Beer-Battered Cod Tacos with Lime-Cabbage Slaw

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy cod fillets in a light beer batter, topped with a refreshing lime-cabbage slaw and fresh cilantro for a balanced, crowd-pleasing meal. This mexican ready in about 45 minutes pairs pounds cod fillets, all-purpose flour, cornstarch for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper in a bowl. Gradually whisk in 1 cup lager beer and 1/2 cup water until smooth; let rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 inch vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Dredge 1.5 pounds cod fillets (cut into 1-inch pieces) in batter, shaking off excess, and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden; transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  3. Step 3: Toss 1 large head green cabbage (thinly sliced) with 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro until coated; let sit for 10 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side. Assemble tacos by placing 3 fried cod pieces on each tortilla, topping with cabbage slaw, and garnishing with 1 sliced avocado.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Beer-Battered Cod Tacos with Lime-Cabbage Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Beer-Battered Cod Tacos with Lime-Cabbage Slaw?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds cod fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Beer-Battered Cod Tacos with Lime-Cabbage Slaw?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Beer-Battered Cod Tacos with Lime-Cabbage Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Beer-Battered Cod Tacos with Lime-Cabbage Slaw?

Mexican mexican like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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