Crispy Fish Sliders with Spicy Mango Coleslaw: Your Ultimate Summer Party Recipe
I’m thrilled to be back and sharing another fantastic recipe with you all! My apologies for the brief absence, but I’ve been immersed in an exciting new project that I can’t wait to reveal very soon. While you anticipate that big announcement, I promise to reward your patience with an irresistible dish perfect for the warmer months: these incredibly Crispy Fish Sliders with Spicy Mango Coleslaw. They are truly a taste of summer, designed to brighten any gathering.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably noticed that sliders have taken center stage as the ultimate appetizer this summer. And for good reason! Their miniature size makes them inherently appealing, falling squarely into the category of “these are small, so I can definitely have more than one (or two, or three!)”. This particular recipe elevates the humble slider to gourmet status, combining perfectly fried fish with a vibrant, flavorful coleslaw and a kick of Sriracha mayonnaise. It’s an explosion of taste in every bite.
For many home cooks, frying fish can seem like a daunting task. I’ll admit, it was a culinary frontier I hadn’t ventured into much myself. After countless experiences with overly greasy or soggy fish and chips from various restaurants, I gained a deep appreciation for just how challenging it is to achieve that ideal piece of fried fish: golden brown, irresistibly crispy, and wonderfully non-oily. It takes a certain touch, the right batter, and precise temperature control. But don’t let that intimidate you! This recipe simplifies the process, ensuring success even for novice fryers.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the remarkable results it delivers. One day, quite by chance, I stumbled upon a technique that consistently produces truly gorgeous, bite-sized pieces of fried fish. These little golden treasures practically scream to be nestled into a soft slider bun, then crowned with a vibrant, spicy mango coleslaw and drizzled with a creamy, zesty Sriracha mayonnaise. The combination is nothing short of sensational.
Just imagine that perfectly crispy piece of fish… The light, airy batter encasing tender, flaky cod, offering an audible crunch with every bite. It’s a texture and flavor sensation that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about homemade fried fish. No more heavy, greasy coatings – just pure, unadulterated crispness that holds up beautifully against its flavorful toppings.
The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Fried Fish
The magic starts with our light and airy batter. Unlike heavy, thick batters that can absorb too much oil, ours uses all-purpose flour, baking powder, and crucially, cold seltzer water. The carbonation in the seltzer water contributes to a remarkably light and crispy coating, creating those beautiful bubbles that give fried fish its characteristic texture. The cold temperature also helps to create a crisper crust by slowing down gluten development and forming a protective barrier when it hits the hot oil. Using firm white fish like cod is essential; it holds its shape well and offers a delicate flavor that perfectly complements the bold additions.
The Zesty & Spicy Mango Coleslaw
Beyond the fish, the star of these sliders is undoubtedly the spicy mango coleslaw. This isn’t your average, mayonnaise-heavy coleslaw. It’s a vibrant, fresh, and slightly sweet-and-spicy concoction that cuts through the richness of the fried fish beautifully. Ripe mango adds a tropical sweetness and soft texture, while finely chopped red onion provides a sharp, savory crunch. The dressing, a blend of mayonnaise, zesty lime juice, a touch of sugar, and a generous amount of fresh cilantro, is then kicked up with Sriracha, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. This slaw is incredibly refreshing and an absolute must for achieving the full flavor profile of these sliders.
The Final Touch: Sriracha Mayonnaise
And let’s not forget the Sriracha mayonnaise! While the coleslaw already brings a delightful spiciness, a little extra drizzle of Sriracha mayo on the bun ties all the flavors together. It adds another layer of creaminess and a customizable heat level that you can adjust to your preference. It’s a simple, yet incredibly effective addition that brings an extra punch of flavor and moisture to every bite, making these fish sliders truly irresistible.
Perfect for Any Summer Occasion
These Crispy Fish Sliders with Spicy Mango Coleslaw are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. They are the perfect summer appetizer, especially ideal for those sweltering afternoon BBQs when your grill might be fully occupied with hamburgers, hot dogs, and brats. They offer a refreshing alternative, a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors that stands out amidst traditional cookout fare. Preparing them is surprisingly straightforward, and the payoff is immense. You can fry the fish in batches and assemble the sliders as your guests arrive, or even set up a slider bar so everyone can customize their own. Trust me, these will be the talk of your next gathering.
So, go ahead, fry them up and delight in every single bite! They are undeniably delicious and guaranteed to become a new favorite in your summer entertaining repertoire.
Table of Contents
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Crispy Fish Sliders with Spicy Mango Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/4 cup cold seltzer water
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 3 firm cod fillets cut into 2 to 3-inch squares (depending on your slider bun size)
- Salt & black pepper
- 8 slider buns toasted
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tsp Sriracha sauce or other preferred Asian chili sauce
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
- 1 14 oz package of classic coleslaw mix
- 1 large ripe mango peeled and sliced into thin strips or small cubes
- 1/2 small red onion finely chopped
- Salt & black pepper
Instructions
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First, prepare the Mango Coleslaw: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Sriracha, fresh lime juice, sugar, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 1 tablespoon of water. Whisk until smooth. Add the coleslaw mix, sliced mango, and chopped red onion. Toss everything together until well combined. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve to allow flavors to meld.
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Next, prepare the fish batter: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of cold seltzer water until the batter is smooth with no lumps. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes; this allows the baking powder to activate and the gluten to relax, ensuring a lighter, crispier coating.
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Prepare for frying: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure accuracy for best results.
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Fry the fish: Lightly season the cod pieces with salt and pepper. Working in small batches to avoid crowding the pan and dropping the oil temperature, dip each fish piece into the prepared batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Quickly transfer the battered fish to the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, which typically takes approximately 2 minutes per side. Carefully remove the fried fish pieces with a slotted spoon or tongs and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Lightly season again with salt on both sides while still hot. Repeat with remaining fish.
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Assemble the sliders: Lightly toast your slider buns. For an extra layer of flavor (highly recommended!), spread a thin layer of Sriracha mayonnaise on the bottom bun of each slider. To make a quick Sriracha mayonnaise, simply combine 1/4 cup of mayonnaise with 1 to 2 teaspoons of Sriracha sauce (adjust to your desired spice level). Place a piece of crispy fried fish on the bottom bun, then top generously with the spicy mango coleslaw. Crown with the top bun and serve immediately. Enjoy your irresistible Crispy Fish Sliders!