Tilapia Fish Sandwich Recipe With Coleslaw
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This Tilapia Fish Sandwich with Coleslaw is the ultimate combination of crispy, savory tilapia and creamy, refreshing coleslaw, all nestled in a soft bun. Perfectly seasoned and pan-fried, the tilapia fillets bring a delicious golden crust, while the coleslaw adds a zesty crunch that makes this sandwich unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty way to enjoy fish, this sandwich has you covered!
This yummy fish sandwich is made with delicious tilapia fish and topped with creamy coleslaw. The fish is dipped in flour and egg, then pan fried, and it makes the tilapia beautifully browned and extra succulent! Add a soft bun to the freshly fried fish and refreshing coleslaw, and enjoy eating this mouthwatering tilapia sandwich!
Why You’ll Love Tilapia Fish Sandwich With Coleslaw
- Incredibly Flavorful: The pan-fried tilapia fillets are seasoned to perfection, delivering a savory, golden crust that pairs beautifully with the creamy coleslaw.
- Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 15 minutes, this sandwich is a breeze to make, perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
- Versatile and Customizable: This sandwich isn’t limited to tilapia – you can use any mild, flaky fish, making it adaptable to what you have on hand.
- Nutritious Option: Tilapia is a lean source of protein, and adding coleslaw brings fiber and nutrients from the cabbage, making this a wholesome choice.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its crispy fish, creamy coleslaw, and soft bun, this sandwich is sure to be a hit with everyone, even those who don’t usually love fish.
Eating fish sandwiches is a great way to get more fish into your diet. It’s also perfect for using up leftover fish from last night’s dinner :) Serve this tilapia sandwich with oven-baked fries (I love sweet potato fries) – that’s a perfect combo.
Of course, you are not limited to tilapia with this fish sandwich – you can make it with any kind of fish and it will be yummy! You just can’t go wrong with a pan-fried fish, coleslaw and bread :)
Ingredients For Tilapia Fish Sandwich With Coleslaw
- Tilapia Fillets – Mild and flaky, tilapia is ideal for frying and makes the perfect base for this sandwich.
- Hamburger Buns – Soft and fluffy, these buns hold the fish and coleslaw perfectly.
- Coleslaw Mix – A quick way to add crunch and freshness to your sandwich, without extra chopping.
- Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess to the coleslaw for a classic, creamy taste.
- Egg – Helps the flour stick to the fish, creating a crispy, golden crust.
- Flour – Gives the fish a light coating, making it beautifully browned when pan-fried.
- Oil – Just a little for frying the fish until perfectly crispy.
- Salt and Pepper – Simple seasoning to bring out the natural flavors in the fish and coleslaw.
For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Tilapia Fish Sandwich With Coleslaw
- Large Non-Stick Frying Pan – For pan-frying the tilapia to a perfect golden brown.
- Bowl – To whisk the egg and prepare for coating the fish.
- Plate – For holding the flour and dredging the fish.
- Spatula – To carefully flip the fish fillets while cooking.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate measurements of ingredients like mayo, flour, salt, and pepper.
How To Make Tilapia Fish Sandwich With Coleslaw
- Start by heating a bit of oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, crack and whisk the egg until smooth. Place the flour on a plate next to it.
- Take each tilapia fillet, dip it in the whisked egg, and coat it thoroughly in flour on both sides.
- Place the coated tilapia in the frying pan. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper for flavor.
- Let the fish cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes, then flip each fillet gently with a spatula and season again with salt. Cook for an additional 4 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork.
- While the fish is cooking, combine the coleslaw mix with mayonnaise in a bowl and season with salt and pepper for a quick, creamy slaw.
- Once the fish is done, assemble each sandwich by placing a fillet on the bottom bun, adding a generous scoop of coleslaw, and topping with the other half of the bun.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this tilapia fish sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries or garlic parmesan oven-baked fries for a classic combo.
- A fresh lettuce and green tomato salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the sandwich nicely.
- Pair it with a tangy pickle red onion on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
- For a fun twist, add some sliced avocado or a dash of sriracha spicy mayo sauce to the sandwich.
- Enjoy it with a chilled glass of hibiscus iced tea or strawberry lemonade for a refreshing meal.
Tips For Success
- Get the Perfect Crust: Make sure your frying pan is hot before adding the fish fillets. This helps create a beautiful, golden crust on the tilapia. If the pan isn’t hot enough, the fish may absorb more oil and become soggy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the fillets in batches if necessary, allowing space around each piece. Overcrowding the pan can lower the temperature, leading to uneven cooking and less crispy fish.
- Use Fresh Oil: For the best flavor, start with fresh cooking oil each time you make this recipe. Used oil can carry flavors that might overpower the delicate taste of tilapia.
- Customize the Coleslaw: Feel free to adjust the coleslaw to your taste by adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of sugar for extra tang and balance.
- Check for Doneness: Tilapia is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the fish dry.
Variations and Substitutions
- Different Fish Options: While tilapia works wonderfully for this recipe, you can swap it with any mild, white fish like cod, haddock, or grouper. Each offers a slightly different texture and flavor, but they all pair well with the creamy coleslaw.
- Bread Choices: Instead of hamburger buns, try this sandwich on ciabatta rolls, brioche buns, or even sourdough bread for a unique twist. Toasting the bread slightly can add extra texture and flavor to the sandwich.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour to coat the fish and serve the sandwich on gluten-free buns. This ensures the same crispy texture without the gluten.
- Spicy Twist: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some hot sauce or chili powder to the coleslaw. You could also top the fish with pickled jalapeños or a slice of pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
- Low-Carb Option: To make this sandwich low-carb, wrap the fish and coleslaw in large lettuce leaves instead of using buns. It’s just as tasty and satisfying, without the carbs from bread.
Storage and Reheating
- Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftover tilapia, store the fish and coleslaw separately to keep everything fresh. Place the cooked tilapia in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The coleslaw should also be stored in an airtight container and will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheating the Fish: For the best texture, reheat the tilapia in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also reheat it in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving the fish, as this can make it soggy.
- Reassembling the Sandwich: When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, place the reheated fish on a fresh bun, add a scoop of coleslaw, and enjoy your sandwich just like it was freshly made!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tilapia for this recipe?
Yes, frozen tilapia works well for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels before coating and frying. This will help it cook evenly and achieve a crispy crust.
What other toppings can I add to the sandwich?
You can get creative with toppings! Avocado slices, fresh tomatoes, pickles, or a sprinkle of cheese can add extra flavor and texture. For a spicy kick, try adding some hot sauce or sliced jalapeños.
Is there a way to make this sandwich lighter?
For a lighter version, use low-fat mayo in the coleslaw and consider air-frying the fish instead of pan-frying. You can also serve the fish and coleslaw on a lettuce wrap instead of a bun to reduce calories and carbs.
Can I make the coleslaw in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the coleslaw up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a quick stir before assembling the sandwiches to ensure it’s fresh and creamy.
What side dishes go well with this sandwich?
This tilapia fish sandwich pairs beautifully with sides like sweet potato fries, a light garden salad, or even a bowl of soup. Roasted vegetables or a simple pasta salad also make great accompaniments.
Other Easy Tilapia Fish Recipes
Easy Air Fryer Tilapia Fillets: These air fryer tilapia fillets are perfectly seasoned, tender, and ready in minutes, making them an effortless weeknight dinner.
Crispy Pan-Seared Tilapia: Pan-seared to a golden crisp, this tilapia is juicy inside with a delightful, savory crust.
Instant Pot Tilapia from Frozen: This Instant Pot tilapia recipe transforms frozen fillets into a moist and flavorful meal in no time.
Frozen Tilapia in Air Fryer: Enjoy flaky, delicious tilapia straight from the freezer to the air fryer for a quick and healthy meal.
Oven-Baked Blackened Tilapia: This oven-baked blackened tilapia has a smoky, spicy crust and tender, juicy interior for a bold and satisfying flavor.
Lemon Garlic Baked White Fish (Tilapia): Baked with fresh lemon and garlic, this tilapia is light, flavorful, and ideal for a simple, wholesome dinner.
Easy Tilapia Fish Sandwich Recipe With Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 1 lb tilapia fish fillets 4 pieces
- 4 hamburger buns or 8 slices of bread
- 1/2 package coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt and pepper
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Bowl for whisking eggs
- Plate for flour coating
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Whisk the egg in a bowl.
- Put the flour on a plate.
- Dip each tilapia fillet in egg on both sides, then put on a plate with flour and flip the fish, so the fish is coated with flour on both sides.
- Put the fish on a frying pan. Sprinkle the fish with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp of pepper.
- Cook the fish for 4 minutes, then flip with a spatula to the other side.
- Sprinkle the fish with another 1/4 salt. Cook for 4 more minutes, or until the tilapia is cooked through (flakes easily with a fork).
- While the fish is cooking, make the coleslaw: mix the coleslaw mix with mayo and 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper.
- Put the cooked tilapia fish on a slice of bread, add the coleslaw on top of the fish, and top the sandwich with another slice of bread.
Enjoy this delicious tilapia fish sandwich! It’s easy to make and tastes so good! For another great fish sandwich, check out fish panini recipe.
This sandwich is a great way to enjoy leftover fish. Thanks for the tip…
Tried this recipe, and it was a hit.. So easy to make and super delicious