Grilled Arkansas River Catfish Tacos with Spicy Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fresh catfish fillets grilled and served in warm tortillas with a crunchy, spicy cabbage slaw, inspired by the Arkansas River in Wichita. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs catfish fillets, olive oil, lime juice 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: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb catfish fillets with 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While fish marinates, prepare the slaw: in a large bowl, mix 2 cups green cabbage, 1 cup red cabbage, 1 shredded carrot, and 1 finely chopped jalapeño.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Pour dressing over the slaw and toss until evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the catfish fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until opaque and the edges are slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side.
  6. Step 6: Assemble tacos by flaking grilled catfish into pieces and topping with a generous scoop of spicy slaw. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Arkansas River Catfish Tacos with Spicy Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 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 Grilled Arkansas River Catfish Tacos with Spicy 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 catfish fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Arkansas River Catfish Tacos with Spicy 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 Grilled Arkansas River Catfish Tacos with Spicy 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 Grilled Arkansas River Catfish Tacos with Spicy Slaw?

American 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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