Name: Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb white fish fillets (cod or tilapia); ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup cornstarch; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ¾ cup cold sparkling water; Vegetable oil (for frying); 2 cups shredded green cabbage; 1 cup shredded purple cabbage; ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro; Juice of 1 lime; 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 1 tbsp honey; Salt and pepper (to taste); ½ cup sour cream; 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 1 tbsp lime juice; ½ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp cumin; Salt (to taste); 8 small corn or flour tortillas; Lime wedges (for serving); Extra chopped cilantro (for garnish); Optional: avocado slices, pickled red onions, hot sauce

If you’re looking to spice up taco night, this Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw and Zesty Cream Sauce recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with flavor, these tacos are perfectly balanced between crispy golden fish, tangy lime slaw, and a creamy, zesty sauce that brings everything together in one heavenly bite. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or simply craving something satisfying and refreshing, these tacos hit the spot.

You only need a few basic tools to whip up these irresistible Crispy Fish Tacos—everything’s easy to find and affordable:

Equipment:

Mixing bowls – for slaw, sauce, and batter – Shop now on amzon
Sharp knife – to slice cabbage and fish with ease – Get one here
Skillet or deep pan – for crispy, golden frying – Order now
Tongs – to flip and lift fish safely – Check it out
Paper towels – for draining excess oil – Find them here

Gather your essentials and get ready to serve up crispy, creamy, flavor-loaded tacos that everyone will rave about!

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Fish Tacos

Crispy and crunchy texture: Thanks to a blend of flour, cornstarch, and sparkling water, the fish gets a light, airy, ultra-crispy coating.
Bright and zesty flavor: Lime juice and fresh cilantro give both the slaw and the sauce a refreshing burst.
Quick and easy: Ready in under 45 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknights.
Customizable toppings: Add avocado, pickled onions, or hot sauce to suit your taste.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Fish

1 lb white fish fillets (like cod or tilapia)
Choose firm, mild fish like cod, tilapia, or even haddock. These hold up well during frying.
½ cup all-purpose flour & ½ cup cornstarch
This combination creates the ultimate crunchy coating.
1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
These seasonings infuse flavor into the batter and help balance the taste.
¾ cup cold sparkling water
The secret to a light and crisp batter. The bubbles create an airy texture when fried.
Vegetable oil, for frying
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or sunflower oil.

For the Cilantro Lime Slaw

2 cups shredded green cabbage & 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
A crunchy and colorful base that pairs beautifully with the crispy fish.
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Adds a fresh, herby note.
Juice of 1 lime, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon honey
A tangy-sweet dressing to bring balance to the dish.
Salt and pepper, to taste
Enhances the natural flavors of the slaw.

For the Sauce

½ cup sour cream & 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
A creamy base that’s rich and smooth.
1 tablespoon lime juice
Brings acidity to cut through the richness.
½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon cumin
Adds depth and warmth.
Salt, to taste
Always season to perfection.

To Assemble

8 small corn or flour tortillas
Warmed slightly for best results.
Lime wedges & extra chopped cilantro
For garnish and added freshness.
Optional toppings: Avocado slices, pickled red onions, hot sauce
Make your tacos your own with a variety of toppings.

Crispy fish tacos topped with creamy cilantro lime slaw

Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Cilantro Lime Slaw

Start by making the slaw so it has time to marinate and develop flavor.

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green and purple cabbage.
Add the chopped fresh cilantro.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, mayonnaise, and honey until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to coat.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Set aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the components.

Step 2: Make the Zesty Cream Sauce

This sauce brings richness and zing — it’s the perfect contrast to the crispy fish.

Instructions:

In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, and cumin.
Add salt to taste.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. This sauce can be made a few hours ahead of time for even more flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Crispy Fish

This is the star of the dish. The key is cold sparkling water and a well-balanced batter.

Instructions:

Pat the fish dry and cut into strips or bite-sized pieces for even frying.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Gradually whisk in the cold sparkling water until the batter is smooth. It should be thick enough to coat the fish.
Heat about 1 to 1.5 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
Dip each fish piece into the batter, letting the excess drip off, then carefully place into the hot oil.
Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Assembling Your Perfect Fish Tacos

Now that every component is ready, it’s time to assemble!

Instructions:

Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
Spread a spoonful of the zesty cream sauce onto the tortilla.
Add a portion of the crispy fried fish.
Top with a generous handful of cilantro lime slaw.
Garnish with fresh lime wedges, extra cilantro, and your choice of optional toppings like avocado or pickled onions.
Drizzle with hot sauce if desired for an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

These tacos are incredibly flavorful on their own, but you can also serve them with:

Mexican street corn (elote)
Cilantro-lime rice
Refried beans or black beans
Fresh guacamole and tortilla chips

For drinks, pair with a cold Mexican beer, sparkling lime water, or a margarita for a full-on fiesta.

Tips for the Best Fish Tacos

Choose Fresh Fish

Freshness is key when it comes to fish. If you’re not using it the same day, keep it in the coldest part of your fridge or ask your fishmonger for advice.

Keep the Batter Cold

Cold sparkling water is essential. Keep the batter chilled until just before frying for the crispiest texture.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature consistent. Overcrowding can result in soggy fish.

Let the Slaw Sit

Allowing the slaw to sit for at least 15–20 minutes helps the flavors meld and softens the cabbage slightly for better texture.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Slaw: Can be made up to 1 day in advance. Store covered in the fridge.
Sauce: Best made fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Fish: Best served immediately, but you can reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes to regain some crispness.
Tortillas: Can be warmed and kept in a tortilla warmer or wrapped in foil in a warm oven.

Variations and Substitutions

Grilled Fish Tacos: Instead of frying, marinate fish in lime juice, olive oil, and spices, then grill.
Baja Fish Tacos: Use beer instead of sparkling water in the batter, and add shredded cheese and pico de gallo.
Spicy Twist: Add chipotle powder or cayenne to the batter for heat.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and corn tortillas.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw and Zesty Cream Sauce are the ultimate way to bring bold, fresh flavors to your dinner table. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a weekend gathering, these tacos are always a hit. With crunchy fish, creamy sauce, and tangy slaw wrapped in a soft tortilla, every bite is a flavor explosion.

Easy to make and fun to assemble, these tacos will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Love this recipe?

Be sure to bookmark it, share it with your friends, and try it with your favorite toppings. Happy cooking and taco feasting!

Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

Author: Freya Allen
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy fish tacos topped with creamy cilantro lime slaw and zesty sauce—perfect for taco night or a fresh summer dinner!

Instructions

Make the Slaw: Mix cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, mayo, honey, salt, and pepper. Chill.
Prepare Sauce: Whisk all sauce ingredients together until smooth.
Batter the Fish: Mix dry ingredients, then whisk in cold sparkling water.
Fry the Fish: Heat oil and fry battered fish until golden and crispy.
Assemble Tacos: Warm tortillas, layer slaw, crispy fish, sauce, and toppings.
Serve: Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges, and enjoy!