Crispy Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw & Lime Crema

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These vibrant fish tacos are the ultimate coastal comfort food—crispy, golden-battered white fish nestled into soft corn tortillas, layered with crunchy purple cabbage slaw, and generously drizzled with tangy lime crema. Perfectly balanced with acidity and spice, these tacos are a lively combination of flavor and texture.

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Yields4 Servings
Prep Time25 minsCook Time15 minsTotal Time40 mins
For the Fish
 400 g white fish fillets (like cod, tilapia, or haddock), cut into 1” strips
 1 cup all-purpose flour
 ½ cup cornstarch
 1 tsp paprika
 1 tsp garlic powder
 ½ tsp chili powder
 1 tsp salt
 1 cup cold sparkling water (or beer for extra crispiness)
 Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cabbage Slaw
 2 cups purple cabbage, thinly shredded
 1 small carrot, julienned
 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
 Juice of 1 lime
 1 tbsp olive oil
 Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Lime Crema
 ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
 Zest and juice of 1 lime
 1 clove small garlic, grated
 Salt, to taste
For Serving
 8 small corn tortillas
 Fresh cilantro
 Lime wedges
 Jalapeño slices (optional)
Make the Slaw
1
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrot, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

  2. Toss well and let sit while the rest is prepared to soften slightly.

Make the Lime Crema
2
  1. Mix the sour cream, lime zest and juice, and garlic in a small bowl.

  2. Season with a pinch of salt and set aside.

Prepare the Fish Batter
3
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt.

  2. Add the sparkling water and stir just until combined (do not overmix). The batter should be thick but pourable.

Fry the Fish
4
  1. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Dip each piece of fish into the batter and gently place into the oil. Fry in batches for 3–4 minutes or until golden and crispy.

  3. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel–lined plate.

Warm the Tortillas
5
  1. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or wrap in foil and heat in a low oven.

Assemble the Tacos
6
  1. Place a few strips of crispy fish on each tortilla.

  2. Top with a generous handful of cabbage slaw.

  3. Drizzle with lime crema, garnish with cilantro and optional jalapeño slices.

  4. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Pairing Ideas
7
  • Drink: A citrusy Mexican lager, Paloma, or lime agua fresca.

  • Side: Grilled corn with cotija or avocado-lime salad.

Ingredients

For the Fish
 400 g white fish fillets (like cod, tilapia, or haddock), cut into 1” strips
 1 cup all-purpose flour
 ½ cup cornstarch
 1 tsp paprika
 1 tsp garlic powder
 ½ tsp chili powder
 1 tsp salt
 1 cup cold sparkling water (or beer for extra crispiness)
 Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cabbage Slaw
 2 cups purple cabbage, thinly shredded
 1 small carrot, julienned
 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
 Juice of 1 lime
 1 tbsp olive oil
 Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Lime Crema
 ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
 Zest and juice of 1 lime
 1 clove small garlic, grated
 Salt, to taste
For Serving
 8 small corn tortillas
 Fresh cilantro
 Lime wedges
 Jalapeño slices (optional)

Directions

Make the Slaw
1
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrot, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

  2. Toss well and let sit while the rest is prepared to soften slightly.

Make the Lime Crema
2
  1. Mix the sour cream, lime zest and juice, and garlic in a small bowl.

  2. Season with a pinch of salt and set aside.

Prepare the Fish Batter
3
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt.

  2. Add the sparkling water and stir just until combined (do not overmix). The batter should be thick but pourable.

Fry the Fish
4
  1. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Dip each piece of fish into the batter and gently place into the oil. Fry in batches for 3–4 minutes or until golden and crispy.

  3. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel–lined plate.

Warm the Tortillas
5
  1. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or wrap in foil and heat in a low oven.

Assemble the Tacos
6
  1. Place a few strips of crispy fish on each tortilla.

  2. Top with a generous handful of cabbage slaw.

  3. Drizzle with lime crema, garnish with cilantro and optional jalapeño slices.

  4. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Pairing Ideas
7
  • Drink: A citrusy Mexican lager, Paloma, or lime agua fresca.

  • Side: Grilled corn with cotija or avocado-lime salad.

Notes

Crispy Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw & Lime Crema
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