Ingredients
Scale
- For the Crispy Fish:
- 1.5 lbs white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or mahi-mahi), cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)
- For the Zesty Slaw:
- 4 cups shredded cabbage mix
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or agave nectar (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Creamy Taco Sauce (Chipotle Lime Crema):
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced, plus 1 tsp adobo sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp cumin powder
- Salt, to taste
- Water or milk, 1–2 tbsp (to thin)
- For Assembling the Bowls:
- 3–4 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, pickled red onions, jalapeño slices, extra cilantro, cotija cheese, lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Zesty Slaw: Mix cabbage, carrots, and cilantro. In a separate bowl, whisk mayo, lime juice, vinegar, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Combine and chill 20 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Taco Sauce: Blend sour cream, mayo, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, garlic, cumin, and salt until smooth. Thin if necessary.
- Prepare the Fish: Pat fish dry, season, dredge in flour, dip in egg, coat with seasoned panko.
- Cook the Fish: Pan-fry in oil until golden and crispy (2–4 min per side). Or bake at 425°F for 12–15 min, or air fry at 400°F for 8–12 min.
- Assemble the Bowls: Add rice/quinoa, top with crispy fish, slaw, sauce, and toppings.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy while fish is hot and crisp!
Notes
- Pan-frying gives the crispiest texture, but baking and air-frying are healthier options.
- Make the slaw and sauce ahead to save time on busy nights.
- Customize toppings to your preference—avocado, cotija cheese, or extra lime brighten the flavors.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Fried / Oven-Baked / Air-Fried
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired