These salmon tacos are a fun and tasty twist on traditional tacos! The juicy salmon pairs perfectly with sweet pineapple and creamy avocado salsa for a fresh bite.
Who knew tacos could be so lively? I love how vibrant the flavors are, and the salsa is like a party in my mouth. Try these for a quick dinner that tastes like a summer beach day! 🌮🌴
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is the star here! If you’re looking for a substitute, consider grilled shrimp or even grilled chicken. Both add a nice protein count and work well with the toppings.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas usually offer a great flavor and texture. However, if allergies or preferences steer you away, flour tortillas work too. For a gluten-free option, look for corn tortillas labeled gluten-free!
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives a sweet contrast to the savory salmon. If fresh isn’t available, you could use canned pineapple, just ensure it’s packed in juice, not syrup. Mango is another fruity alternative!
Avocado: Creamy avocado is key for richness. If you’re in a pinch, feel free to swap in guacamole or even a dollop of sour cream for that creamy texture.
How Do I Get Salmon Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking salmon to flakiness while keeping it moist can be tricky! Here’s how to ensure perfect results:
- Start with a skillet over medium-high heat. Adding olive oil when the pan is hot helps sear the salmon.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side. Don’t rush to flip it; wait until you see the cooked color spread about halfway up the side.
- Gently flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Fishing fillets are naturally sensitive, so use a spatula to avoid breaking them apart.
- Let the cooked fish rest for a few minutes before flaking. This helps the juices settle, ensuring tasty bites.
Salmon Tacos & Pineapple Avocado Salsa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Tacos:
- 1 lb salmon fillet (skin removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 small corn or flour tortillas
- Lime wedges, for serving
For the Pineapple Avocado Salsa:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely diced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional for heat)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- Pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take you about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the salmon, plus another 10 minutes for the salsa and assembling your tacos. Quick and so rewarding!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly all over the salmon fillet. This seasoning mix will make the salmon extra tasty!
2. Cook the Salmon:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side; then, gently flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the salmon is thoroughly cooked and achieves a golden crust. When done, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes before gently flaking it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the Salsa:
In a medium bowl, combine the diced pineapple, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño (if you like it spicy). Squeeze in the lime juice and add salt to taste. Carefully toss everything together, taking care not to mash the avocado too much. Take a moment to taste and tweak the seasoning if desired!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame until they’re warm and flexible. This makes for a better taco experience!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! Place a generous helping of flaked salmon in the center of each warm tortilla. Top it off with a scoop of fresh pineapple avocado salsa. For an extra kick, sprinkle on a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika.
6. Serve:
Serve your vibrant tacos immediately, accompanied by lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy every flavorful bite of your Salmon Tacos with Pineapple Avocado Salsa!
Can I Use Any Type of Fish Instead of Salmon?
Absolutely! While salmon is delicious, you can substitute it with white fish like tilapia or cod. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets, as they may cook faster or slower than salmon.
How Can I Make the Salsa Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the pineapple avocado salsa up to 2 hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge to prevent the avocado from browning. If you’re making it even earlier, consider adding the avocado just before serving for the best texture.
What Should I Do With Leftover Salmon?
Leftover cooked salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can flake it and use it in salads, pastas, or creamy dips. Just make sure to reheat it gently to maintain its moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! If you like heat, you can increase the amount of jalapeño in the salsa or add some chopped fresh cilantro or a dash of hot sauce on top of the tacos before serving. Adjust according to your spice tolerance!
