Flaky Cod Tacos with Tangy Slaw (Easy Weeknight Dinner)

Name: Flaky Cod Tacos with Tangy Slaw (Easy Weeknight Dinner)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds wild-caught cod; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; ½ cup low-fat Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon lime juice; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½-1 tablespoon hot sauce; Salt to taste; Small corn or flour tortillas; Sliced purple cabbage or slaw mix for topping; Diced avocado for topping

These flaky Cod Tacos are perfectly seasoned, pan-seared and topped with tangy slaw and a spicy, creamy sauce you'll want to drizzle on everything. They come together in just 15 minutes, making them perfect for a busy weeknight meal.

Fish tacos with taco sauce and a glass of water.

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Key Ingredients
Instructions
Recipe FAQs
Sarah's Top Tips
Serving Suggestions
Storage & Reheating
More Taco Recipes
Recipe
Comments

This cod fish taco recipe is a favorite in my house on taco night! The secret to a good fish taco is the spice mix, a fresh cruny slaw, and creamy sauce that brings everything together. My favorite way to top these cod tacos is with crunchy red cabbage and fresh avocado slices.

Looking for more taco inspiration? Try my Easy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema for a seafood twist with a cool, creamy topping. For bold, customizable options, don't miss my Korean Steak Tacos or these crowd-favorite Crunchy Buffalo Chicken Tacos, both packed with flavor and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Key Ingredients

Cod. Wild-caught cod filets, either frozen (and defrosted) or fresh.
Seasoning. A mixture of smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder and cayenne pepper.
Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture to the sauce.
Lime juice. Fresh lime juice adds a bright, tangy acidity that helps balance the richness of the fish sauce.
Hot sauce. The heat from the hot sauce awakens the taste buds and adds another depth of flavor to the tacos.

See the recipe card below for the remaining ingredients and quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the fish dry with paper towels and combine the spices in a medium bowl. Season the fish all over with the spice mixture.

Step 2: Heat the oil in a skillet or cast-iron over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the fish and cook for 4 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes per side until flaky and opaque.

Step 3: While the fish is cooking, add the sauce ingredients to a small bowl and mix until combined. Heat the tortillas over the flame of a gas stove for 15-30 seconds per side until slightly charred. You can also warm the tortillas in a skillet or the microwave for about 1 minute.

Step 4: Assemble the tacos by adding the cod to warm tortillas, top with cabbage, diced avocado and drizzle with the taco sauce. Serve with lime wedges and enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

What fish is best for fish tacos?

I like to use any flaky white fish. They're usually mild in flavor, inexpensive and quick to cook. Cod or halibut is usually my first choice, but I also like mahi mahi, flounder or halibut.

Are corn or flour tortillas better for fish tacos?

Fish tacos are traditionally made with corn tortillas, but I like to leave it to the dealer's choice. I always recommend serving tortillas warm.

Can I use frozen cod for fish tacos?

Yes, frozen cod can be used for fish tacos. Thaw it properly before cooking according to your preferred method.

Sarah's Top Tips

Heat the tortillas. I like to char my tortillas over the gas flame of my stove for a crispy shell. You can also heat them in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Use fresh, quality ingredients. The key to great-tasting fish tacos is using wild-caught fish and fresh ingredients for toppings.
Whether you're grilling, baking, or pan-searing the cod, make sure your cooking surface is preheated before adding the fish. This helps to ensure even cooking and a nicely seared exterior.
Cod can become dry and tough if overcooked. Cook just until it flakes easily with a fork, usually about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the filets.

Serving Suggestions

This cod fish taco recipe is great served with chips and my roasted sweet and spicy salsa. Be festive on Taco Tuesday with a spicy grapefruit margarita or a 3-ingredient mezcal sour.

Customize your tacos with fresh toppings! Try mango slaw for a sweet twist, or a drizzle of chipotle crema, avocado slices, pickled red onions, or even a crunchy cabbage-jalapeño slaw for extra texture.