There’s something about a summer evening, friends gathered, laughter floating in the air, and the aroma of fresh food wafting from the grill. While traditional tacos are forever a favorite, fried salmon tacos bring a wave of excitement to taco nights.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm tortilla filled with flaky salmon, bright veggies, and a burst of zesty lime. You’ll be looking for excuses to make these often!
Fried salmon tacos are a delightful twist on the endless possibilities of taco filling. They combine the rich, buttery flavor of salmon with the crunch of fresh vegetables and the brightness of lime. Not only are they easy to make, but they also deliver a flavor payoff that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or a summer gathering, these tacos will be the star of the show.
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What are fried salmon tacos?
Fried salmon tacos consist of pieces of seasoned salmon fried until crispy and served in soft tortillas. Topped with fresh vegetables and zingy lime juice, they offer a perfect blend of textures and flavors. Each bite is a delightful mix of the savory fish, creamy avocado, and juicy tomatoes, all wrapped in warm, soft tortillas.
Why does this recipe work?
The beauty of this fried salmon taco recipe lies in its harmonious blend of flavors. The spices, including cumin and chili powder, elevate the salmon, adding deep earthiness that perfectly complements the fish’s sweetness. Fresh veggies like tomatoes and avocado add crunch and creaminess, bringing balance to each bite. The squeeze of fresh lime juice ties everything together, brightening the dish and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
What You’ll need to make this dish?
Gather the following ingredients:
Ingredients
– 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– ½ teaspoon cumin
– ½ teaspoon chili powder
– ¼ teaspoon onion powder
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– 2 salmon fillets
– 8 small, soft tortillas
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 8 cherry tomatoes, halved
– ½ small red onion, sliced thinly
– 1 small handful fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
Optional Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
– Few dashes of hot sauce
Ingredients From : tastingtable.com
How to make fried salmon tacos?
Time to roll up your sleeves and dive into the cooking process! Making these tacos is a cinch, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Step-by-step directions
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir them together until well blended. This garlicky mix will infuse the salmon with flavor.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets on a plate and pour the spice mixture over them. Use your hands to rub the mixture onto each side of the salmon. Be generous here; this seasoning is crucial for the flavor.
Step 3: Fry the Salmon
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets to the skillet. Fry each side for about 5 minutes or until the salmon is crispy and golden brown on the outside. The skin will separate easily, revealing tender, flaky fish inside.
Step 4: Flake the Salmon
Once cooked, remove the salmon from the skillet. Let it cool for a minute, then gently flake the salmon off the skin using a fork, breaking it into bite-sized pieces for your tacos.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
While the salmon cools, warm the tortillas. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for about 30 seconds or heating them in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes on low heat. Warm tortillas make all the difference.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
Now it’s taco assembly time! Lay a tortilla flat, and add a generous amount of flaky salmon. Top it off with diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, thin slices of red onion, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Step 7: Finish with Lime and Extras
Squeeze fresh lime juice over each taco. For those who love a little kick, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce to finish things off.
Tips
– Use fresh salmon for the best flavor. Fresh is always better!
– Don’t skip the lime juice; it lifts the flavors and adds a nice zing.
– Customize your toppings with whatever you have on hand. Corn, radishes, or even mango could be delicious!
– Prevent the tortillas from tearing by warming them before you pile on the fillings.
– For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in the spice mixture for about 30 minutes before cooking.
How to store leftovers?
If you have any leftover salmon taco fixes, store them separately in airtight containers. The salmon can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. For the best texture, do not store tortillas with the filling, as they can become soggy.
How would I recommend serving fried salmon tacos?
– Toppings station: Set up a taco bar with assorted toppings so everyone can customize their own.
– Side dishes: Pair with a fresh corn salad or sweet potato fries for a balanced meal.
– Drink pairings: Serve with a cold beverage like a classic margarita or sparkling water with lime.
– Perfect for gatherings: These tacos are fantastic for casual get-togethers or summer picnics.
– Meal prep: Make a big batch for easy lunches throughout the week!
What alternatives can you use for the ingredients if not available?
– If you can’t find fresh salmon, go for canned salmon or other fish like tilapia or mahi-mahi, seasoned similarly.
– No fresh garlic? Use garlic powder (½ teaspoon) in a pinch.
– Lime juice can be swapped for lemon juice, giving a slightly different but still bright flavor.
– For a dairy-free option, replace Greek yogurt with avocado crema or coconut yogurt.
– If you don’t have tortillas, try using lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative.
Fried Salmon Tacos
Equipment
- Skillet
- small bowl
- Spatula
- serving plate
- Fork
Ingredients
- – 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- – 1 clove garlic minced
- – ½ teaspoon cumin
- – ½ teaspoon chili powder
- – ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- – ¼ teaspoon salt
- – 2 salmon fillets
- – 8 small soft tortillas
- – 1 ripe avocado diced
- – 8 cherry tomatoes halved
- – ½ small red onion sliced thinly
- – 1 small handful fresh cilantro chopped
- – Juice of 1 lime
Optional Ingredients
- – 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- – Few dashes of hot sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mixture
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir them together until well blended. This garlicky mix will infuse the salmon with flavor.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
- Place the salmon fillets on a plate and pour the spice mixture over them. Use your hands to rub the mixture onto each side of the salmon. Be generous here; this seasoning is crucial for the flavor.
Step 3: Fry the Salmon
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets to the skillet. Fry each side for about 5 minutes or until the salmon is crispy and golden brown on the outside. The skin will separate easily, revealing tender, flaky fish inside.
Step 4: Flake the Salmon
- Once cooked, remove the salmon from the skillet. Let it cool for a minute, then gently flake the salmon off the skin using a fork, breaking it into bite-sized pieces for your tacos.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
- While the salmon cools, warm the tortillas. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for about 30 seconds or heating them in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes on low heat. Warm tortillas make all the difference.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
- Now it’s taco assembly time! Lay a tortilla flat, and add a generous amount of flaky salmon. Top it off with diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, thin slices of red onion, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Step 7: Finish with Lime and Extras
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over each taco. For those who love a little kick, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce to finish things off.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
1. Can I bake the salmon instead of frying?
Absolutely! Bake the seasoned salmon in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through. This option is healthier and still delightful.
2. What can I do with leftover fried salmon?
You can use leftover salmon in salads, as a topping for rice bowls, or mixed into scrambled eggs for breakfast.
3. Are these tacos gluten-free?
Yes, they can be gluten-free by using corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Just check the label!
4. Can I meal prep these tacos?
Definitely! Cook the salmon and chop the veggies in advance. When you’re ready to eat, simply warm the tortillas and assemble.
5. What should I do if the salmon is overcooked?
Don’t fret! Overcooked salmon can be shredded and mixed with a bit of sour cream or yogurt to restore some moisture.
Conclusion
Fried salmon tacos are a delightful addition to your recipe repertoire. They’re not only quick and easy to prepare but they also tick all the boxes for flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re serving them for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a summer barbecue, these tacos will surely be a hit.
Trust me, once you bite into those crispy, flavorful salmon tacos, you’ll find yourself coming back for more. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a burst of tasty bliss!