Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
These Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw combine flaky, seasoned white fish with a vibrant, tangy cabbage slaw in warm tortillas. Ready in under an hour, this easy recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy meal that bursts with fresh flavors and a satisfying crunch.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Marinate, Sauté or Bake, Toss, Assemble
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Fat
Fish Marinade
- 1.5 lbs white fish fillets (cod, mahi-mahi, or tilapia), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lime, juiced
Cabbage Slaw
- 1/2 head green cabbage, thinly shredded
- 1/4 head purple cabbage, thinly shredded
- 1 large carrot, shredded
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Slaw Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or agave nectar
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- 12 corn or flour tortillas, warmed
- Optional toppings: avocado slices, pico de gallo, sour cream, hot sauce
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade for the fish.
- Coat the Fish: Add the fish pieces into the marinade bowl and toss well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the spices and oil, locking in the flavor.
- Add Lime Juice: Squeeze the juice of one lime over the fish, adding a bright citrus note that balances the spices.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the fish.
- Cook the Fish on Stovetop: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of olive oil, then place fish pieces in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily. Remove from skillet.
- Alternative Baking Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange marinated fish in one layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cooked through and flaky. Remove from oven.
- Assemble Cabbage Slaw: In a large bowl, combine shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, and shredded carrot for a colorful base.
- Add Cilantro: Mix chopped cilantro into the cabbage and carrot blend for fresh herbaceous flavor.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, honey or agave nectar, Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Slaw with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Season to Taste: Taste the slaw and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice as desired.
- Chill Slaw: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour, to let flavors meld and the slaw crisp up.
- Warm Tortillas on Skillet: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Place one tortilla at a time and warm for 15-20 seconds per side until soft and pliable. Keep wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to retain warmth.
- Alternative Warming – Microwave: Stack tortillas and wrap in a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds until heated through.
- Alternative Warming – Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tortillas in aluminum foil and bake for 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Assemble Tacos: Place warmed tortilla on a plate. Add a few pieces of cooked fish in the center.
- Add Slaw: Top the fish with a generous portion of the chilled cabbage slaw.
- Add Optional Toppings: Add avocado slices, pico de gallo, sour cream, or hot sauce as desired to customize each taco.
- Fold Tortilla: Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the fillings and create a perfect handheld taco.
- Repeat Assembly: Repeat the assembly process with the remaining tortillas, fish, and slaw.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately for the freshest taste and enjoyable texture.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the fish for the full 30 minutes if time allows.
- White fish varieties like cod, mahi-mahi, or tilapia work well—choose firm, fresh fillets.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option; flour tortillas provide a softer texture.
- The slaw can be prepared a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated.
- Add a touch of heat by including diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the slaw or as a topping.
- Oven baking the fish is a convenient alternative to stovetop cooking and helps reduce oil usage.
- Leftover slaw makes a great side salad or topping for other Mexican dishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: fish tacos, cabbage slaw, easy fish recipe, Mexican tacos, healthy tacos, seafood tacos, lime marinated fish