The Ultimate Fish Taco Bowl for Weeknight Dinners

By:

Sely Smith

June 9, 2025

Fish taco bowl with Cajun-seasoned white fish, colorful slaw, white rice, and creamy sriracha mayo, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges in a white bowl

Fish Taco Bowl dinners are one of my favorite ways to turn a busy weeknight into something fun and flavorful—without the stress. Back when I was a college student trying to recreate my mom’s comforting meals in a tiny apartment kitchen, I quickly learned that simple, flexible recipes like this could bring a little joy to even in the most hectic days.

This bowl combines everything I love about fish tacos—zesty, seasoned fish, crisp slaw, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce—but skips the tortilla for a lighter, more customizable meal. It’s easy, fresh, and totally doable, even when your day’s been anything but.

If you’re looking for a dish that’s fast, full of flavor, and fits into real life, this Fish Taco Bowl is it. Let’s build it together—straight from my kitchen to yours.

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

For the Fish:

  • 4 fish fillets (about 6 oz each), boneless and skinless – blackfish, cod, or mahi mahi work great
  • Olive oil spray
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (add more to taste)

The Spicy Mayo Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or chipotle in adobo sauce
  • Juice of 1 lime

The Slaw:

  • 5 cups mixed slaw (red cabbage, green cabbage, and shredded carrots)
  • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Toppings (optional but recommended):

  • Fresh chopped cilantro
  • Extra lime wedges for serving

Recommended Fish Types

Any firm white fish works great here. My top picks:

  • Cod – mild and flaky
  • Mahi Mahi – slightly firmer with great grill flavor
  • Blackfish – if you want something tender and buttery
  • Tilapia or Haddock – budget-friendly and versatile

👩‍🍳 How to Make a Fish Taco Bowl

Step 1: Prep the Fish

  • Pat the fish dry and cut into 1-inch chunks.
  • Spray with olive oil and coat evenly with Cajun seasoning.
  • Air-fry at 400°F for 7–9 minutes, bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, or pan-sear on medium heat until golden and cooked through.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sriracha (or chipotle), and lime juice until smooth.
  • Taste and adjust heat as needed. Set aside.

Step 3: Toss the Slaw

  • In a large bowl, mix slaw with olive oil, lime juice, and salt.
  • Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly and soak in flavor.

Step 4: Build Your Bowl

  • Start with a base of rice or cauliflower rice.
  • Add a generous layer of slaw, then top with the cooked fish.
  • Drizzle with spicy mayo and garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.

💡 Tips for Perfect Results

  • Cut the fish evenly so it cooks at the same rate.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer—give the fish space to crisp up.
  • Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor punch in the slaw and sauce.
  • Make it low-carb with cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce as a base.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pair your bowl with:

  • Tortilla chips and guac on the side
  • A fresh fruit salad or mango salsa
  • Iced lime water or a bubbly sparkling drink

🧊 Storage & Meal Prep Tips

  • Fish: Best fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying.
  • Slaw: Stays crisp for 1–2 days if stored separately.
  • Sauce: Make ahead and refrigerate up to 5 days.

For meal prep, store all components separately and assemble just before eating.

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The Ultimate Fish Taco Bowl for Weeknight Dinners

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This Fish Taco Bowl is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner packed with zesty Cajun-seasoned fish, crunchy slaw, and a creamy sriracha-lime sauce—all layered over rice or cauliflower rice. It’s fresh, easy to customize, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a light, satisfying meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor!

  • Author: Sely Smith
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min
  • Total Time: 25 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Air Fryer, Oven, or Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 fish fillets (6 oz each), boneless and skinless (cod, blackfish, or mahi mahi), cut into 1-inch pieces

  • Olive oil spray

  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise

  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or chipotle in adobo

  • Juice of 1 lime

  • 5 cups slaw mix (red cabbage, green cabbage, and shredded carrots)

  • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil

  • Juice of 1 lime

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • Fresh chopped cilantro

  • Extra lime wedges

  • Sliced avocado or pickled onions (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Fish

  • Pat the fish dry and cut into 1-inch chunks.

  • Spray with olive oil and coat evenly with Cajun seasoning.

  • Air-fry at 400°F for 7–9 minutes, bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, or pan-sear on medium heat until golden and cooked through.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sriracha (or chipotle), and lime juice until smooth.

  • Taste and adjust heat as needed. Set aside.

Step 3: Toss the Slaw

  • In a large bowl, mix slaw with olive oil, lime juice, and salt.

  • Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly and soak in flavor.

Step 4: Build Your Bowl

 

  • Start with a base of rice or cauliflower rice.

  • Add a generous layer of slaw, then top with the cooked fish.

  • Drizzle with spicy mayo and garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.

Notes

  • Fish Options: Cod, mahi mahi, blackfish, tilapia, or haddock all work well—just choose a firm white fish that won’t fall apart during cooking.

  • Cooking Methods: Fish can be air-fried, baked, or pan-seared. Adjust times based on thickness. Air frying gives a lightly crispy texture without extra oil.

  • Low-Carb Swap: Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce for a low-carb or keto-friendly version.

  • Make It Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free. Just double-check your mayo brand to ensure it’s dairy-free if needed.

  • Meal Prep Tip: Store each component (fish, slaw, sauce, rice) separately in airtight containers and assemble just before eating to keep textures fresh.

  • Spice Level: Adjust the heat of the sauce by adding more or less sriracha or chipotle. You can also use plain lime mayo for a mild version.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Can I use frozen fish?

Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.

What’s the best substitute for Cajun seasoning?

Try taco seasoning, blackened seasoning, or a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cumin.

Is this recipe spicy?

The fish has a gentle kick, and the heat in the sauce is easy to adjust by adding more or less sriracha or chipotle.

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