Salmon tacos might just be the pinnacle of joy wrapped in a tortilla. There’s something about the way the juicy citrus salsa dances on the perfectly seared fish that feels like a little fiesta in your mouth—like a summer sunset you can taste. And who knew such a simple dish could evoke memories of beach bonfires and endless laughter?
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 450°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil or greasing it with cooking spray.
- Mix chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat the salmon filets dry, place them on the baking sheet, brush with oil, and sprinkle with the seasoning blend.
- Roast the salmon in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 135-145°F, which takes about 4-6 minutes per half inch of thickness.
- While the salmon cooks, combine diced oranges, avocado, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl to make the salsa.
- Once the salmon is done, use a fork to break it into large pieces. Fill your tortillas with the salmon, top with salsa and extra cilantro if desired, and serve.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds of boneless salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon of dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 medium oranges, peeled and diced
- 1 large avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1 jalapeño, cored and finely diced
- ½ small red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped and loosely packed
- Juice of 1 lime (plus extra limes for serving)
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of fish for these tacos?
- Absolutely! If salmon is not to your taste, you can substitute it with another fish like cod or tilapia. Shrimp is also a delicious alternative.
- What can I use instead of oranges in the salsa?
- If you want a different flavor, you can replace the oranges with fresh mango, pineapple, or peaches for a unique twist on the salsa.
- How can I make the tacos spicier or milder?
- To increase the heat, add extra cayenne pepper to the seasoning or increase the amount of jalapeño in the salsa. For a milder version, simply omit the jalapeños.
- What side dishes pair well with these salmon tacos?
- These tacos go great with classic sides like chips and salsa, a Mexican Caesar Salad, or a refreshing margarita.
- How should I cook the salmon to ensure it’s done perfectly?
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon, aiming for 135°F if you prefer it slightly less cooked, or 145°F as recommended by the FDA for perfectly cooked salmon.
Tips
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked salmon every time, invest in a meat thermometer. Remove the salmon from the oven when it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F to 145°F. This way, you can avoid overcooking, as the salmon will continue to cook slightly after being taken out of the oven.
- Customize the Salsa: Feel free to experiment with the citrus component of the salsa. While the recipe calls for oranges, you can substitute with other fruits like mango, pineapple, or peaches for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding more cayenne pepper to the salmon seasoning or increasing the amount of jalapeño in the salsa. Conversely, if you want a milder taste, you can omit the jalapeños entirely.
- Choose Your Tortillas Wisely: Depending on your dietary preferences and needs, you can opt for either corn or flour tortillas. Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, making them a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
Equipment
- Simple Salmon Tacos (with Juicy Citrus Salsa), here is a list of main equipment that someone might need to purchase from Amazon if they don’t already have them at home:
- Meat thermometer – Essential for checking the internal temperature of the salmon to ensure it’s cooked perfectly.
- Baking sheet – Needed for roasting the salmon in the oven.
- Aluminum foil – Used to line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Whisk – Useful for mixing the dry seasoning ingredients together.
