Zesty Grilled Salmon Tacos with Chipotle Crema
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Zesty Grilled Salmon Tacos with Chipotle Crema
Fancy a bit of sunshine on your plate? You do, right? These salmon tacos are it. Honestly, they are bursting with flavor.
They’re like a cheeky holiday for your tastebuds, even when it's raining outside.
A Taste of Baja, Made Easy
These tacos are inspired by Baja flavors. They are a proper combination of grilled salmon , smoky chipotle, and fresh slaw.
Originating in Baja California, fish tacos are all about simple, fresh ingredients. Right then , let's bring that vibe home! It's okay if you've never made fish tacos.
This recipe is medium difficulty. The total time is about 35 minutes . This recipe yields about 4 servings. Two tacos per person is about right.
Why You'll Love These Salmon Tacos
These are healthy fish tacos . They have a great source of protein and healthy fats from the salmon . Plus, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
You can also make it for a laid back weekend gathering. What makes these special? The balance of flavors and the ease of preparation! A smoky chipotle crema recipe really takes these to the next level.
Ingredients & Equipment
Okay, right then , let's get cracking on these salmon tacos ! Getting the right bits and bobs is key for nailing that Baja vibe.
Honestly, it’s all about freshness and a bit of smokiness. Think grilled salmon tacos with a creamy kick.
Main Ingredients
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Go for extra virgin. It just tastes better, you know?
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Freshly squeezed is a must. About 1-2 limes should do it.
- Orange Juice: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). A little bit of sweetness to balance things out. Use about 1/4 of an orange.
- Garlic: 1 clove , minced. Don't be shy with it!
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). Adds a lovely warmth.
- Cumin: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml). That earthy, smoky flavour.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml). Season to taste, obviously.
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml). Freshly ground if you have it.
- Salmon Fillet: 1.5 pounds (approx. 680g), skin on or off, cut into 4 equal portions. Look for bright pink flesh and a fresh, non-fishy smell. That's how you know you've got a good piece of salmon. Seriously, dodge the dodgy looking stuff!
- Sour Cream: ½ cup (120 ml). Full fat for that creamy dreaminess.
- Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Don't skimp on the good stuff.
- Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce: 1 , finely minced (approx. 15g). This is the magic for the chipotle crema recipe . Use the sauce too!
- Adobo Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). From the can.
- Honey: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml). A touch of sweetness in the crema.
- Shredded Cabbage: 2 cups (200g). Salmon taco slaw needs that crunch, yeah?
- Shredded Carrots: ½ cup (50g). Colour and a bit more sweetness.
- Chopped Cilantro: ¼ cup (10g). Freshness overload!
- Corn Tortillas: 8 small ones (about 6 inch diameter). Heat them up!
Seasoning Notes
For the lime marinated salmon , the chili powder and cumin combo is essential. It’s proper good! If you're not a fan of chipotle, a bit of smoked paprika will give you that smoky flavour, but without the heat.
Remember to add some lemon or lime juice.
Equipment Needed
- Grill or grill pan. Get that grilled salmon tacos char!
- Small bowls. For mixing the marinade and crema.
- Mixing bowl. For the slaw.
- Tongs. Essential for grilling.
- Whisk. For the crema.
- Cutting board and sharp knife. Safety first, yeah?
You don't need fancy kit. If you don't have a grill, a frying pan works fine. Or even just use a little oven.
Easy salmon tacos are all about making it work with what you've got!
Zesty Grilled Salmon Tacos with Chipotle Crema
Honestly, who doesn't love a taco? And these grilled salmon tacos ? They're bangin' . Think of summer on a plate, even when it's chucking it down outside.
It's a beach BBQ vibe, but a bit posh.
This fish tacos recipe balances the richness of the salmon with the zip of lime and smoky spice. We're taking flavors that are both bold and satisfying and is perfect for a quick meal during the week or a casual weekend party.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
Essential mise en place is key, you know? Get all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Chop your veggies, measure your spices, and get that marinade ready.
It'll save you loads of time, promise. Right then , let's get cracking! For safety, always wash your hands before and after handling raw fish, yeah?
step-by-step to Taco Heaven
- Marinate that Salmon: Whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon orange juice, 1 minced clove of garlic, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Pop your 1.5 pounds salmon in there and let it sit for at least 15 minutes .
- Chipotle Crema Magic: Mix ½ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 finely minced chipotle pepper in adobo, 1 tablespoon adobo sauce, 1 tablespoon lime juice, ½ teaspoon honey. Whisk it all together. Boom! Into the fridge it goes. This chipotle crema recipe is a game changer.
- Slaw Time: Combine 2 cups shredded cabbage, ½ cup shredded carrots, ¼ cup chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss it all. Done. This salmon taco slaw brings freshness.
- Grill Master: Preheat your grill to medium high heat. Grill the salmon, skin side down if you’ve got skin on, for 4- 6 minutes . Flip it and cook for another 3- 5 minutes . The internal temp should be 145° F ( 63° C) . That's your visual cue.
- Warm 'Em Up: Warm your 8 corn tortillas in a pan.
- Assemble and Devour: Flake that cooked salmon. Load up the tortillas with salmon, slaw, and a dollop of that dreamy chipotle crema. Serve with lime wedges. Enjoy these easy salmon tacos immediately.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Taco Game
- Don't overcook the salmon! Honestly, nobody likes dry fish. 145° F ( 63° C) is your magic number.
- Make the chipotle crema recipe and slaw a day ahead to save time. The flavors mingle even better.
- Avoid soggy tacos by not overfilling them. It’s a common mistake. Less is more, my friend.
These healthy fish tacos are great. Also, there are some salmon taco variations . For example, you could use lime marinated salmon , use the blackening spices, or serve with Greek Yogurt instead of sour cream.
These would all be Baja style tacos . It is a quick taco recipe , so don't be scared to experiment.
Recipe Notes for Bangin' Salmon Tacos
Alright, right then , let's get cracking on these salmon tacos . These ain’t your average Tuesday night dinner, honest! We're talking about some seriously tasty grub.
Serving Suggestions: Taco Presentation, Sorted!
Okay, so plating these beauties is all about the vibes , yeah? Don't just chuck everything on a plate. First, warm your tortillas.
Presentation goes a long way. Stack your salmon tacos neatly on a serving platter. Scatter some extra cilantro and lime wedges around, You know, like a pro!
For sides, how about some Mexican street corn? Or maybe some black beans and rice? A cheeky margarita never hurt anyone either. It's all about creating that fiesta feel!
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh, Mate
Right, so you've made a batch of these easy salmon tacos . Now you have leftovers? No worries, I got you.
- Refrigeration Guidelines : Keep your cooked salmon in an airtight container. Three to four days max , yeah? Store the slaw and chipotle crema separately.
- Freezing Options : Honestly, I wouldn’t freeze the assembled tacos. The slaw gets a bit sad. The cooked salmon can be frozen for about a month. Wrap it well!
- Reheating Instructions : Gently reheat the salmon in a pan or microwave. Don't overdo it or it will dry out, yeah? Assemble your healthy fish tacos just before serving for the best taste.
Variations: Tweak it 'Til You Make it!
Want to mix things up a bit? I hear ya!
- Dietary Adaptations : Going gluten-free? Just make sure your tortillas are 100% corn. Sorted!
- Seasonal Ingredient Swaps : Instead of cabbage slaw, use shredded kale or Brussels sprouts in the autumn. It's seasonal and delicious! For the summer make sure to add some local tomatoes. If you're feeling adventurous, make Baja style tacos but throw some grilled pineapple in the slaw for sweetness.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Grilled salmon tacos are actually pretty good for you!
- Simplified Nutrition Information : Each taco clocks in at around 450 calories. It has 35 grams of protein, and a healthy dose of omega-3s from the salmon. Not bad, eh?
- Key Health Benefits : Salmon is packed with brain boosting omega-3 fatty acids and protein. The slaw adds fiber and vitamins. The lime marinated salmon used in this recipe adds extra freshness.
Honestly, these fish tacos recipe are a winner. So, get in the kitchen and give these Zesty Grilled Salmon Tacos with Chipotle Crema a go.
You won't regret it!. They make a quick taco recipe so is perfect for a casual gathering. I know you can do it, just get cracking!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent my salmon from drying out when grilling for my salmon tacos?
Nobody wants dry salmon in their tacos! The key is not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Marinating the salmon beforehand, as this recipe suggests, also helps keep it moist and flavorful.
Don't be afraid to pull it off the grill a tiny bit early; it will continue to cook as it rests!
What are some good substitutions if I don't have all the ingredients for these salmon tacos?
No worries, we've all been there! If you're missing chipotle peppers, a bit of smoked paprika will lend a similar smoky flavor. Greek yogurt works great as a substitute for sour cream in the crema. And if you can't find salmon, tuna steaks can be used as a substitute.
Can I make the chipotle crema and slaw ahead of time for my salmon tacos?
Absolutely! In fact, prepping the chipotle crema and slaw ahead of time is a cracking idea. It saves time on the day you're making the tacos and allows the flavors to meld together even better. Just store them separately in the fridge until you're ready to assemble.
How do I store leftover salmon tacos or ingredients?
If you have leftover cooked salmon, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The chipotle crema and slaw should also be stored separately in airtight containers. When you're ready to eat, warm the salmon gently (avoiding overcooking) and assemble your fresh salmon tacos.
Be careful eating the fish past 3 days.
Are there any variations to the Zesty Grilled Salmon Tacos?
Of course! For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or the chipotle crema. For a dietary adaptation, ensure your tortillas are made from 100% corn for a gluten-free option. For a different flavor profile, try blackening the salmon in a skillet for a smokier taste.
How can I warm the tortillas properly so they don't fall apart when making my salmon tacos?
Warm tortillas are the unsung heroes of a great taco! The best way is to heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 15-30 seconds per side until they're pliable. You can also warm them in the microwave, wrapped in a damp paper towel, for a few seconds.
Avoid overheating them, or they will get brittle and could break apart.
Zesty Grilled Salmon Tacos With Chipotle Crema
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |