Soy Seared Cod Tacos with Spicy Slaw

Soy Seared Cod Tacos with Spicy Slaw are delicious for runners and non-runners alike! Wild-caught cod is seared with olive oil and soy sauce, then topped with a spicy Asian-inspired cabbage slaw.

Overhead image of Soy Seared Cod Tacos on plate with spicy slaw

This weekend, I ran a 15K, then drank the most decadent hot chocolate of my life. I was supposed to run an additional three miles to round out my long run of the week… but after texting my coach my race results, he instructed me to take the rest of the weekend off and to rest my legs for today. (I secretly think it’s because I told him I felt like puking several times on the course, but that’s neither here nor there…)

The 15K was a feat for me, and it wasn’t because of the 9.33 miles or the hills on the course.

It was a feat because I ran the distance faster (and more consistently!) than I have in two years… and I felt like I could keep going when I crossed the finish line.

Progress?

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    I’m making it, slowly and surely!

    Overhead view of cod in a taco next to bowl of spicy slaw

    Soooo… Soy Seared Cod Tacos with Spicy Slaw.

    This recipe packs some heat, so it’s not something I would eat before a long run, but it’s perfect post-run fuel if you’re craving lean protein and lots of textures, as well as a melding of flavors. The fish is fall-apart-delicious, and the slaw is sweet and spicy… and then you wrap it in your favorite kind of tortilla.

    The fish tacos are filling without being heavy, and they are loved by runners and non-runners alike. In fact, when we made this recently, my husband told me he would happily eat it every day. And I would, too. So there’s that.

    Here’s how you can make your own:

    Overhead image of Soy Seared Cod Tacos on plate with spicy slaw
    Yield: 8 tacos

    Soy Seared Cod Tacos with Spicy Slaw

    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes

    Soy Seared Cod Tacos with Spicy Slaw are delicious for runners and non-runners alike! Wild-caught cod is seared with olive oil and soy sauce, then topped with a spicy Asian-inspired cabbage slaw.

    Ingredients

    Soy Seared Cod Tacos

    • 1 lb. Alaskan cod, (wild-caught, if possible)
    • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
    • ½ teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
    • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
    • 8 Fresh tortillas, (corn or flour)

    Spicy Cabbage Slaw

    • 1 lb. green cabbage, , julienned
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, , freshly-squeezed
    • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
    • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
    • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
    • 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
    • 1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter, unsweetened

    Instructions

    Make the Tacos

    1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the fish and begin to sear, sprinkling with black pepper. The fish will whiten on the bottom and around the sides as it cooks, and you will flip it once. (This should take 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.)
    2. Once you've flipped the fish, add the soy sauce on top of it, and cook until the fish is cooked through. Remove from the heat and add the sesame seeds.

    Make the Slaw

    1. Combine the wet ingredients -- soy sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, sesame oil and vinegar -- in a bowl. Measure out, then add in the dry ingredients -- ginger, brown sugar, sesame seeds, salt, pepper, Sriracha and the peanut butter. Whisk until smooth.
    2. Add the cabbage to the dressing when you're ready to make the tacos. (These two elements can be stored separately and will last longer if you do so, as the slaw will become soggy if the dressing and cabbage are stored together.)
    3. Place the fish in the middle of a warmed tortilla, then top with the slaw. Consume immediately, and enjoy!

    Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    8 tacos

    Serving Size:

    1 taco

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 315Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 726mgCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 19g

    Nutrition facts are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate.

    How much did you love this recipe?

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    Close up of soy seared cod taco with spicy slaw on a plate

    How do you feel about fish tacos?

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    About the Author:

    Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her

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    8 Comments

      1. Agreed, Tyler! And the spicy slaw is fantastic. Just sweet enough and just spicy enough for a kick. It’s also super interesting if you leave out the sugar, too, though I like it better with a bit of sweetness there…

    1. Omg, that slaw sounds amazing Erin! I’m imagining that deliciously sweet, sour and spicy combo against the soft, delicious fish. Definitely a winner! I love fish tacos (or any tacos, for that matter!) so I’ll definitely be adding this one to our dinner repertoire very soon. Oh, and after running? I just want food, baby. ANY food!!!

      1. Your imagination is taking you to the right place, Laura! When I first was trying to figure out the slaw, I knew I wanted it to be slightly sweet, a bit sour and definitely with a kick… and it works wonderfully with the fish! And like you, I just want food after I run. In fact, last weekend, I discovered that brunch after a long run is maybe the BEST thing. You know… spreading the knowledge. 😉

      1. Thanks so much, Chelsea! I appreciate it!

        We love fish tacos, too, and I hope y’all enjoy this recipe as much as we enjoy it here!

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