Description
Mouthwatering salmon tacos bring Mexican coastal flavors to weeknight dinners. Fresh ingredients and quick preparation make these tacos a delightful meal you’ll crave repeatedly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (453.6 g) salmon fillet (skin removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Juice of 1 lime
- Juice of 1 lime
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- ½ avocado, sliced (optional)
- ½ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese (optional)
- Extra lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a skillet for stovetop cooking, ensuring an even, hot surface for perfectly cooked salmon.
- Seasoning: Pat salmon dry and massage with olive oil, then coat with a spice blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cooking: Bake salmon for 12-15 minutes in the oven or cook 4-5 minutes per side in a skillet until fish becomes delicately flaky, then immediately squeeze fresh lime juice over the surface.
- Breaking: Fork the salmon into bite-sized chunks, creating a rustic texture for taco filling.
- Slaw Creation: Combine shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and chopped cilantro, dress with lime juice, olive oil, and salt, tossing thoroughly to distribute flavors.
- Lime Crema: Whisk sour cream with lime juice, garlic powder, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Tortilla Preparation: Warm tortillas in a dry pan or microwave to enhance flexibility and corn flavor.
- Assembly: Layer flaked salmon as a base, top with crisp slaw, creamy avocado slices, and crumbled cheese.
- Finishing Touch: Drizzle lime crema over tacos and serve with additional lime wedges for a citrusy burst of freshness.
Notes
- Control Moisture: Pat salmon thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess water, ensuring a crispy exterior and preventing steaming instead of searing.
- Customize Spice Blend: Adjust seasoning ratios to personal taste preferences, experimenting with smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin for a personalized flavor profile.
- Perfect Cooking Technique: Monitor salmon closely during cooking to avoid overcooking; salmon is done when it flakes easily and reaches 145°F internal temperature for optimal texture and safety.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap corn tortillas for lettuce wraps for low-carb option, use dairy-free yogurt instead of sour cream for vegan-friendly lime crema, and choose gluten-free tortillas for celiac-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg