Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

Name: Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound White fish fillets (Such as cod or tilapia); 1 cup All-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Paprika; 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (Optional); To taste Salt and pepper; 1 cup Buttermilk; As needed Vegetable oil; 2 cups Shredded cabbage; 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro (Chopped); 2 tablespoons Lime juice; 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise; 1/2 teaspoon Honey; 8 small Corn or flour tortillas; As desired Lime wedges; As desired Optional toppings (Sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or Cotija cheese)

Jessica Baker

Update : January 27, 2026

Crispy fish tacos with cilantro lime slaw on a wooden plate

Why Make This Recipe

Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw are a delicious and fun meal option. They combine crunchy, flavorful fish with a refreshing slaw, making each bite exciting. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also adds a hint of summer to your table, perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. The combination of flavors and textures will surely impress anyone you serve it to!

How to Make Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

Ingredients

1 pound White fish fillets (Such as cod or tilapia)
1 cup All-purpose flour (For coating the fish)
1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder (For flavor)
1/2 teaspoon Paprika (For flavor and color)
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (Optional, for heat)
To taste Salt and pepper (For seasoning the fish)
1 cup Buttermilk (For dipping the fish)
As needed Vegetable oil (For frying)
2 cups Shredded cabbage (Green or purple)
1/4 cup Fresh cilantro (Chopped)
2 tablespoons Lime juice (For flavor)
2 tablespoons Mayonnaise (For creaminess)
1/2 teaspoon Honey (For a touch of sweetness)
To taste Salt and pepper (For seasoning the slaw)
8 small Corn or flour tortillas (Warmed)
As desired Lime wedges (For serving)
As desired Optional toppings (Sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or Cotija cheese)

Directions

In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
In a separate bowl, pour the buttermilk.
Dip each fish fillet into the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture until well coated.
Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the fish fillets and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy.
Transfer the cooked fish to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, lime juice, mayonnaise, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly combined and set aside.
Place a piece of crispy fish in each warm tortilla. Top with a generous scoop of cilantro lime slaw and add any additional toppings you like.
Serve the tacos with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus and enjoy immediately.

How to Serve Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

Serve these tacos warm on a platter with lime wedges on the side. You can also provide extra toppings like sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or Cotija cheese for guests to customize their tacos. Pair with a light beverage like lemonade or a refreshing beer for a delightful meal.

How to Store Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

If you have leftovers, store the fish tacos components separately. Place the fried fish in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The slaw can also be stored in a separate container and will last about 3 days. Warm the fish in an oven or skillet before assembling the tacos again.

Tips to Make Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the fish; this helps it become crispy.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the fish, as it may lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fish.
Feel free to adjust the spices in the flour mixture to fit your taste preferences.

Variation

To switch things up, you can try using shrimp instead of white fish. You can also grill the fish rather than frying for a healthier option. For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper or serve with a spicy sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating and frying.

Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the slaw a few hours ahead and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

What can I serve with fish tacos?
Fish tacos pair well with sides like Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple green salad. Enjoy with a light drink like agua fresca or sparkling water!