips: Pat fish dry and cut into 1 x 3 inch strips.

Direction 04

Coat fish: Dredge each strip in flour, dip into eggs, then coat thoroughly in seasoned panko mixture.

Direction 05

Fry fish: Heat ½ inch vegetable oil in a large 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.

Direction 06

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

Direction 07

Assemble tacos: Place crispy fish pieces in warmed tortillas. Top with slaw, avocado slices, and drizzle with creamy sauce. Serve with lime wedges.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if you have concerns.
  • Contains fish, eggs, wheat (gluten), and dairy; verify labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional information (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