Salmon Tacos With a Chili Lime Slaw is sure to become a new favorite! Buttery salmon dusted with a zesty taco seasoning paired with the tangy chili lime slaw are the perfect combo. Piled high onto a warm corn tortilla and dressed with your favorite taco garnishes, this simple recipe will on repeat at your house all the time. Promise!
Let's get started!
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Ingredients
- Salmon - Fresh and buttery, salmon is naturally mild tasting and it pairs so well with the warm seasonings in this recipe. I always prefer using fresh salmon fillets and am not a fan of frozen at all.
- Taco Seasoning - My recipe is simple and so good, but use your favorite.
- Cabbage - For the fresh and crunchy slaw. Grab some coleslaw mix if you want a quick and easy substitution.
- Red Onion - For that lovely, savory bite. You can use whatever onion you prefer.
- Cilantro - Once again, if you don't like it, leave it out.
- Lime - For the tang that is quintessential for salmon tacos.
- Sweet Chili Sauce - I love this stuff and it makes an incredible sauce. You can find it almost anywhere. I highly suggest grabbing some.
- Corn Tortillas - Or, flour tortillas. Whichever you prefer.
- Kosher Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper - Basic must-haves for seasoning.
- Garnish with Avocado, Jalapeños, and Radishes - The world is your oyster. Garnish away!
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How To Roast Salmon
Salmon is absolutely one of my favorite proteins and it makes some of the best tacos ever. It doesn't take long to cook, preparation is incredibly simple, and when done correctly, it's buttery and lovely and wonderful.
To start, never put your salmon in the oven straight out of the fridge. Pull your salmon about 30 minutes before roasting to let it come up to temp just a bit. This will make a huge difference in your end product.
Next, I personally like to roast my salmon at a lower temperature. For this recipe, I roast at 350° for 15-20 minutes.
And, lastly, roast only until your salmon just starts to flake. This fish does not do well when its overcooked.
The goal is soft, buttery, tender salmon, and by using these tips, that's exactly what you should end up with!
recipe instructions
These salmon tacos are not only easy, but they comes together in no time! While the salmon is in the oven, the other ingredients can be prepped. This is a 30 minute meal at its finest!
To begin, season salmon liberally with taco seasoning.
Roast salmon in a 350°, preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until just flakey. Flake and set aside.
While, the salmon is in the oven, finely slice cabbage and red onion. Chop the cilantro. Toss the cabbage, onion, and cilantro in lime juice and sweet chili sauce. Salt and pepper, to taste. Add a pinch of sugar if you like your slaw a little sweeter.
Build your salmon tacos on warm, soft corn tortillas.
Garnish with whatever you love! Nom and enjoy! And, that's it! So simple, so quick. This recipe is the perfect weeknight wonder that will please even the toughest critic! They're that good!
salmon tacos Variations
Not a Fan of Salmon?
I know that fish can be a touchy subject for some people. Especially fish of the oily variety. If you're not a salmon person, you can easily substitute another type of fish. I think Mahi Mahi or Halibut would be awesome. Shrimp would be fantastic as well!
Still not a fish or seafood person? Chicken in place of the salmon will absolutely work. Just be sure to make this recipe your own! Steak tacos are also a fantastic option, as well!
Salmon Tacos Garnishes
I think garnishes for any taco situation are a necessity. This is where you can certainly put your own spin on this meal.
Think:
- Avocado
- Radish slices
- Cilantro leaves
- Pickled onions
- Pickled jalapeños
- Fresh jalapeños
- Cotija cheese
- Queso Fresco
- Fresh lime wedges
I could go on and on, but just have fun with it!
tortillas: flour vs. corn
I tend to lean towards a corn tortilla with salmon tacos because I do feel like they are just a tad lighter. However, if a warm, soft flour tortilla is more your style, then use those! You cannot go wrong. I also happen to have a wonderfully easy and delicious recipe for said flour tortillas. Just click here!
turn this salmon taco into a salad!
If you're not feeling salmon tacos, but still want the flavors of this awesome recipe, turn it into a salad! I do this all the time by starting with a base of my favorite salad greens and building my masterpiece from there! It's such a great variation for this recipe and makes a quick and easy lunch option to take to the office or on the go!
what kind of salmon to use
The short answer is, your favorite. Use what you love. I am not a fan at all of frozen salmon. I have yet to find any that I think tastes good and, in fact, I think it tastes more like cat food than anything. When using salmon for a recipe, I always go to the seafood counter and buy fresh salmon filets. I stay away from farm raised, but outside of that, as long as the filets are fresh, they will taste better.
recipe Frequently Asked Questions
Is this salmon tacos recipe gluten-free?
As long as you verify the ingredient list on your corn tortillas, this recipe is gluten-free.
Can this recipe be dairy-free?
I used Cotija cheese as a garnish for my tacos. If you need the recipe to be dairy-free, simply leave this ingredient off.
I hate to chop veggies. Any quick slaw tricks?
Coleslaw mix for the slaw is the perfect time-saving ingredient! You can also buy red onion already prepped in most grocery stores. Make it easy on yourself!
Recipe
Salmon Tacos
Equipment
- tongs for mixing slaw
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon filets
- taco seasoning
- 2 cups cabbage, finely shredded
- ½ cup cilantro, rough chopped
- ¼-1/2 cup red onion, finely sliced add per your taste
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
- 12 corn tortillas
Instructions
Roasted Salmon
- Liberally season salmon with taco seasoning.
- Roast salmon in a 350°, preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until just flakey.
- Flake and set aside.
Chili Lime Slaw
- While the salmon is in the oven, thinly slice cabbage and red onion.
- Chop the cilantro and toss with cabbage and red onion.
- Add lime juice and the chili sauce. Mix to combine.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Salmon Taco Assembly
- Pile pieces of flaked salmon onto warmed corn tortillas.
- Top with slaw.
- Garnish with everything from cotija cheese to avocado slices to pickled onions.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
If you guys make this Salmon Tacos Recipe, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Salmon Tacos recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok! And, please leave a comment or review. I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces. And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
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