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For the Cilantro Lime Slaw:
- 3 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple, or a mix)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (optional for a touch of sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Avocado slices or guacamole
- Pico de gallo or fresh salsa
- Hot sauce or crema
- Lime wedges for serving
How to Make Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw
Step 1: Prepare the Cilantro Lime Slaw
Start by making the cilantro lime slaw. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), and honey or agave syrup. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. Set the slaw aside in the refrigerator to chill and allow the flavors to marinate while you prepare the fish.
Step 2: Prepare the Fish for Frying
Next, prepare the fish fillets. If using tilapia, cod, or haddock, cut the fillets into smaller pieces, about 3-4 inches in length, for easy taco-sized portions. Pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture (this will help the batter stick better).
Step 3: Make the Battering Mix
In a shallow bowl or dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the dry ingredients are well-mixed.
In another shallow bowl, whisk the egg until it’s smooth. Add the cold sparkling water and stir to combine. The sparkling water will give the batter a light, airy texture, making the fish extra crispy. If you don’t have sparkling water, regular cold water will work fine too, though it will yield a slightly less crispy result.
Step 4: Fry the Fish
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of batter into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.
Dip each piece of fish first into the dry batter mix, then into the egg and sparkling water mixture, coating the fish evenly. Carefully place the battered fish into the hot oil, cooking them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the fish for about 3-4 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown and crispy. Remove the fish from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
While the fish is frying, warm your tortillas. You can do this by placing them on a dry skillet over medium heat for 20-30 seconds per side, or by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
To assemble the tacos, place 2-3 pieces of crispy fish in each tortilla. Top with a generous scoop of cilantro lime slaw, and then add your choice of optional toppings, such as avocado slices, pico de gallo, or a drizzle of crema. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh, citrusy burst.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the tacos immediately while the fish is hot and crispy. For an added touch, you can serve them with extra lime wedges on the side and a few dashes of hot sauce or salsa for some extra kick.
Tips for the Perfect Fish Tacos
- Choose the Right Fish: Opt for firm, white fish fillets that can hold up to frying, such as cod, tilapia, or haddock. Avoid flaky fish like flounder or sole, as they may fall apart when fried.
- Chill the Slaw: Let the slaw chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before serving. The flavors meld better, and it also enhances the crunchiness of the cabbage.
- Double-Dip for Extra Crispy Fish: For an even crispier coating, dip the fish in the batter mix, then repeat the process for a second layer of batter before frying.
- Toppings Galore: Don’t be afraid to customize your tacos! Add sliced radishes, pickled red onions, or even a spicy jalapeño crema for added layers of flavor and texture.
- Make It Ahead: You can prep the slaw and batter ahead of time, making the actual cooking of the fish a breeze when it’s time to eat.
Why These Fish Tacos Are a Winner
These Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw are the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, fresh, and zesty. The lightly battered fish is crunchy on the outside while remaining tender and flaky on the inside. The cilantro lime slaw adds a refreshing, tangy crunch that complements the fish perfectly, while the warm tortillas bring it all together.
Whether you’re hosting a taco night, planning a beach-themed dinner, or just looking for something light but flavorful, these tacos are sure to please everyone. They’re quick to make, full of flavor, and an absolute crowd favorite.
So go ahead—gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and treat yourself (and your family or friends) to the ultimate crispy fish taco experience!
Final Thoughts
There’s no question—these Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw are a standout dish that brings all the right flavors to the table. With just the right balance of crunch, freshness, and savory goodness, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes for any occasion.
So, grab your tortillas, fill them with crispy, golden fish, and top with that zesty slaw—you’re in for a delicious taco night that’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds!
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