Salmon Tacos

Easy Salmon Tacos! Salmon fillets are rubbed with a simple spice blend then pan seared until beautifully browned. From there salmon is flaked and served over warmed tortillas with a simple citrusy cabbage slaw. They are unbelievably delicious!

The Best Fish Tacos with Salmon

When you want a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor these salmon tacos are an excellent choice!

They are layered with an abundance of fresh Baja-style flavor.

You get that classic masa taste from the tortilla, the complexity of well seasoned salmon in the filling, vibrant lime and creamy richness from the taco slaw, and a highlight of herbaceous finish from the cilantro.

And I think you’ll appreciate the layering of a trio of textures – including a soft and chewy tortilla, buttery salmon, and crunchy cabbage.

It’s all the perfect blend and a dish fit for company!

Salmon Tacos Recipe Ingredients

• 1 1/4 lbs skinless salmon (about 1-inch thick), cut into 3 fillets
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 3/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 10 (6-inch) corn tortillas, warmed3 cups (slightly packed) finely shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp lime zest and 1 1/2 Tbsp lime juice
• 1 1/2 tsp honey
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
• 3/4 tsp minced garlic (1 small clove)

How to Make Salmon Tacos the Quick and Easy Way

1. Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat (tip: a heavy non-stick skillet works well or for more blackening use a cast iron skillet).
2. Season salmon: Sprinkle both sides of salmon with a fair amount of salt and pepper and sprinkle both sides evenly with chili powder and cumin.
3. Sear salmon in skillet about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until just barely cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board.
4. While salmon is cooking prepare the taco slaw. In a large mixing bowl toss together cabbage, mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, honey, cilantro and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Flake fish into bite size chunks (tip: I just use a knife and spoon a fork works too).
6. Assemble tacos: Layer warmed tortillas with taco slaw, salmon and any desired toppings then serve right away.

Salmon Taco Toppings

I’ve listed toppings I like in the recipe but there are plenty of options. Here are a few ideas:

• Avocado
• Cilantro
• Fresh mango
• Fresh pineapple
• Fish taco slaw (as pictured)
• Queso fresco, Cotija, or Monterey Jack Cheese
• Mexican hot sauce
• Mexican crema
• Onion (white or red, or pickled)

Possible Substitutions

• Spicy heat: For spicy salmon fish tacos use chipotle powder in place of regular chili powder or add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper.
• Smokey flavor: If you want a smokey hint to them use ancho chili powder in place of regular chili powder, also include 1/2 tsp smoked paprika.
• Cumin substitute: Coriander would also be good in place of cumin.
• Salmon substitute: You can use another type of fish in place of salmon such as cod.
• Time saver: To save time use a pre-chopped coleslaw mix instead of using fresh cabbage and chopping it yourself.
• Tortilla type: If you prefer flour tortillas you can use those instead of corn tortillas. Another option here is to make these mini size and use the 4.5-inch street taco tortillas.
• Healthier mayo swap: Plain Greek yogurt would work in place of mayonnaise for a lighter option.

What to Serve with Salmon Tacos

• Black Beans and Mexican Rice
• Mango Salsa and Tortilla Chips
• Mexican Street Corn or the salad form of it

More Tempting Taco Recipes

• Grilled Chicken Street Tacos
• Ground Beef Tacos
• Fish Tacos
• Shrimp Tacos

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe

Salmon Tacos

Salmon fillets are rubbed with a simple spice blend then pan seared until beautifully browned. From there salmon is flaked and served over warmed tortillas with a simple citrusy cabbage slaw. They are unbelievably delicious!

Servings: 5 (2 tacos per serving)

Prep24 minutes minutes

Cook6 minutes minutes

Ready in: 30 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 lbs skinless salmon (about 1-inch thick), cut into 3 fillets
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp chili powder*
• 3/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 10 (6-inch) corn tortillas, warmed**

Taco slaw

• 3 cups (slightly packed) finely shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp lime zest
• 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 1/2 tsp honey
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
• 3/4 tsp minced garlic (1 small clove)

Optional Toppings

• Queso fresco or shredded moneterey jack cheese
• Fresh diced pineapple, mango, or avocado
• Diced red onion

Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat (a heavy non-stick skillet works well or for more blackening use a cast iron skillet).
• Sprinkle both sides of salmon with a fair amount of salt and pepper and sprinkle and rub both sides with chili powder and cumin.
• Sear in skillet about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until just barely cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board.
• While salmon is cooking prepare the taco slaw. In a large mixing bowl toss together cabbage, mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, honey, cilantro and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Flake cooked fish into bite size chunks (I just use a knife and spoon, a fork works too).
• Layer warmed tortillas with taco slaw, salmon and any desired toppings then serve right away.

Notes

• *For a spicy salmon substitute regular chili powder with 1 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder, or for a slightly smokey flavor you can use 1 1/2 tsp ancho chili powder in place of regular plus 1/2 tsp smoked paprika.
• **Here's how I prefer to heat the tortillas: Preheat a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add about 1 Tbsp olive oil and tilt to coat pan. Add 3 tortillas at a time to pan (in a single layer) and swirl in oil (using tongs) then quickly turn and coat with a little oil. Let cook on each side until light golden brown spots appear. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Reduce burner temp as needed.
• Nutrition estimate is per 2 tacos, does not include optional toppings.

Nutrition Facts

Salmon Tacos

Amount Per Serving

Calories 414 Calories from Fat 171

% Daily Value*

Fat 19g29%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Polyunsaturated Fat 3g

Monounsaturated Fat 4g

Cholesterol 66mg22%

Sodium 158mg7%

Potassium 679mg19%

Carbohydrates 26g9%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 23g46%

Vitamin A 251IU5%

Vitamin C 23mg28%

Calcium 17mg2%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: Salmon Tacos, salmon tacos recipe

Author: Jaclyn