Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

If you’re craving the perfect balance of crispy, tangy, creamy, and fresh, look no further than these Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw. With golden, beer-battered white fish, a zesty slaw, creamy lime sauce, and warm tortillas, this recipe brings restaurant-quality fish tacos straight to your kitchen.

Whether it’s Taco Tuesday, a weekend gathering, or a weeknight dinner, these tacos deliver bold flavors, irresistible crunch, and fresh toppings that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

🌮 Why You’ll Love These Crispy Fish Tacos

• Ultra Crispy Fish: Light batter made with sparkling water creates the perfect crunch.
• Zesty, Creamy Slaw: Cilantro lime slaw adds freshness and brightness to every bite.
• Homemade Sauce: A cool, tangy sauce that complements the crispy fish perfectly.
• Fully Customizable: Add avocado, pickled onions, hot sauce — make them your own!
• Better than takeout: Easy to make at home with simple, fresh ingredients.

📝 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crispy Fish:

• 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ cup cold sparkling water
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Cilantro Lime Slaw:

• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Sauce:

• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cumin
• Salt, to taste

To Assemble:

• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Extra cilantro, for garnish
• Optional toppings: Avocado slices, pickled red onions, hot sauce

⏱️ Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Calories: Approx. 490 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4 (2 tacos per serving)

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cilantro Lime Slaw

• In a large bowl, combine green cabbage, purple cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, mayonnaise, and honey.
• Season with salt and pepper. Toss well and refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, and salt.
• Chill in the refrigerator until serving.

3. Fry the Crispy Fish

• Pat fish dry and cut into strips.
• In a bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Slowly add sparkling water, stirring until smooth but slightly thick.
• Heat 2 inches of oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
• Dip fish into batter, let excess drip off, and fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
• Drain on paper towels.

4. Warm the Tortillas

• Toast tortillas on a dry skillet or open flame until warm and pliable.

5. Assemble the Tacos

• Place crispy fish in each tortilla.
• Top with a generous handful of slaw.
• Drizzle with creamy sauce.
• Garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, and your favorite toppings.

🔥 Pro Tips for Perfect Fish Tacos

• Keep the batter cold — sparkling water adds lightness and crispiness.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet — fry in batches for even cooking.
• Use freshly squeezed lime for the slaw and sauce — the flavor difference is noticeable.
• For added heat, toss in jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce.

🌟 Perfect Pairings

• Crispy tortilla chips with guacamole
• Mexican street corn (Elote)
• Refried beans or rice
• Fresh margaritas or sparkling water with lime

💬 Final Thoughts

These Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw bring vibrant, coastal flavors to your dinner table with crispy battered fish, zesty slaw, and creamy sauce layered inside warm tortillas. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always crowd-pleasing, they’re the ultimate taco night upgrade you’ll crave again and again.

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