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.

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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PrintThe Ultimate Fish Taco Bowl for Weeknight Dinners
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!
- 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
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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
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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.
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Low-Carb Swap: Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce for a low-carb or keto-friendly version.
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Make It Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free. Just double-check your mayo brand to ensure it’s dairy-free if needed.
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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
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.