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Southern Catfish Tacos with Crunchy Slaw


  • Author: Ellie
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (about 2 tacos per pers 1x

Description

Southern Catfish Tacos with Crunchy Slaw are the ultimate blend of crispy comfort and zesty freshness. Golden-fried, Cajun-seasoned catfish meets a tangy cabbage slaw, wrapped in warm tortillas for a bold, soul-satisfying twist on traditional tacos. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, these tacos offer irresistible Southern charm in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • Catfish fillets (4 small or 2 large)

  • 1 cup buttermilk or milk

  • 1 cup cornmeal or flour

  • 12 tbsp Cajun seasoning

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

  • 68 corn or flour tortillas

  • 2 cups shredded green or red cabbage

  • 1 carrot, shredded

  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise

  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lime juice

  • 1 tsp sugar or honey (optional)

  • Hot sauce (optional)

  • Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)


Instructions

  1. Marinate Catfish: Soak fillets in buttermilk for 15–30 minutes.

  2. Prepare Slaw: Mix cabbage, carrots, mayo, vinegar/lime juice, salt, pepper, and sugar. Chill until ready to serve.

  3. Coat Fish: Mix cornmeal with Cajun seasoning. Dredge catfish until fully coated.

  4. Fry Catfish: Heat oil in skillet over medium-high. Fry fish 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.

  5. Warm Tortillas: Toast in skillet or wrap in foil and heat in oven.

  6. Assemble Tacos: Add fried catfish to tortillas. Top with slaw and garnish with cilantro, hot sauce, or lime.

Notes

Use tilapia or shrimp as alternatives.

For a lighter version, bake catfish at 400°F for 15–20 minutes.

Add avocado or jalapeños for extra flavor and spice.

Double up tortillas to prevent breakage.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Southern / Fusion

Keywords: Southern catfish tacos, crispy fish tacos, slaw tacos, Cajun fish tacos, fried catfish tacos