Crispy Pan-Fried Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

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

Golden pan-fried white fish fillets nestled in warm tortillas with a zesty cilantro lime slaw, perfect for a fresh and vibrant taco night. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, smoked paprika, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Dredge 1 lb white fish fillets cut into 3-inch pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add fish pieces in a single layer and pan-fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through; transfer to paper towels to drain.
  5. Step 5: In a medium bowl, toss 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 grated medium carrot, 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro with 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp honey, and 1/4 tsp salt until well combined.
  6. Step 6: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  7. Step 7: Assemble tacos by placing 2-3 pieces of fish on each tortilla and topping with a generous scoop of the cilantro lime slaw. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Pan-Fried Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Crispy Pan-Fried Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime 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 all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Pan-Fried Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime 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 Crispy Pan-Fried Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime 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 Crispy Pan-Fried Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw?

Mexican seafood 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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