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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Buy Now → 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.
Tips and Tricks
- Use the slow roast method for the salmon. It creates a buttery salmon that cannot be beat.
- Allow the salmon to sit out on the counter top for about 30 minutes prior to roasting.
- If using corn tortillas, warm them before assembling the tacos. They can crack if cold.
- 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!
Variations and Substitutions
Proteins
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, Cod, 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!
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 with either!
Garnishes
I think garnishes for any taco situation are a necessity. Put your own spin on these salmon tacos!
Think:
- Avocado
- Radish slices
- Cilantro leaves
- Pickled onions
- Pickled jalapeños
- Fresh jalapeños
- Cotija cheese
- Queso Fresco
- Fresh lime wedges
- Pico De Gallo
- Salsa Verde
I could go on and on, but just have fun with it!
Turn It 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 meal prep/lunch option to take to the office or on the go!
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.
How do I check for freshness in salmon?
One of the first ways to check for freshness is with our eyes. Salmon should be bright pink/orange and evenly colored. It should not be pale or dull in anyway. The filets should be plump and vibrant and pleasing to the eye, not suspiciously gray and flat. A tasty salmon filet, is a beautiful salmon filet - even before it hits the oven.
The next way to test for the freshness of salmon is by smell. There should be no off-putting smell at all. Any murkiness coming from the fish is a sign that it has gone bad, and should be discarded immediately. There is no room for putrid salmon. Not now. Not ever.
Salmon Tacos Recipe
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
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers separately in the fridge in airtight containers. They will stay good up to 3 days.
The key to reheating salmon is doing it slowly. Warming it in a skillet with a bit of butter or avocado oil would be my recommendation. If you nuke the tar out of it, it can become tough and fishy.
I don't recommend freezing any leftovers.
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!
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!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
Other Taco Recipes You'll Love
Shrimp Tacos - Another quick and easy taco recipe with a tangy slaw and wonderfully dunkable sauce!
Steak Tacos - Perfect for grilling season! Full of flavor, great crunch, and of course, another wonderful taco sauce!
Pulled Pork Tacos - Asian flavors and several cooking methods to fit your busy life! You've got to try these!
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