Crispy Cod Fish Tacos with Creamy Cabbage Slaw – Easy, Fresh & Flavor-Packed Recipe

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Origin and Cultural Significance

Fish tacos originated from Baja California, Mexico, where fresh catches from the Pacific are served in warm corn tortillas with slaw and crema. The dish has gained massive popularity across the U.S. and beyond, becoming a staple in coastal and fusion cuisines. It represents a blend of indigenous Mexican food traditions and global seafood appreciation. Cod is a popular alternative to traditional white fish like mahi-mahi or snapper because of its mild flavor and flakiness. This taco style highlights the evolution of Mexican street food into globally celebrated fare.

Unique Ingredients and Flavors

This dish pairs tender, flaky cod with a zesty cabbage slaw and smoky chipotle-lime crema. The slaw brings crunch and brightness, balancing the mild, seared fish. Chipotle powder or adobo sauce adds a touch of heat and smokiness without overwhelming the other flavors. The tortillas are lightly toasted for structure and warmth, bringing the whole bite together. A squeeze of lime enhances the freshness and balances the creamy, spicy, and savory elements.

Crispy Cod Fish Tacos with Creamy Cabbage Slaw – Easy, Fresh & Flavor-Packed Recipe

Cod Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw are a bright and satisfying meal packed with texture and bold flavor. Fresh cod fillets are seasoned with smoky spices and seared until golden, then layered into warm tortillas with a refreshing slaw made of red and green cabbage, lime, and cilantro. A homemade chipotle-lime crema adds creaminess and just the right amount of kick, making each taco a flavorful explosion. These tacos come together quickly and feel both light and indulgent—perfect for weeknight dinners, taco Tuesdays, or casual gatherings. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just taco-obsessed, this dish is a must-try.

Cooking Method: Deep Frying, Frying, Other Cuisine: American, Fusion, Southern Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Quick & Easy Recipe Keys: 3 30 minutes or less H handheld S spicy

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Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 30 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Cooking Temp: 350  F Dietary:

C customizable G gluten-free P Pescatarian

Ingredients

Cook Mode Cooking Mode Disabled

Servings

For the Cod

• 
  1 lb cod fillets, cut into strips
• 
  1 tbsp olive oil
• 
  1 tsp smoked paprika
• 
  ½ tsp cumin
• 
  ½ tsp garlic powder
• 
  ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 
  ½ tsp salt
• 
  ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Cabbage Slaw

• 
  1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 
  1 cup shredded green cabbage
• 
  ¼ cup shredded carrots
• 
  2 tbsp lime juice
• 
  2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 
  1 tbsp olive oil
• 
  ½ tsp salt

For the Chipotle Crema

• 
  ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 
  1 tbsp lime juice
• 
  1 tsp 1–2 chipotle sauce (or adobo from chipotle peppers)
• 
  Salt to taste

For Assembly

• 
  8 small corn or flour tortillas
• 
  Lime wedges, for serving
• 
  Extra chopped cilantro, for garnish
• 
  Avocado slices (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Slaw

1. In a large bowl, toss together the red and green cabbage, carrots, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, and salt. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to marinate while you prepare the rest.

2. Prepare the Chipotle Crema

1. In a small bowl, mix the sour cream, lime juice, and chipotle sauce. Taste and add salt as needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Season and Cook the Cod

1. In a bowl, coat the cod strips with olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the cod for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and flaky.

4. Warm the Tortillas

1. In a dry skillet or over an open flame, heat tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until slightly charred or warm and pliable.

5. Assemble the Tacos

1. Fill each tortilla with cooked cod, a scoop of slaw, a drizzle of chipotle crema, and any optional toppings like avocado and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Note

You can use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter version of the crema. This recipe also works great with other white fish like tilapia or halibut depending on what’s available.

Keywords: cod tacos, fish tacos, cabbage slaw, baja tacos, seafood taco recipe, chipotle lime crema, healthy fish tacos, taco night recipe