Get ready for a tasty treat with these salmon tacos! With flaky salmon, soft tortillas, and a burst of flavor from fresh ingredients, they’re sure to be a hit. 🌮
The pineapple avocado salsa adds a sweet zing that makes each bite special. Personally, I love how easy they are to whip up for lunch or a fun dinner! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star here, bringing a rich flavor. If you can’t find salmon, try using trout or even grilled tofu for a vegetarian option. They both cook similarly and taste amazing!
Spices: The smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder add depth and warmth. Feel free to swap smoked paprika with regular paprika if you prefer a milder taste or use Cajun seasoning for a different kick.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple provides sweetness and acidity, which brighten the dish. Canned pineapple can work in a pinch. Just drain it well, though fresh usually tastes best!
Avocado: Choose a ripe avocado for creaminess. If avocados are hard to find, you can use diced mango instead for a sweet twist, or even omit it for a lighter salsa.
How Can I Perfectly Cook Salmon for Tacos?
Cooking salmon just right is key to these tacos. First, make sure your skillet or grill pan is hot, which helps achieve a nice crust. Follow these tips:
- Rub the spice mix thoroughly on the salmon to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, but don’t overdo it; salmon should flake easily but still be moist.
- Let it rest for a couple of minutes after cooking – this helps keeps the juices in!
How Can I Make the Best Pineapple Avocado Salsa?
The salsa is a refreshing addition that balances the salmon’s richness. Here’s how to nail it:
- Use ripe avocado and fresh pineapple for the best flavor. They add creaminess and sweetness!
- Mix all ingredients gently to avoid mashing the avocado.
- Give it a taste and adjust with more lime juice or salt if needed! Don’t skip the lime; it brightens everything up.
These tips and ingredient swaps will help you create the most delicious salmon tacos with a fresh pineapple avocado salsa! Enjoy making it your own!
Salmon Tacos & Pineapple Avocado Salsa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 1 lb (450g) salmon fillets, skin removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pineapple Avocado Salsa:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt, to taste
For Serving:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Lime wedges
- Optional: shredded red cabbage or lettuce for crunch
- Optional: red chili flakes or hot sauce for extra heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients, 15 minutes cooking, and then a little time assembling the tacos. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the salmon fillets, making sure every piece is nicely coated. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they are cooked through and charred to your liking. When done, remove from the heat and let them rest for a minute.
2. Make the Pineapple Avocado Salsa:
In a medium bowl, combine the diced pineapple, avocado, finely chopped red onion, jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the top and gently mix everything together, being careful not to mash the avocado too much. Taste the salsa, season with salt to your liking, and set aside.
3. Prepare the Tortillas:
To warm the corn tortillas, you can either heat them in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side, or wrap them in foil and place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 7-10 minutes. Warming them makes them more pliable and enhances their flavor!
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Take a warm tortilla and place a piece of cooked salmon in the center. Generously top it with the pineapple avocado salsa. If you like a little extra crunch, add some shredded red cabbage or lettuce on top. For those who enjoy some heat, sprinkle red chili flakes or drizzle hot sauce over the top. Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over your tasty creation!
Enjoy these vibrant, flavorful salmon tacos bursting with fresh, tropical salsa! They’re perfect for a lively weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends and family.
Can I Use Another Type of Fish for These Tacos?
Absolutely! While salmon is delicious, you can easily substitute it with other fish like tilapia, mahi-mahi, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since different seafood has different thicknesses.
How Long Does the Pineapple Avocado Salsa Last?
The salsa is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. To keep the avocado from browning, store it with the pit in and a bit of extra lime juice!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
You can prep the salsa and season the salmon ahead of time. Just cook the salmon right before you’re ready to serve the tacos. The salsa can be made a few hours in advance; just give it a gentle stir before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Warm Corn Tortillas?
The best way is to heat them in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side until warm and slightly charred. You can also wrap them in foil and place them in a low oven for 7-10 minutes. This makes them more pliable and enhances their flavor!
