Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw Recipe

Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw Recipe


Fish tacos with cabbage slaw are a fresh, flavorful, and light meal that's perfect for taco night or a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of tender fish, crunchy cabbage slaw, and a tangy sauce creates a delicious burst of flavor that is both satisfying and healthy. 

Whether you're using grilled, battered, or crispy fish, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that brings together the best of both flavor and texture. With the added crunch from the cabbage slaw and the zesty sauce, these tacos elevate the typical taco experience to something special. 

So, if you're craving a fun and vibrant dish that's as easy to make as it is to enjoy, this fish taco recipe with cabbage slaw is for you!

🛠️ Recipe Preparation Equipment

Before you start preparing your fish tacos with cabbage slaw, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:

  • Large mixing bowls – for preparing the slaw and mixing the fish with seasoning
  • Griddle or frying pan – for cooking the fish (grilling is an option too!)
  • Tongs or spatula – for flipping the fish
  • Knife and cutting board – for chopping vegetables and fish
  • Whisk – for making the sauce or dressing
  • Serving plates – for assembling the tacos
  • Measuring spoons – for accurate measurements of seasonings and sauces

🥢 What do you need to prepare Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw?

For the Fish Tacos:

  • 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or halibut work well)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas

For the Cabbage Slaw:

  • 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple cabbage)
  • 1 small carrot, grated
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Taco Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

🍽️ How to make Easy Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw Step-by-Step?

Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw Recipe


Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Start by seasoning your fish fillets with olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure both sides are coated evenly with the seasoning mix.

Step 2: Cook the Fish

Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, place the fish fillets onto the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is opaque and easily flakes with a fork. Be careful not to overcook the fish, as it can become dry.

Step 3: Prepare the Cabbage Slaw

While the fish is cooking, make the cabbage slaw. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, chopped cilantro, and red onion. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss to coat evenly. Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Taco Sauce

For the taco sauce, mix the sour cream, lime juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust the hot sauce to your desired level of spiciness. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Warm your tortillas in a dry pan or microwave for a few seconds to make them more pliable. To assemble the tacos, place a portion of the cooked fish onto each tortilla. Top with a generous scoop of cabbage slaw and drizzle with taco sauce. Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra zing.

🔄 Variations

While this fish taco recipe with cabbage slaw is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to switch it up and make it your own.

  • Grilled Fish Tacos: Instead of pan-frying the fish, you can grill it for a smoky flavor. Simply brush the fish with oil and seasonings, then cook on a preheated grill for 3-4 minutes per side.
  • Battered Fish Tacos: For a crunchy and indulgent twist, dip the fish fillets in a seasoned batter and fry them until golden brown. This adds a crispy coating that contrasts nicely with the slaw.
  • Different Slaw Variations: Feel free to swap out the cabbage for other crunchy vegetables like shredded kale, broccoli slaw, or even napa cabbage. You can also add sliced bell peppers or radishes for added crunch and color.
  • Different Sauces: If you prefer a spicier kick, try swapping out the sour cream for crema or adding chipotle peppers to the sauce. Alternatively, you could use a tangy yogurt-based sauce for a lighter version.

These variations allow you to personalize the recipe based on your preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.

🍳 Cooking Notes

  • Fish Choice: The choice of fish plays a big role in the flavor of the tacos. Cod, tilapia, or halibut are excellent choices because of their mild flavors and flaky textures. However, you can also use salmon for a richer flavor or even shrimp if you prefer seafood with a little more bite.
  • Don’t Overcook the Fish: Overcooking the fish can result in dry tacos. Make sure to cook the fish just until it flakes easily with a fork. This will ensure it stays tender and moist inside the taco.
  • Tortilla Choices: You can use either flour or corn tortillas for this recipe. Flour tortillas are soft and pliable, making them easier to fold, while corn tortillas have a more authentic flavor. If you prefer, you can warm the tortillas in a skillet with a little oil for extra flavor.
  • Prep Ahead: You can prepare the cabbage slaw and taco sauce in advance, making this recipe even quicker to assemble when it's time to eat. Just store the slaw and sauce separately in the fridge until you're ready to put the tacos together.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

These fish tacos with cabbage slaw are delicious on their own, but they pair well with a variety of sides and drinks. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:

  • Side Dishes: Serve your tacos with a side of Mexican rice or black beans for a hearty meal. Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini and bell peppers, also complement the tacos well.
  • Fresh Salsa: A side of fresh tomato salsa or pico de gallo adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color to the plate.
  • Avocado or Guacamole: Creamy avocado or guacamole is a perfect accompaniment to the tacos, enhancing the flavor and texture of the dish.
  • Cold Drink Pairings: Pair the tacos with a refreshing drink like a cold margarita, a citrus-infused iced tea, or a crisp Mexican lager.

These sides will help balance the flavors and add variety to your meal.

💡 Helpful Tips

  • Fish Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you like your tacos a little spicier, try adding chili powder, cayenne pepper, or paprika to the seasoning mix. A little cumin goes a long way in adding depth to the flavor profile.
  • Tortilla Heating: When warming your tortillas, be sure not to overheat them, or they may become too crispy to fold. A quick warm-up in the pan or microwave is enough to make them soft and pliable.
  • Taco Sauce Variations: If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can use Greek yogurt for a tangy alternative. You can also mix in a tablespoon of honey for a sweeter taco sauce.
  • Cabbage Slaw: If you're in a rush, use pre-shredded cabbage from the store. This will save you time on prep. To make the slaw even more flavorful, let it sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

🔥 Tips for the Best Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

For the best fish tacos, follow these tips:

  • Use Fresh Fish: Fresh, high-quality fish makes all the difference in this recipe. Look for fillets that are firm and smell fresh, not fishy.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the fish, avoid overcrowding the pan, as it can cause the fish to steam rather than sear. This results in a less crispy texture.
  • Let the Slaw Marinate: Letting the cabbage slaw sit for a while allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more flavorful topping for your tacos.
  • Taco Assembly: Assemble your tacos right before serving to avoid soggy tortillas. This ensures that each bite is fresh and full of flavor.

⏱️ Timing Overview

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Taco)

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 15g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
A: Yes, frozen fish works just fine, but be sure to thaw it thoroughly before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Q: Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
A: While the fish should be cooked fresh, you can prepare the slaw and sauce ahead of time to save time on taco night.

Q: What kind of fish is best for tacos?
A: Mild white fish like cod, tilapia, or halibut works best for fish tacos because they have a delicate flavor that complements the slaw and sauce.

🌟 Conclusion

Fish tacos with cabbage slaw are a perfect meal for any occasion. The combination of tender, flavorful fish and crunchy, tangy slaw creates a satisfying dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, these tacos are sure to be a hit. 

With easy-to-follow instructions and plenty of room for customization, you can make this recipe your own and enjoy a delicious meal every time. 

Enjoy your fish tacos with cabbage slaw a fresh and vibrant twist on taco night!

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