Pan-Fried Fish Tacos

By Sam Pierce

Ingredients (~4 tacos)

  • 2 skinless tilapia fillets (or any white fish)
  • 8 white corn tortillas
  • 1/4 head of cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 Tbsp cider vinegar
  • 1 bunch of cilantro, roughly minced
  • 1-2 Limes, cut into wedges
  • Neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)

For the Spice Mix

  • 1 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1/2 Tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp table salt

Make the Cabbage Slaw

Place the thinly sliced cabbage in a large bowl. Add the 1 Tbsp of cider vinegar and toss to combine. Set this aside.

Cook the Fish

In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, ground cumin, and salt.

Pat the fish fillets completely dry with a paper towel.

Dust both sides of each fillet with the spice mixture, gently rubbing it into the flesh.

Get out a large skillet and add enough neutral oil to lightly cover the bottom. Place the pan over medium-high heat.

Once the pan is hot, carefully add the fish. Cook on the first side for ~3 minutes.

Flip the fillets and cook for an additional ~3 minutes on the other side. The fish should be opaque and lightly browned.

Remove the cooked fish from the pan and place it on a plate. Use your spatula to break the fillets up into smaller, inch-sized pieces.

Assemble the Tacos

Warm the corn tortillas on a dry skillet or in the microwave.

To assemble one taco, lay down two warmed tortillas (doubled up). Place a small handful of the cooked fish in the middle.

Top the fish with the cabbage slaw and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Pan-Fried Fish Tacos

This recipe skips the mess of deep-frying by pan-frying the fish instead. A simple spice rub seasons the fish, and a quick vinegar slaw adds crunch. The most important tip is to double up the corn tortillas for each taco to prevent them from breaking.
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 21 minutes

Ingredients

Ingredients (~4 tacos)

  • 2 skinless tilapia fillets or any white fish
  • 8 white corn tortillas
  • 1/4 head cabbage thinly sliced
  • 1 Tbsp cider vinegar
  • 1 bunch of cilantro roughly minced
  • 1-2 Limes cut into wedges
  • Neutral oil like canola or vegetable

For the Spice Mix

  • 1 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1/2 Tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp table salt

Instructions

  • Toss sliced cabbage with cider vinegar and set aside.
  • Mix chili powder, cumin, and salt in a small bowl.
  • Pat fish fillets dry and coat both sides with spice mixture.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Cook fish 3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly browned.
  • Break cooked fish into bite-sized pieces.
  • Warm tortillas on a dry skillet or in microwave.
  • Layer two tortillas together, add fish, cabbage slaw, and cilantro.
  • Serve with lime wedges.
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