Picture this: the sizzle of salmon hitting a hot skillet, a symphony of spices dancing in the air—it’s like a beach party for your taste buds. I stumbled upon this gem of a taco recipe while hunting for something bold and quick to whip up on a weeknight. Trust me, these blackened salmon tacos are like a warm hug wrapped in a tortilla, offering just the right kick to wake up your senses.
Steps
- Prepare the mango slaw by mixing together the mango, red onion, cabbage, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Toss the ingredients until they are well combined, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the slaw refrigerated until you’re ready to use it.
- Cook the salmon by following the recipe instructions for blackening. Once cooked to your liking, transfer the salmon to a clean plate. Use two forks to gently shred the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble the tacos by placing a portion of the slaw onto each warmed tortilla, followed by the shredded salmon. Add your choice of toppings, such as cilantro, cotija cheese, avocado, or crema. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing and enjoy immediately.
Ingredients
- Salmon filets
- Olive oil
- Blackened seasoning (made with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper)
- 8 to 10 small corn tortillas, warmed
- Chopped cilantro
- Crumbled cotija cheese
- Diced avocado
- Mexican crema
- Sliced jalapeños
- Lime wedges
- 1 large mango, peeled, cored, and cut into matchsticks
- Half of a small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cups (approximately 6–7 ounces) shredded cabbage
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of protein instead of salmon in this recipe?
- Absolutely! You can substitute salmon with other proteins such as shrimp, chicken, pork, or even tofu, depending on your preference.
- What are some alternative fruits I can use in the slaw if I don’t have mango?
- You can replace mango with other juicy fruits like pineapple, peach, orange, berries, or melon to create a delicious variation of the slaw.
- How can I ensure the salmon is perfectly blackened but not overcooked?
- It’s important to be patient and let the salmon cook undisturbed until the crust is well-blackened before flipping it. You can gently lift a corner to check the crust’s progress, but avoid moving the fish while it cooks.
- What are some tips for warming tortillas effectively?
- To warm tortillas, you can place them directly over the flame of a gas stove for a charred flavor, or use other methods like a skillet or microwave to ensure they are soft and pliable.
- Are there any dairy-free options for toppings?
- Yes, you can skip the cheese to make this recipe dairy-free. Other dairy-free toppings include avocado, jalapeños, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
Tips
- Prepare the Seasoning in Advance: Mix the blackened seasoning ahead of time to ensure the tacos come together more quickly. Consider making a larger batch to use on various dishes like vegetables, potatoes, or proteins.
- Allow the Salmon to Blacken Properly: Give the salmon enough time to form a good crust by not moving it around in the pan. Check the progress by lifting a small corner, but otherwise, let it cook undisturbed until blackened.
- Properly Warm the Tortillas: Use methods like heating over a gas flame for added charred flavor to keep tortillas soft and pliable. This enhances the overall texture and taste of the tacos.
- Serve Immediately for Best Flavor: To enjoy the contrast of warm tortillas, hot salmon, and cold slaw, assemble the tacos just before eating to maintain the ideal temperature and texture balance.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet – Essential for achieving the perfect char on the salmon.
- Tortilla Warmer – Useful for keeping tortillas warm and pliable.
- Mandoline Slicer – Helpful for thinly slicing the red onion or shredding cabbage quickly.
- Citrus Juicer – Aids in efficiently extracting juice from limes for the mango slaw.
- Mixing Bowls – If you do not have an adequate set, these are useful for preparing the slaw and other toppings.
