These Fried Fish Tacos are everything you want in a weeknight or weekend meal. Crispy, seasoned catfish tucked into warm corn tortillas and topped with a bright, creamy cilantro lime slaw. They’re crunchy, fresh, a little Southern, and full of flavor in every bite.
Course Appetizer, dinner, lunch
Cuisine American
Keyword catfish, fish, fish tacos, fried fish, quick dinner, tacos
Corn tortillas, cilantro, lime, piico de gallo, or salsa
Instructions
Pat your catfish dry and cut each fillet into bite-size chunks. Place the fish in a bowl and coat it with mustard, making sure all pieces are lightly covered.
In a separate bowl or Ziploc bag, mix cornmeal, panko, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper. Now toss the catfish in the breading mixture until each piece is evenly coated.
Set the breaded fish pieces on a piece of parchment paper while you heat the oil. This is important so that the breading can set on the fish.
Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches 350 degrees F.
Carefully add the catfish into the hot oil in batches, leave a little space between each piece. Fry for about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate, or a cooling rack to drain excess oil.
Assembling the Fried Fish Tacos
To make the cilantro lime coleslaw, whisk mayo, lime juice, lime zest, honey (if using), salt, and pepper in a bowl until it's fully combined. Stir in the cabbage and cilantro and mix well. Chill it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Heat your corn tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a flame until they're warm and flexible.
Add the fried catfish to tortillas, top with cilantro lime slaw, and finish with your favorite toppings.
Serve immediately while the fish is hot and crispy, and enjoy!