Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

Craving a fresh and tasty seafood dish that’s both quick to prepare and deliciously satisfying? Look no further than these Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw! This recipe combines crispy fish with a tangy, refreshing slaw, bringing together flavors and textures that will make these tacos a family favorite. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun gathering with friends, this easy-to-make dish is as visually appealing as it is tasty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Burst of Flavors: With a blend of crispy, tangy, and spicy flavors, these tacos offer a unique fusion of tastes.
2. Easy to Prepare: This recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to find.
3. Healthy and Fresh: Filled with fresh vegetables and fish, these tacos are a healthier alternative to heavier taco fillings.

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Ingredients

For the Crispy Fish:

• 1 lb white fish fillets (like cod or tilapia), cut into strips
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Cilantro Lime Slaw:

• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 1 large carrot, shredded
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• 8 small corn tortillas
• Fresh lime wedges
• Optional toppings: avocado slices, salsa, jalapeño slices, or hot sauce

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

1. Season the Fish: Season the fish fillets with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Set Up the Coating Station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in a second bowl, and panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
3. Coat the Fish: Dredge each fish strip in flour, then dip in the beaten egg, and finally, coat with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Fry the Fish: In a large skillet, heat a layer of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the fish in batches, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side). Place the fried fish on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 2: Make the Cilantro Lime Slaw

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded green and purple cabbage, carrot, and chopped cilantro.
2. Add the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together lime juice, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss Together: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

1. Warm the Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or in the microwave until they are soft and pliable.
2. Build the Tacos: Place a piece of crispy fish in each tortilla. Top with a generous spoonful of cilantro lime slaw.
3. Add Optional Toppings: Add slices of avocado, a drizzle of hot sauce, or any other favorite toppings.
4. Serve: Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for extra flavor.

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Tips for the Best Fish Tacos

• Choose Fresh Fish: White fish fillets such as cod, tilapia, or halibut work well for their mild flavor and firm texture.
• Add Extra Spice: If you like your tacos spicy, add a dash of cayenne to the breading mix or garnish with fresh jalapeños.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve these tacos right after assembly, while the fish is still crispy.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 16g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 3g

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Why These Tacos Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw are perfect for casual dinners, summer gatherings, or even a fun twist on Taco Tuesday. Not only are they packed with nutrients, but they’re also a great way to enjoy seafood in a refreshing and flavorful way.

This recipe is adaptable, easy, and full of flavor that will impress your guests and satisfy any craving for a fresh and crispy meal. Try them out, and enjoy the amazing flavors of these tasty fish tacos!

Serving and Storage Tips for Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

To get the most out of your Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw, here are some handy tips for serving and storing:

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Serving Tips

1. Serve Immediately: For the best crispy texture, serve the fish tacos as soon as they’re assembled. This way, the fish stays crunchy, and the slaw remains fresh and crisp.
2. Toppings & Condiments: Offer a variety of optional toppings on the side such as:

• Fresh avocado slices
• Salsa (mango, tomato, or roasted corn)
• Pickled jalapeños
• Sour cream or a creamy chipotle sauce for a little extra flavor kick
• Hot sauce for those who like spice

1. Pair with a Side Dish: Serve these tacos with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or grilled vegetables to make the meal more filling.
2. Use Small Tortillas: Small corn tortillas (about 4-6 inches in diameter) are perfect for these tacos because they allow for just the right amount of filling without overwhelming the crispy fish.
3. Garnish with Fresh Lime: Squeeze a fresh lime wedge over the tacos right before eating to add a zesty, refreshing flavor that complements the fish and slaw.

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Storage Tips

1. Storing Leftovers:

• Fish: Leftover crispy fish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. However, the fish will lose its crispy texture. To reheat, place it in a hot oven (375°F or 190°C) for about 10 minutes to help restore some of the crispiness.
• Slaw: The cilantro lime slaw can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container. The flavors will even improve after sitting for a few hours, but the slaw may lose some crunch over time.
• Tortillas: Store any leftover tortillas in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container to prevent them from drying out. They can be stored at room temperature for 1-2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

1. Freezing Fish: While the fish can technically be frozen, it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture. If you do freeze the fish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in an airtight freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven to restore some crunch.
2. Reassembling Tacos: If you’re preparing the tacos ahead of time, store the fish, slaw, and tortillas separately. This way, you can assemble the tacos right before serving to maintain the crispy texture of the fish.

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Reheating and Reassembling Tips

• Fish: Reheat the fish in the oven for the best results. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the fish on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid using the microwave, as it will make the fish soggy.
• Slaw: Cilantro lime slaw is best served chilled, so simply store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
• Tortillas: If you have leftover tortillas, reheat them by warming them up in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side or in the microwave for about 20 seconds (covered with a damp paper towel) to make them soft and pliable.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw over multiple meals without sacrificing flavor or texture.

1. Can I use frozen fish fillets for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets for this recipe. However, it’s important to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. You can thaw the fish overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about 30 minutes.

2. What other types of fish can I use for crispy fish tacos?

While white fish like cod and tilapia are popular choices, you can also use other mild, flaky fish such as halibut, haddock, or even mahi-mahi. Just ensure that the fish you choose is firm enough to hold up during frying.

3. Can I make the slaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cilantro lime slaw ahead of time! It’s best to prepare the slaw up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld together, but it’s best to add the cilantro last to maintain its fresh flavor.

4. How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat to your crispy fish tacos, you can:

• Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the fish breading mixture.
• Drizzle a spicy chipotle sauce or hot sauce over the tacos before serving.
• Garnish with fresh sliced jalapeños or a spicy salsa.

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