Ready for the ultimate taco night upgrade? These Crispy Turkey Tacos with Crunchy Slaw deliver juicy turkey with a perfectly golden crust, piled high with zesty, colorful slaw — all wrapped up in warm tortillas. Each bite is a party of flavors and textures, making these tacos totally irresistible for everyday dinners or festive gatherings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Maximum Crunch: Crisp golden turkey paired with fresh, tangy slaw means every bite is a textural treat.
- Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 15 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights!
- Customizable Flavors: From spice blends in the turkey coating to add-ins for the slaw, you can easily play around to suit your tastes.
- Colorful & Fun: These tacos aren’t just delicious, they’re stunning on the plate — ideal for impressing family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Crispy Turkey Tacos with Crunchy Slaw is just how accessible and simple the ingredient list is. Each component brings something to the table, from the aromatic spices that transform mild turkey cubes to the vibrant crunch and zing of homemade slaw.
- Turkey Breast (300 g, cut into bite-sized chunks): Lean, juicy, and quick to cook, turkey is the perfect mild canvas for bold spices and a crispy coating.
- Plain Flour (4 tablespoons): Creates that all-important crispy shell when fried; essential for getting that golden crunch.
- Chilli Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a gentle kick — adjust to your preferred heat level!
- Cumin (1 teaspoon): Brings earthy depth and a hint of smokiness that balances the zing of the slaw.
- Ground Coriander (1 teaspoon): Lends subtle citrus notes that brighten the turkey beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: The foundation for seasoning both the turkey coating and the overall dish.
- Vegetable Oil (4 tablespoons): For shallow frying, ensuring your turkey pieces get irresistibly crisp without absorbing too much oil.
- Small Tortilla Wraps: The soft, pillowy vehicle for all your fillings; choose your favorite — flour or corn.
- Red Cabbage (¼, shredded): Creates a vibrant, crunchy base for the slaw and adds gorgeous color.
- Carrots (2, peeled and shredded): Sweet crunch, vibrant color, and nutrition all in one bite.
- Lime Juice (½ lime): Adds fresh brightness, balancing out the richness of the turkey.
- White Wine Vinegar (1 tablespoon): The zingy backbone of the slaw’s flavor, it cuts through the fat and ties everything together.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Gives the slaw a touch of richness and helps the flavors meld.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to have fun and put your personal spin on these Crispy Turkey Tacos with Crunchy Slaw. There are loads of ways to adapt this recipe to suit different tastes, dietary needs, or whatever veggies are hanging out in your crisper drawer!
- Spice It Up (or Down): Play with the spice blend — add smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even a pinch of cayenne for extra heat, or skip the chilli for milder tacos.
- Switch Up the Protein: Try swapping turkey for chicken, pork, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian take.
- Slaw Remix: Toss in sliced bell peppers, radishes, or a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to customize the slaw.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the crispy turkey and slaw in lettuce cups instead of tortillas for a lighter twist.
How to Make Crispy Turkey Tacos with Crunchy Slaw
Step 1: Toss Together the Crunchy Slaw
Start by combining the shredded red cabbage and carrots in a large bowl. Squeeze over the lime juice, drizzle with white wine vinegar and olive oil, and toss everything until well coated. Set aside — letting the slaw sit for a few minutes helps the flavors mingle and the veggies soften ever so slightly for the perfect crisp bite.
Step 2: Coat the Turkey in Spiced Flour
On a large plate, mix together the plain flour, chilli powder, cumin, ground coriander, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Add your turkey chunks and toss them around, making sure each piece is well coated with the flavorful flour mixture. This will ensure every morsel turns out golden and packed with flavor.
Step 3: Fry the Turkey Until Super Crispy
Heat the vegetable oil in a small frying pan or saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), fry the turkey pieces in batches, giving them plenty of space. Cook for about 5 minutes, turning to crisp all sides, until each chunk is golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let them rest on a plate lined with paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve!
Warm your small tortillas, then layer each one with a generous spoonful of crunchy slaw and a pile of crispy turkey. Serve immediately for the best combination of hot, crunchy turkey and cool, refreshing slaw!
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Turkey Tacos with Crunchy Slaw
- Get the Oil Temperature Just Right: Test your oil with a small bit of flour mixture before adding turkey — it should sizzle immediately, but not smoke, for ultimate crispiness.
- Finely Shred Your Veggies: The thinner the cabbage and carrots, the more they’ll soak up the zingy dressing and twirl beautifully in your tacos.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry the turkey in batches so each piece gets crisp and golden, not soggy; patience pays off here.
- Toast Your Tortillas: Briefly heat the wraps in a dry skillet or over a flame to bring out their flavor and make them more pliable for filling.
How to Serve Crispy Turkey Tacos with Crunchy Slaw
Garnishes
The possibilities for garnishing Crispy Turkey Tacos with Crunchy Slaw are endless! Try a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, a few crumbles of feta or queso fresco, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce for extra punch. A dollop of sour cream or a few thin slices of avocado can take things seriously over the top.
Side Dishes
Pair your tacos with classic Mexican-inspired sides for a complete feast: think fluffy cilantro-lime rice, charred corn, black beans, or a bowl of fresh guacamole and chips. These sides keep the meal colorful and let each person assemble their perfect plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Make taco night memorable by serving everything family-style so everyone can build their own Crispy Turkey Tacos with Crunchy Slaw. For parties, set up a DIY taco bar with all the fixings, or turn the tacos into cute sliders for appetizers using mini tortillas. Don’t forget a wedge of lime on each plate for that final bright touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cool the crispy turkey pieces completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the slaw and tortillas separate to preserve all the lovely textures.
Freezing
The turkey can be frozen after frying — simply let it cool, then pack into freezer-safe bags or containers for up to one month. The slaw, on the other hand, is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well due to its high moisture.
Reheating
To bring back the crispiness, lay turkey pieces on a baking tray and reheat in a hot oven (about 200°C/400°F) for 7–8 minutes until sizzling. Avoid the microwave, which can make the coating soggy — you want those crunchy edges!
FAQs
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Can I make these Crispy Turkey Tacos with Crunchy Slaw gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the plain flour for your favorite gluten-free blend (or even cornstarch), and use certified gluten-free tortillas. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
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How can I make the turkey even crispier?
For even more crunch, double-dip the turkey: coat in the seasoned flour, dunk in a little beaten egg, then coat with flour again before frying. Just keep the oil hot and don’t overcrowd the pan!
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Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
You can prep the slaw and flour-coated turkey ahead, and refrigerate both until ready to fry. For maximum crunch, fry the turkey just before serving, and toss the slaw with its dressing up to a couple hours in advance.
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What’s the best way to keep the turkey warm and crispy for a crowd?
As you fry batches, keep the cooked pieces on a wire rack set in a low oven (about 100°C/210°F). This keeps them hot and crisp — perfect for assembling Crispy Turkey Tacos with Crunchy Slaw when you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something colorful, fresh, and a little bit special, you absolutely have to try these Crispy Turkey Tacos with Crunchy Slaw. They’re fun, flavorful, and just the thing to turn any meal into a mini fiesta — so go ahead, gather your crew, and enjoy every crunchy, messy, glorious bite!
Print
Crispy Turkey Tacos with Crunchy Slaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
These Crispy Turkey Tacos with Crunchy Slaw are a delicious and satisfying meal option that combines crispy turkey bites with a refreshing and vibrant slaw, all wrapped in soft tortillas for a delightful crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
Turkey Tacos:
- 300 g Turkey Breast, cut into bite-size chunks
- 4 tablespoons Plain Flour
- 1 teaspoon Chilli Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
- Salt and Pepper
- 4 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- Small Tortilla Wraps
Crunchy Slaw:
- 1/4 Red Cabbage, shredded
- 2 Carrots, peeled and shredded
- 1/2 Lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon White Wine Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Slaw: Combine shredded red cabbage, carrots, lime juice, white wine vinegar, and olive oil in a bowl. Toss well to coat and set aside.
- Cook the Turkey: In a plate, mix flour, chilli powder, cumin, ground coriander, salt, and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a pan. Coat turkey pieces in the flour mixture and fry in batches until crispy and cooked through, about 5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the Tacos: Fill tortilla wraps with the crispy turkey and top with the prepared slaw. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal
- Sugar: Varies
- Sodium: Varies
- Fat: Varies
- Saturated Fat: Varies
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: Varies
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Fiber: Varies
- Protein: Varies
- Cholesterol: Varies
